Can a simple act of kindness make you a happier person?

Dr. Angela Seabright
Niccole LaDue

| 2 min read

Mind
#HealthyMe
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People all over the world are becoming RAKtivists™ by performing random acts of kindness for others. If you’ve never heard of random acts of kindness, today is the perfect opportunity to learn more and give it a try!
Stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something nice for someone doesn’t have to cost money or be something extravagant, it just has to be kind and genuine. And while you’re adding joy to someone else’s life, you might just be doing your own health a big favor.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, or RAK, has been inspiring people to be kind since 1995, and with only four employees they’re doing amazing things! The foundation has many programs that encourage people to change the world by promoting kindness daily. Anyone can apply to be a RAKtivist or start a RAK club. Educators can learn how to promote kindness and reduce bullying with the Kindness in the Classroom program and also participate in continuing education courses online.
According to the RAK Foundation, promoting kindness benefits one’s overall well-being and research shows that kindness improves health, happiness, and societal goodwill. Being kind not only has a positive effect on you, but also on the recipient, and anyone witnessing the random act of kindness. This ripple effect has the potential to change the world by encouraging people to be genuinely kind to others.
According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, “Helping others can satisfy a basic human need for connecting with others, winning you smiles, thankfulness, and valued friendship.”
Here are some ideas to inspire your acts of kindness:
  • Smile at a stranger.
  • Say “I love you.”
  • Donate unwanted or unused items to a shelter or non-profit organization.
  • Pay it forward.
  • Donate your time to those in need.
  • Eat lunch with someone new.
  • Donate your hair.
  • Forgive.
  • Be nice to nature by planting a tree or starting a recycling program.
  • Click here for more inspirational ideas.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” -Plato
Photo credit: SweetOnVeg

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