Life these days can so often be hectic. It has become natural to get stuck in our own worlds. Head down while traveling; headphones permanently; spending days and evenings staring at screens – many of us live a life of tunnel vision. February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day: a day that encourages us to get our heads out of the sand and make a concerted effort to actively think about others. Covid may have made interacting with strangers more awkward, but as we move away from the pandemic, we should aim to reclaim that innate human trait to treat strangers as friends and help them if we can. It can be big or small, a close friend or a complete stranger, but the demonstrative impact of kind gestures is significant. So we’ve compiled a list, from great deeds to simple gestures you can do to put a smile on someone’s face.

Random Acts of Kindness Day: A Guide

1. Smile at strangers

It might seem alien, especially to Londoners, to smile at strangers passing by in the street, but this simple gesture can have a huge ripple effect on both of your moods.

2. Message your friends

People like to be thought of. Sending your friends a dating suggestion, a funny meme, or even a simple message to check them out can make them feel appreciated.

3. Find someone lonely and chat

Covid has been a very difficult time for many people, but it has been particularly isolating for those who lived alone or had little access to methods of communication. Finding someone who feels lonely and talking to them is a great way to cheer them up. It could be a neighbour, or there are many charities that support older people who may feel lonely: Campaign to end loneliness is always looking for volunteers.

4. Offer to pay for someone’s lunch/coffee/snack

For those lucky enough to have a few books to spare, offering to pay for someone’s lunch, coffee or snack can have a big impact on their day.

5. Offer to carry someone’s groceries

Offering to help someone down the street with their shopping bags is a simple yet effective way to improve anyone’s day.

6. Fill a bag with essentials

Donating to a charity shop is great, but why not cut out the middleman and give directly to someone who needs it most urgently. Gather warm clothes, blankets, toiletries or other items in a bag and give it to a homeless person or homeless shelter.

7. Volunteer for a charity

More generally there are many other charities all doing amazing work. Whether it’s a one-time mission, an hour a week, or you choose to make it a regular mission, you can choose the charity that’s most important to you and give back to the people who need it the most.

8. Let someone pass you in line

If you see someone stressed or in a hurry – for example, a mother with children – why not let them get ahead of you in the queue. This may take longer, but will ease their stress.

9. Leave a note in a book for someone to find

It’s a good idea: leaving a little note on a piece of paper in a book in the library, one in the bookstore, or a book you donate to a charity shop will put a (delayed) smile on someone’s face . And you never know who will find it…

10. Offer to make a cup of tea

A very simple but charming offer. A cup of tea is an integral part of the British daily routine; Offering to make one for someone, whether at home or in the office, is a guaranteed way to lift anyone’s spirits.

Featured Image: gettyimages

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