The 13th of November is World Kindness Day – a day where people are supposed to be kind to one another. Now I know it seems odd because shouldn’t we just be kind to people every day? Well, yes. Unfortunately that’s not how the world works. Also, saying that, the people who are going to do something special on World Kindness Day are likely the same ones that would do something nice for someone on any other day. However, it’s still a good day to celebrate and maybe do something extra special for someone else. Spending money isn’t always an option so here are a mixture of ideas, some that are even free!
Bake Something
This might seem odd, but if you know you’re going to see a friend, bake something small for them. You can also take a treat to work. People love a free treat and work is a great place to share. It doesn’t take long but will put a smile on someone’s face.
Call Someone
I’m not the right person to be saying this, because I don’t often call people. However, pick up the phone and call someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Maybe there’s someone that you know is struggling and could use a friend? Reach out to them, ask if they would like to meet up, or even just talk to them for a little while.
Cook For a Friend
Invite a friend over for dinner and cook for them (or order something). Not only can you spend time hanging out with a friend, but they don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning. Yes, it’s more work for you but it’s still a nice thing to do.
Donate Something
If you have something lying around your house that you no longer need, why not give it away to someone who actually needs it? This is such an easy way to help other people. I know it can be difficult sometimes to find places that accept things, but if you can then do it. You can also give old blankets to your local animal shelter.
Help Someone Out
If you see someone struggling to carry something, offer to carry it for them. Offer to fetch your friend’s children from school. You can literally help in hundreds of ways that might make very little difference to you but can drastically help someone out.
Say Hello
Whenever I’m running I always say hello to the people that I pass. I’m not going to stop for a conversation (because I’m running, duh) but saying hello costs nothing. Some people really get the biggest smile just because you acknowledged them. How could that not make you smile?
Say Something Nice
Similar to the previous one but slightly different. Say something nice to someone – a stranger, a colleague, or someone else you know. It costs nothing but could really make a difference in that person’s life. This is the simplest thing to do (unless you feel awkward giving compliments) but it’s something that is so often overlooked.
Teach Someone
I’m not saying become a teacher, definitely not. I am saying that if you’re good at something, spend some time teaching someone else. You know how to cook? Teach a friend who struggles to make toast without burning it. You can even help someone at the gym or someone who wants to get into fitness. This one might be tricky, but it could definitely work.
Volunteer
They might not always be easy to find but there are always opportunities to volunteer. Find something you’re passionate about and go and help out. While this is a great idea, maybe try and make this a more permanent arrangement, even once a month is a great commitment!
Work for Someone
The meaning behind this one is simply to help out a colleague by taking on a task of theirs. I am not saying you should do their job for them, not at all. But, for example, if you’re a teacher you can offer to take your colleagues lunch duty for them so that they can have an extra brea. Yes, you’ll work a little more but it will mean the world to them and trust me, they’ll appreciate it.
Don’t forget to show some kindness to yourself. Sometimes we forget to do that and honestly it’s just as important as showing kindness to someone else. Take a bubble bath, leave yourself encouraging notes around the house, or even just buy your favourite perfume. Just do something to be kind to yourself.
A great thing about this day is that everyone can do it – it doesn’t matter how old you are. You can rope the entire family into doing something together.