World Kindness Day falls on Wednesday, November 13th this year.
It’s important to note that you can make ANY day a day for kindness.
But for those who need an excuse to overindulge in some holiday spirits, you can celebrate this one from anywhere. Last year, I walked around dishing out hugs and high-fives. I learned a lot from last year’s experiment and look forward to a similar experience this year. Hopefully, around a lot more people.
As one can expect, World Kindness Day is celebrated worldwide on the same day. We all come together and remind the world of that golden rule. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation does a great job rallying around kindness year-round. Just google World Kindness Day, and you’ll see how much steam this engine has!
Given the tension in the room, this is an excellent opportunity to practice seeking kinder options (or words) actively, right?
For example, one could say (hopefully to themselves)…
“No brain, I’m not going to honk my horn in anger at the person who misread the directions. I’ll let them in, maybe throw in a wave for good measure.”
How does that sound? Achievable? Great.
THAT is our bare minimum. Small smiles and awkward waves at neighbors won’t suffice on WORLD KINDNESS DAY.
No, no, no, no. It would be best if you went BIGGER.
Here’s another example, but BIGGER.
Call that friend and tell them why you are proud of them. Don’t just say, “I’m proud of you, man.” Let them hear it. People don’t internalize compliments right away, so tell them why.
Not only will telling your friends something honestly make you and them feel good, but kindness also has a third-party impact. Acts of kindness have been shown to increase oxytocin levels in humans. If I do something for you, we will both experience a dose of oxytocin, and anyone who witnesses it will also receive a similar dose.
Before you start claiming me as a drug dealer, let’s talk about oxytocin and the positive impacts it has on your body. Oxytocin can lower stress and anxiety levels and may influence mood and mental health. It may also help protect the nervous system from shutting down during stressful situations. Oxytocin can also positively impact your metabolism. Having stomach issues? Be kind.
Sure, we need more smiles and door-holding; they are everyday ways to feed oxytocin. But if we genuinely want to chill things out around here, below is a list of ways you can scale kindness on 11/13/24 and any other day.
The more oxytocin you produce and put into the world, the more you motivate others to do the same.
Thats what World Kindness Day is all about. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity.
As always, BE THE LIGHT!
Free Ways to Spread Kindness
Kindness to Yourself
- Practice Self-Affirmations: Stand in front of a mirror and say something positive about yourself. It could be as simple as, “I am worthy of success and happiness.”
- Take a Mindful Break: Permit yourself to pause for 5-10 minutes to breathe, meditate, or just relax your mind.
- Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small, and jot them down in a journal.
- Be Gentle with Your Self-Talk: Catch negative thoughts and replace them with kind, supportive words.
- Actually, Rest: Prioritize self-care by allowing yourself to take a rest without feeling guilty.
Kindness to Family, Friends, and Pets
- Call or Text a Loved One Just to Check In: Reach out to a family member or friend and let them know you’re thinking of them.
- Send a “Proud of You” Message: Tell someone you care about what you appreciate or admire about them.
- Offer a Helping Hand: Offer to help a family member or friend with something small, whether running an errand or caring for something they need.
- Give Your Pet Extra Attention: Take a few extra minutes to pet, play, or talk to your pet, giving them the love and attention they crave.
- Cook or Share a Meal: Prepare a meal or treat for a friend or family member as a thoughtful gesture.
Kindness to Neighbors
- Offer to Help with Yard Work: If you see a neighbor who needs help with yard work or moving heavy items, offer to help.
- Leave a Small Surprise: As a surprise, leave a kind note, baked goods, or a small flower on a neighbor’s doorstep.
- Greet Your Neighbors with a Smile: Take a moment to smile and say “hello” to people in your neighborhood, creating a welcoming environment.
- Offer Your Help During an Emergency: Be the first to offer help if a neighbor is dealing with an unexpected issue, like a broken car or household problem.
- Invite Your Neighbor to an Event or Coffee: Invite a neighbor to chat for a casual conversation, offering social connection during tough times.
Kindness to Strangers
- Let Someone In Front of You in Line or Traffic: Slow down to let someone merge into your lane or offer to let someone go ahead of you in line.
- Offer Compliments: Give someone a sincere compliment, whether about their outfit, work, or smile.
- Leave an Uplifting Note: Leave a positive note on a public bulletin board, bus stop, or a library book for someone else to find.
- Give Up Your Seat: If you’re sitting on public transportation and notice someone who may need a seat more than you (elderly, pregnant person, or someone with a disability), offer your seat.
- Pay It Forward: Pay for someone’s coffee or a small item behind you in line. If this is difficult, a kind word or a smile can go just as far.