How'd this get started?
Basically, one day John felt like he should try to be more helpful to those around him, so he decided to try to do one nice thing, just to see if he could. At first he felt like he was just doing it because he should, but after a couple of weeks, he realized how incredible it felt to help other people, so he started inviting his friends to do it. They, too, quickly realized how awesome it felt, so they told him he should make a website for it. You're looking at that website.
Why be kind?
Aside from the fact that being kind is amazing, it will make you happier and healthier.
Basically, behavioral scientists and psychologists have examined kindness and altruism and discovered that it actually makes you-- the person doing it -- happier. They saw that stress levels went down, and a sense of satisfaction increased. They saw an increase in a sense of confidence and well-being, especially if the act of kindness has an unlikely chance of reciprocation.
In other words, being kind is actually really good for you.
Basically, behavioral scientists and psychologists have examined kindness and altruism and discovered that it actually makes you-- the person doing it -- happier. They saw that stress levels went down, and a sense of satisfaction increased. They saw an increase in a sense of confidence and well-being, especially if the act of kindness has an unlikely chance of reciprocation.
In other words, being kind is actually really good for you.
What counts as an act of kindness?
- Leaving a note thanking someone who you appreciate
- Writing a review for a business you like
- Pass around some candy at your school or workplace
- Buying the person in line behind you at a coffee shop a coffee or cookie
- Pay someone you met a compliment
- Put some change in a parking meter for someone who's run out
- Give someone your seat on the bus or subway
- Holding the door open for someone
- Send out an email recognizing someone who's done great work
- Offer a cold beverage or a bottle of water to someone who's working outdoors on a hot day
- Leave some change in a vending machine
- Offer to make a coffee run or to make copies for busy coworkers if it's on your way
- Make a batch of muffins and hand them out to your friends
- Offer to do the dishes for a loved one
- Leave sticky notes with encouraging or loving messages
- Give someone a hug or give out Free Hugs to strangers
Want more ideas? Check out the: Kindness Ideas page