Be Kind to Humankind Week is an annual worldwide celebration of kindness that is observed from August 25 to August 31. This week is a time for us to reflect on what we can do to make this world a better place.
You don’t have to do anything elaborate to be kind — all it takes is a kind word or a helping hand to make a big difference. Good deeds needn’t take much time or cost any money.
At home and in your community:
- Call a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while or someone going through a tough time
- Send a card or letter to someone you’ve been out of touch with
- Send flowers to a friend out of the blue
- Find out if a neighbor needs help with shopping or chores
- Tell your family how much you love and appreciate them
At work:
- Remember to say “hi” to colleagues and ask how they are
- Have a conversation with a colleague you don’t normally talk with
- Get to know a new member of the team – it is hard to join a new workplace
- Say thank you to a colleague who has helped you
- Praise a colleague for something they have done well
In public places:
- Be a considerate cyclist/driver
- Pick up trash lying
- Smile and say hello to a stranger
On social media:
- Take time to contact people you haven’t been in touch with for a while
- Write something nice or encouraging on a post you appreciate
- Acknowledge and validate someone’s story – if they are having a difficult time you don’t have to have all the answers, sometimes a like or a brief ‘I’m sorry to hear this, is there something I can do?’ is enough to make them feel heard
- Think about what you share – look at the source of the post, and the tone. If it isn’t kind, think twice.
- Think about your comments and replies. Try not to say mean things, or pile on where somebody questions another person’s actions
To yourself:
- Tune out social media channels for a day, or even a week
- Make time for self-care to relax and think about how you’re feeling
- Treat yourself to something. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Remember, good things come in small packages.
- Do something you enjoy, like listening to a favorite song or dancing in your kitchen
- Spend some time with nature. It’s great for our mental health
We’re all familiar with the saying “it’s better to give than receive.” And there’s research to prove it.
If you’re kind and compassionate you already know about the benefits to your own wellbeing and happiness. Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to:
- Increased feelings of wellbeing
- Improved self-esteem
- Changes in the brain that are tied to happiness
- Increased sense of belonging and reduced isolation
- Longevity
Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections.