Kindness Day 2017

We know it increases happiness, but kindness has also been shown to decrease pain, stress, depression and even blood pressure. It can boost energy and even increase lifespans.

Any gesture of goodwill towards something or someone is an act of kindness. Kindness is contagious – one person being kind encourages others, and a lot of little kindnesses can add up to make a big difference.

Taking care of ourselves is important, but a conscious effort to take care of each other can have a much bigger impact. It can help our families, friends and communities to flourish.

To help get you bring a little more kindness into the lives of everyone around you, here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Speak kindly

Practice speaking in a kind way. Every time you do have a negative thought, try and turn it into a positive thought and say it out loud.

2. Give clothing and household away to those that need them more

Have a big charity giveaway. Clearing out unwanted or unused clothes and household items will make you feel lighter and more positive. As well as feeling the benefits of decluttering, you’ll be making a big difference to those in need.

3. Cook a meal for someone

Cook a meal for a friend or neighbour who needs it. Invite them over or deliver it to them – whichever you think is best. It’s a great way to show someone that you are thinking of them and it will make you feel great too.

4. Write a thank you note

Kindness can often go unrecognised, which might be why we don’t see it happen more often. When somebody does something nice for you, write them a simple thank you note. Being thanked in person or on the phone is good but a note is even better – it gives them something to hold on to and is a reminder of how much they mean to you.

5. Make someone laugh

There’s an old saying that laughter is the best medicine. So share a joke, tell a funny story or do whatever you can to make someone laugh. If somebody is having a bad day, you could be the one who turns it around.

Whatever you can do to add a little kindness into your day, do it. The smallest things can have the biggest impact, and you’ll quickly see that what you do for others they’ll quickly do for you.

Share your experiences of kindness with us on Facebook and Twitter and help us prove that kindness is something that exists in everyone.