We all know it’s the little things that count. One kind gesture, however small, can mean the world to someone, especially if they’re having a bad day. It’s also beneficial to your own physical and mental health.
Research has found that doing something kind floods the brain with feel good chemicals and lowers your blood pressure. It’s even contagious. As German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe put it far more eloquently,
“Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound”
Most of us do something kind every day without even noticing, but as it’s Random Acts of Kindness Week from 17th – 21st February, it might be nice to add a few more to the tally. Obviously, at the moment it’s a bit tricky to do any up close and personal stuff. So, here are a few ‘socially distanced’ ideas that might help spread a little happiness across West Wales and beyond.
Make a meal for a neighbour. Emergency workers, elderly neighbours and those who are having a tricky time of things might really appreciate the gesture.
Help someone stay connected. Make time for a phone call, video chat or socially distanced conversation over the garden fence with a neighbour, friend or relative you can’t visit. You could also sign up as a volunteer befriender for Age Cymru’s Friend in Need service which provides free telephone friendship for the over 70s in Wales.
Send a card. Ever had a card out of the blue that really brightened your day? If you need some ideas or want to join in with a fantastic local card project, check out what Arts for Wellbeing are up to in conjunction with Connect to Kindness.
Walk someone’s dog. What better way to get out in the fresh air and help someone out at the same time? If you don’t know anyone locally, try contacting Sppot, a local animal shelter or the Cinnamon Trust.
Volunteer. There are lots of ways you can help others, even under current circumstances. A good place to find local opportunities are CAVO Ceredigion, CAVS Carmarthenshire or PAVS Pembrokeshire.
Write a positive review. Local businesses need our support now more than ever. So, if you have a good customer experience, take a few minutes to promote their services and sing their praises online.
Support a charity. If you can make a small donation, it might just help keep a charity afloat. If not, you can always volunteer your time or share their posts online to help them get the word out.
Pay someone a compliment. There’s nothing like a compliment to boost your morale. And it costs nothing. So, tell your friend to tell them how awesome they are or compliment a random stranger – a few kind words count.
Leave a gift for the postie or delivery driver. Everyone knows just how much lockdowns have bumped up their workload. So why not leave them a small surprise on the doorstep to show how much you appreciate their hard work?
Do that chore your partner hates. Yes, it might be on their ‘to do’ list, but once in while you could give them a break on the one thing you know they absolutely hate!
Listen to someone. This is a biggie, particularly for someone who is feeling low or dealing with mental health issues. So, if you can, lend a friendly ear to someone in need.
We’d love to hear your kindness stories, so let us know what you’ve been doing to brighten up someone else’s day!
