Seeking Kindness: 9 Ways to Show Kindness

We are taught from an early age to be kind, compassionate, and treat others the way we want to be treated. Yet, somewhere along the line, we lose sight of the impact we can have with our everyday actions.

Kindness is contagious and it has the potential to make the world a better place. Practicing kindness may also have many health benefits such as lowering pain levels, relieving stress and anxiety, and increasing life expectancy. When we show kindness, we are healing others and ourselves at the same time.

Here are a few ways to show kindness every day:

Focus on others

Kindness puts others at the center. It is not focused on how it will benefit us or how many likes we can get on social media. True kindness, above all, comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and goodwill.

Offer a helping hand

Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do. We often run from it, seeing it as a weakness and using it as a last resort. There are several easy ways to help others:

• Paying for the person’s order who is in line behind you

• Helping a coworker with a project

• Sending a motivational text to a friend or family member

• Holding the door open for a stranger

• Donating your time to a local nursing home, homeless shelter, or other local organization

Be there to listen

Being a good listener is undervalued. A lot of the time, we listen only to respond. Being there to listen intently to a friend or family member can relieve stress, pressure, and anxiety. Remember that being good listener requires you to give your full attention.

Send care packages—no matter how small

Don’t shrug off the value of a small care package. For example, consider sending friends and family their favorite snacks, pampering items, or books.

Stay connected

There is no excuse for not checking in and connecting with family and friends when we have access to immediate communication. A simple check-in text or call lets others know you are thinking of them. When available, connecting face to face offers something a text or phone call cannot.

Expect good things to happen and be a positive light

Having a positive mental state and being optimistic helps you spread the same to those around you. It also attracts the same type of energy.

Related: How to Stay Optimistic During Hard Times

Smile at others

What happens when someone passes you and smiles? We are triggered to smile back. Smiling is contagious and has a positive effect on our mental health. It makes us feel better and acknowledged.

Compliment others

Complimenting others is an easy way to show kindness. It helps others feel seen, releasing a boost of endorphins associated with the reward centers of the brain.

Say “Thank You” and “I’m Sorry”

A genuine “Thank You” and “I’m Sorry” carries a lot of meaning. Gratitude and apologies show that we are accountable for our actions and respect the other person involved.

Bonus: Be kind to yourself

Don’t forget that self-compassion is just as important and essential as showing kindness to those around you. If you are unable to accept self-compassion and find value in yourself, it will be harder to spread kindness.