24 Random Acts Of Kindness That Don't Cost Any Money

 

Did you know that February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day in the United States?! It’s a day to practice kindness and pay it forward, without expecting anything in return.

I was reading an article by author Susan Cain called 6 Science-Backed Ways Being Kind Is Good for Your Health. In the article she said,

“We all know the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. While this is an old adage we learn from an early age, there are a number of real-life benefits associated with the way we treat others. Science shows that as children, we’re biologically wired to be kind and we can further develop this trait with practice and repetition.”

I LOVE that. That we are biologically wired to be kind. How cool is that?!

 

Six science-backed ways to improve your health through kindness

In the article, Susan discusses how studies have shown that being compassionate not only helps others, but can actually make you happy and healthier.

People who are kind benefit from:

  1. Feel-good hormones

  2. Less anxiety

  3. Lower risk for heart and blood pressure-related diseases

  4. A longer life span

  5. Reduced stress

  6. Illness prevention

And who doesn’t want all of that?!

 

So, let’s chat about acts of kindness

And while, yes, it’s beneficial to be kind… it’s also just good to be a good person - right?! So, here is my master list of 24 random acts of kindness that cost little-to-no money:

  • Smile at someone who looks sad

  • Return a rogue cart in a parking lot so it doesn’t hit a car

  • Repeat something nice you heard about someone

  • Compliment a coworker to their boss

  • Ask a friend about their day & listen to their response

  • Buy a gift card to hand to someone on your way out of the coffee shop

  • Let someone cut ahead of you in line

  • Ask someone for their opinion

  • Help a friend who is overwhelmed

  • Call or text a friend/family member who would love to hear from you

  • Leave a coupon next to that item in the grocery store

  • Talk to someone who seems lonely

  • Say “thank you”

  • Put money in a parking meter

  • Ask a friend about their kids

  • Pick up a piece of trash

  • Buy coffee for the person behind you

  • Give an unexpected compliment

  • Hold the door open

  • Slow down so someone can merge in front of you in traffic

  • Write a positive review for a small business

  • Leave a positive comment on a blog/Instagram post

  • Send a care package to a service member

  • Leave a thank you note for your mail carrier

 

If this article inspires even one person to do something kind, well then, I have done my job! 😁❤️

xoxo Haylie

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