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Share a genuine smile and kind greeting with everyone you encounter throughout your day - What says, "have a great day" better than a genuine smile and a nice "hello"? Even on your hard days, try to muster up the strength to share kindness.

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Offer to take a friend's kid(s) to the park for an afternoon so they can have a break -

Caring for kids is a full-time role. On top of this, many parents work full-time jobs. Surprise one of your friends with some peace and quiet by offering to take the kids off their hands for a few hours.

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Offer to help a friend or family member with tech support or setting up new devices - For some generations, technology can be quite a challenge. Lend a helping hand and show them the ropes of how things work, so they feel empowered going forward.

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Offer to walk or play with a neighbor's pet - Do you have a friend or neighbor, perhaps, who works long hours and has a pet at home who would love some attention? Talk with this person and ask about taking Fido for an afternoon walk one day!

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Donate blood to a local blood bank - Hospitals and care facilities everywhere are often in desperate need of varying blood types. Do the world a kind (and life-saving) favor and donate some blood.

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Offer to run errands for a busy parent or caregiver -

A quick trip to the grocery store or pharmacy to pick up a prescription might be easy for you, but a whole ordeal for a busy parent or caregiver. Offer a helping hand out of the goodness of your heart.

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Send a care package to a friend going through a tough time -

It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but gather a few small items that say "I’m thinking of you" and send them to a friend in need.

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Let someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store or coffee shop - Elderly person? A parent with rowdy kids? Someone visibly in a hurry? Whatever the case, letting someone cut in front of you in line can brighten even the worst of days.

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Offer to fix something for a friend or neighbor -

Has your neighbor been absent mindedly complaining about their broken appliance or leaky faucet? If you have some spare time (and the right skill set), offer to help!

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Offer to teach someone a skill you're knowledgeable about - Knowledge sharing is a small but mighty way to brighten others’ days. Whether it's cooking, gardening, or playing an instrument, teach someone what you know.

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Bring homemade baked goods or treats to share with coworkers or friends -

Fresh chocolate chip cookies have a way of bringing a smile to everyone’s face! Taking the time to bake or prepare a treat shows others you care.

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Hold the door open for someone behind you -

Simple, yet effective! Not letting a door slam in someone's face, especially first thing in the morning, is a sure way to start things off on a better foot for them (and you).

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Leave coins at a laundromat for someone to use for their laundry -

That loose change could make all the difference for someone in need. Imagine being short at the laundromat, only to stumble upon some change. What a lovely surprise!

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Leave a generous tip for a server or delivery person -

Make someone’s day! Food service employees are often worked to the bone and paid very little. Surprise them with a nice tip to say "thank you."

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Offer to cook a meal for a friend who's feeling overwhelmed -

Has your friend been swamped with work, or is suffering from a loss or something else entirely? Offering to cook a meal for them can help take at least one thing off their plate for the day.

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Donate gently used clothing or household items to a local shelter or charity -

All over the world, there are people in need of warm, clean clothing. Make someone’s day by donating something you haven’t worn in a while but that’s in great condition.

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Share your umbrella with someone who doesn't have one on a rainy day -

Few things are worse than being out and getting caught in a rainstorm. Come prepared on those rainy days with an umbrella (or two) and help out someone who forgot theirs.

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Compliment a stranger on something you admire about them - Paying a compliment to someone you don’t know can be a big act of kindness. We never know the type of day someone is having, and voicing something we appreciate might make all the difference.

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Offer to help carry groceries for someone who looks like they could use assistance -

If you see someone struggling to hold their bags, with a genuine smile and polite demeanor on your face, ask them if you can help.

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Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line -

Imagine the treat it’d be for you to get up to the front of the coffee line and be told that your drink was already paid for! So why not do exactly that for someone else?

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Write a positive review for a small local business you appreciate -

Local businesses are so important to the economy, and we all have a favorite neighborhood restaurant, café, and the sort. Take a minute and write them a public-facing, glowing review.

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Offer to return someone's shopping cart for them -

You see someone let out an exasperated sigh as they finish unloading their groceries into their car, only to realize they still have to take back the cart... Offer to do it for them! This quick act of kindness will leave them wanting to pay it forward.

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Send a handwritten letter or card to a friend or family member, just to say hello -

Today, so often, digital communication is the norm. Take a page out of the book of yesteryear and write someone a quick "hello" note.

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Offer to lend someone a listening ear if they need to talk -

Sometimes the kindest thing we can offer is our time and silence. For a friend in need, take time to listen to them with care.

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Offer to help someone with their yard work -

Whether it’s shoveling snow for an elderly person, or raking leaves in the fall for a friend, or even watering plants while your Airbnb host is away, those of us with a green thumb will thank you!

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Leave a kind note or uplifting message on a coworker's desk -

Has your work colleague been struggling this week or lately even? Leaving them an uplifting note, tucked away on their desk, can brighten their mood.

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Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter -

Animals need love, too, and random acts of kindness can positively impact them. Next time you’re at the store, pick up some pet treats or food to donate.

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Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital -

Nurses and medical staff are often severely underappreciated. Pick up some fresh flowers and drop them off for healthcare workers who save lives every day.

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Email a former teacher or person in your life who made a difference to you -

Oftentimes in life there is a person who makes a profound impact on us. Whether a teacher, friend, or otherwise, write them a little note letting them know you’re thinking of them.

Sources: (Mental Health Foundation) (Medium)  (Sign Up Genius) (The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation)

See also: How to make friends as an adult

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