Feeling Kind?
You’ve come to the right spot! Here we’ve included a list of 100 Small Acts of Kindness you could do for those around you. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a few resources and research behind why adding these practices can enhance the overall quality of your life :)
100 ACTS OF KINDESS
Send a surprise e-card to a friend or family member just to say hello.
Hold the door open for someone, especially when they’re far away.
Compliment a stranger on something you genuinely admire, like their shoes or smile.
Share a favorite book with someone and write a note in it about why it touched you.
Give someone a hug when they need it (or a virtual hug if not nearby!).
Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line at a café.
Offer your seat to someone on public transportation, even if it’s just for a stop or two.
Help a neighbor carry their groceries or heavy items inside.
Send flowers to someone just because you’re thinking of them.
Write a heartfelt letter to a family member expressing your gratitude.
Make a playlist for someone who’s feeling down or needs a boost.
Donate clothes that you no longer wear to someone who might need them.
Share a meal with someone who might be having a tough day.
Offer to babysit for a friend so they can have a break.
Leave a generous tip at a restaurant or café.
Hold the elevator for someone running to catch it.
Clean up a mess someone else made (like in a communal space).
Lend a book you think someone would love or learn from.
Share an inspiring quote with someone you know who could use a little motivation.
Walk someone’s dog when they’re too busy.
Write a positive review for a small business you love.
Offer your help with a task someone has been putting off.
Compliment someone’s hard work in an unexpected way, such as a colleague or classmate.
Give a heartfelt thank you to a teacher, mentor, or coach.
Bring snacks to share at work or a community event.
Give away a free pass for an event you can't attend.
Share a recipe with someone who’s looking for dinner ideas.
Encourage someone to chase a dream or take a leap they’ve been hesitant about.
Take a group photo and send it to everyone to remember the moment.
Offer to carry someone’s heavy bag in an airport or station.
Leave a surprise gift (even something small) on a friend’s doorstep.
Help someone with a DIY project they've been struggling with.
Teach someone something you know well—a hobby, skill, or tip.
Donate unused school or office supplies to a local charity or community center.
Be genuinely present when someone is talking to you, offering your full attention.
Leave a generous comment on someone’s social media post to make their day.
Send a thank-you card to a delivery driver or postal worker.
Encourage someone to take a break and look after their mental health.
Gift a journal to someone who enjoys writing or reflecting.
Give away your unused gift cards to someone who might need them.
Pay for someone’s parking meter if you see it’s about to expire.
Give up your spot in a line if someone seems to be in more of a rush.
Leave a positive sticky note in a public restroom or on a bus stop.
Offer a stranger a piece of gum or a mint if you’re sitting next to them.
Invite someone over for a home-cooked meal or a movie night.
Organize a small group walk to catch up with friends and get some fresh air.
Offer your umbrella to someone who’s caught in the rain.
Help someone with a tech issue if you have the know-how.
Call a friend or family member just to check in and say you care.
Give a sincere compliment to a service worker or cashier.
Shovel someone’s driveway or sidewalk if it’s snowy.
Help a friend create a to-do list to get their tasks organized and relieve some stress.
Send a surprise text to someone telling them they’re on your mind.
Buy an extra item of food and donate it to a local food pantry.
Offer a genuine apology if you’ve hurt someone, even unintentionally.
Give a "just because" card with a thoughtful message.
Pay for someone’s meal if you’re dining out together.
Leave a note in a book at a library with a positive message for the next reader.
Drop off a homemade treat at a neighbor’s door.
Give someone a high-five for accomplishing something they’re proud of.
Donate blood to a local blood drive or hospital in need.
Take the time to listen to someone’s story without judgment or interruption.
Send a care package to someone going through a tough time.
Let someone go ahead of you in line if they only have a few items.
Give a "just because" plant to brighten someone's home or office.
Take a moment to thank a nurse, doctor, or healthcare worker for their dedication.
Take the time to learn someone’s name and greet them warmly.
Offer a sincere compliment about someone's work ethic or dedication.
Donate unused toys or books to a local children's hospital.
Help someone find their lost item by retracing their steps or offering assistance.
Send a thank-you email to someone who has helped or inspired you recently.
Share your positive experiences about a small business or local restaurant online.
Let someone vent about their frustrations and just be a sounding board for them.
Give a child’s toy or book to a local shelter or organization in need.
Make a “thinking of you” video and send it to someone who lives far away.
Offer to drive someone who doesn’t have transportation or needs a lift.
Encourage someone to follow their passion and support them on their journey.
Pack an extra lunch and share it with someone who forgot or didn’t bring one.
Give someone a fresh start with a kind gesture like paying for a service or meal.
Send someone a playlist of songs that match their mood or inspire them.
Share your knowledge on a topic that could help someone with a current challenge.
Invite someone new to join a group or activity they’ve never tried.
Write an uplifting social media post about a friend or loved one.
Smile at someone who seems like they could use a little cheer.
Give a compliment on someone's unique style or sense of fashion.
Leave a surprise note on a colleague’s desk telling them they’re doing great.
Do an unexpected chore for a family member, like folding laundry or cleaning the dishes.
Take a photo of a memorable moment and send it to everyone involved as a keepsake.
Share your favorite childhood memory with someone who might need some lightheartedness.
Ask someone about their day and truly care about their answer.
Compliment someone’s sense of humor when they make you laugh.
Offer to run errands for someone who is struggling to find time.
Help someone rediscover a lost hobby by offering supplies or encouragement.
Encourage someone to take a day off to rest and recharge.
Buy a stranger a small snack when you’re out and about.
Celebrate someone’s small victory by congratulating them or giving a high-five.
Give a heartfelt thank-you to a friend who has always supported you.
Let someone know you appreciate them by sending a text or handwritten note.
Make a donation in someone’s name to a cause that’s close to their heart.
Take care of yourself in some way because being kind to yourself is the nicest thing you could do :)
Behind The Scenes: Resources & Research
Personal Health Benefits:
Improved Mental Health: Performing acts of kindness can boost mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. These actions trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Helping others fosters a sense of purpose and self-worth, leading to increased self-esteem.
Physical Health Benefits: Kindness has been linked to lower blood pressure and reduced cortisol levels, contributing to better heart health.
Community Benefits:
Strengthened Social Bonds: Acts of kindness promote a sense of belonging and community cohesion, reducing feelings of isolation.
Positive Ripple Effect: One act of kindness can inspire others to act similarly, creating a culture of kindness that benefits the entire community.
Enhanced Community Resilience: Communities that prioritize kindness are often happier, more connected, and resilient, leading to stronger social bonds and reduced conflict.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:
Kindness Matters Guide by the Mental Health Foundation
How Small Acts Of Communal Kindness Can Have A Massive Impact by Forbes
Kindness is Good for Mental Health and Overall Well-being by Cape Cod Government
The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness by the American Psychiatric Association
Practice the Art of Kindness by Mayo Clinic Health System
Incorporating small acts of kindness into daily life not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to building a more compassionate and connected community.