Each year, Random Acts of Kindness Day gives us an opportunity to reflect. Whether that’s focusing on what we’re already doing, or what more we could do, it’s an important day to spread positivity while inspiring others to do the same.
We often see generous acts of kindness on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, from paying for someone’s big food shop to gifting homes and brand-new vehicles. While it’s impressive to see, it’s not always realistic to emulate these grand gestures. But kindness costs nothing, and we’ve got 6 simple ways for you to spread joy on Random Acts of Kindness Day.
1. Offer words of encouragement
Never underestimate the power of words. When paired with kindness and compassion, they have the ability to uplift, motivate, and empower someone who needs it.
Life as a uni student can be challenging, and when things like exams and deadlines approach, it’s normal to feel the added pressure. But those feelings can often make us forget how much we’ve achieved, and what a great job we’re doing.
Think about offering some words of support and encouragement to someone you think could use it. It’s probably just what they need to hear.
2. Check in with a loved one
It’s really as simple as it sounds. We lead such busy lives that we can forget to slow down and take time to catch up with the people who mean the most to us.
So, pick up the phone and give your friend a call. Did they enjoy their weekend trip away? How did that job interview go? Showing you care enough to take mental note of their life, all while managing your own busy schedule, will mean more than you might realise.
3. Volunteer
Have you ever considered volunteering your time to a local charity? As a student, it’s a great way to develop your employability skills all while doing good within the community.
Our Volun-tees programme helps students, recent graduates, and staff to engage in volunteering activities to help and inspire others, gain skills and experience or just have fun and meet new people. Whether you attend a ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ event, lead a fundraising campaign, or decide to volunteer on a long-term basis, you can start your volunteering experience at any stage.
4. Give a compliment
Like someone’s new hairstyle, or been swooning over the hoodie they’re wearing? Tell them!
The way we look is the least interesting thing about us, but it doesn’t hurt to let someone know you think they look great. The entire interaction will probably last a matter of seconds, and you might even feel a bit awkward doing it, but it’s a small price to pay to give someone a boost in confidence and put a spring in their step!
More often than not, it’s more than what meets the eye. It’s the impact a person has on us that make for the best compliments. Remember to tell those people just how valued they are, and what they mean to you.
5. Pay it forward
If you haven’t heard of the term, it’s an expression used to describe doing something kind for someone because someone else has done the same for you. It’s about creating a chain reaction of kindness.
Here’s some simple ways to pay it forward:
- Donate to a local food bank
- Pay for someone’s coffee
- Help a course mate
- Donate blood
- Leave a positive review
6. Be kind to yourself
If you do anything for Random Act of Kindness Day, let it be this. We can all be guilty of setting high standards for ourselves, and falling subject to self-criticism when things don’t go exactly how we planned. But what if we showed the same compassion and forgiveness for ourselves in the same way we do for those we love?
As humans, it’s normal to make mistakes and experience setbacks, but it’s important to go gentle on yourself when these things happen. If you experience feelings like this and feel you may benefit from speaking to someone about it, as a current student at Teesside University you can access our free and fully confidential counselling service. You’ll have a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings or anything that’s affecting you.
