Being Kind is Cool.

In a world where things can feel out of control – both internally and externally – one thing we CAN do is practice kindness.

Sharing acts of kindness is a surefire to bring a little extra light to yourself and those around you. Pure, genuine kindness for “intention and not attention” (stealing these words from a very dear friend of mine) helps you vibrate at a higher frequency and provides a little extra love to the world. 

In honor of world kindness day, I’ve searched my brain & the internet and collected 45 ways you can practice acts of kindness. Choose a few, get out there and share a little more kindness.

I would love to add to the list, so if you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

45 Acts of Kindness You Can Practice Today 

1. Pay it Backward: buy coffee for the person behind you in line.

2. Give a genuine compliment to the first three people you talk to today.

3. Send a positive text message to five different people right now.

4. Leave a sticky note with a kind saying on it on a co-worker’s desk, on your neighbor’s mailbox, or your roommate’s door.

5. Smile at 3 strangers.

6. Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.

7. Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.

8. Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.

9. Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.

10. Send a postcard or hand-written note to a friend or family member, just to tell them you love them.

11. Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!

12. Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.

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

14. “Can I pick something up for you?” Know someone who’s going through health issues, family health issues, just had a baby, or having a tough time?

15. Drop off cookies at a local fire or police station and thank them for their service.

16. Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for coworker or connection.

17. Leave quarters at the laundromat.

18. Encounter someone in customer service who is especially kind? Take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.

19. Pick up coffee, tea, kombucha or a favorite beverage for a friend, just because.

20. Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.

21. Write a kind message on your mirror with a dry erase marker for yourself, your significant other or a family member.

22. Bad weather? Check in on the seniors in your area to make sure they’re okay; see if they need a hand with an icy sidewalk.

23. Place a positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store.

24. See someone who has their hands full? Offer to carry something for them – a stroller, a shopping bag, or whatever it may be.

25. Set an alarm on your phone to go off at three different times during the day. In those moments, do something kind for someone else.

26. Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website, or a friend’s social media account.

27. Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.

28. Write letters to strangers who need them. More Love Letters has a list of people who could benefit from letters of encouragement. Each person has been added to the web site by a friend or family member. Read the stories and take five minutes to make someone’s day.

29. Give away stuff for free on Craig’s List.

30. Have canned or boxed goods that you haven’t used in months but are still good? Drop them off at a local shelter.

31. Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.

32. Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.

33. While you’re out, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.

34. Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford with a “thank you!” on the receipt.

35. When you’re throwing something away on the street, pick up any litter around you and put that in the trash too.

36. Pay the toll for the person behind you.

37. Everyone is important. Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. Also say “hello” to strangers and smile. These acts of kindness are so easy, and they almost always make people smile.

38. Write your partner a list of 5 things you love about them.

39. Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.

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

41. Take muffins or cookies to your local librarians.

42. Tape coins around a playground for kids to find.

43. Put your phone away while in the company of others.

44. Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.

45. When you hear that discouraging voice in your head, tell yourself something positive — you deserve kindness too!