When most of us think about being kind to someone else, we think of a grand gesture that we unfortunately don’t always have time to plan. But, a little can go a long way, especially when it’s something as easy as being nice to others. Here are some quick and easy ideas to incorporate kindness into your everyday life! Not only will it make other people happy, but it’ll keep you (and your karma if you believe in it) shining bright!
1. Treat your friend to Starbucks
2. Give your spot at the library to a friend when you leave for class
3. Share your notes!
4. Start a conversation with a smile with the dining hall employees
5. Call your parents just to say hi
6. Make an appreciation post for your friend on social media
7. Clean the apartment, even if it’s your roommate’s turn
8. Listen to a friend rant when they really need it
9. Pick up litter and throw it away, even if it’s just on your way to class
10. Give someone else your seat on the bus
11. Leave your study space clean for the next person
12. Swipe some lucky person into the dining hall
13. Make extra food so your roommate has a meal too
14. Text your best friend good morning (or good night)
15. Tell someone special in your life you love them
16. Give a compliment to your barista
17. Donate to charity, even if it’s just a little bit
18. Buy a random gift for someone
19. Cook dinner for someone
20. Ask your friend how their day went and then just listen
21. If you go grocery shopping, ask to pick something up for someone
22. Take a few minutes to help someone with an assignment
23. Leave a sweet or happy note for someone
24. Send a bouquet of flowers to a local hospital, senior home, or free clinic
25. Leave a big tip for your waiter or waitress
26. Hold the door open for someone
27. Let someone go ahead of you in line
28. Say thank you
29. Volunteer somewhere
30. Give up your parking space for another
31. Praise/thank someone whether it be a peer, a waiter, a policeman, etc. for their hard work
32. Reach out to an old friend
33. Help out someone who’s sick or injured
34. Take dinner to your friend who’s cramming in the library or has a hard week
35. Donate your old books to a library
36. Give your textbooks to a friend or classmate instead of selling them
37. Grow your hair out and donate your ponytail
39. Forgive someone who hurt you in the past
40. Help someone you don’t like
41. Take time for yourself too!
42. Keep a promise
43. Listen to something your friend wants and then do it or get that for them
44. Stand up for someone else
45. Help pick up clothes in a changing room or store
46. Throw a surprise party
47. Start a conversation with a stranger
48. Clean up someone else’s mess
49. Try not to complain at all for as long as you can
50. Smile more often
51. Be kind to yourself!