Random acts of kindness can improve our well-being, increase our sense of happiness, and reduce stress. Researchers have studied kindness and their studies indicate that helping others is beneficial to our own mental health. Kindness cultivates a mindset that puts compassion for others before our own interests. Kindness promotes gratitude and empathy. It helps us feel connected with others, which strengthens a sense of community and belonging.

In our Project Resilience social emotional learning curriculum, we explain to students that a random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a kind person to help a random stranger feel happier or better. We encourage students to perform a random act of kindness in their own time. They have an opportunity to share their experience with the class and reflect on their feelings in their journals. Teaching our youth kindness is important because not only does it help them feel good about themselves, they also help others feel good about themselves. Through these shared connections, they gain compassion and learn empathy, which contributes to a positive school culture for all.

We started a list of 10 random acts of kindness ideas to share with you:

Smile and wave or give a compliment to a stranger.
Share an uplifting or empowering song.
Let someone go in front of you in line.
Leave your favorite restaurant a good review.
Bake treats and deliver to our community helpers and frontline workers.
Do something good for yourself today like spend time in nature.
Thank a teacher with a gift.
Support a local business.
Send an appreciation note to someone who has made a difference in your life.
Leave a positive sticky note somewhere in the community.

One act of kindness can inspire a ripple effect of positive events, and even the simplest things can make a difference.