Small Acts of Kindness You Can Try at Home

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. An annual event hosted by the Mental Health Foundation whose aim is to raise awareness of mental health issues by promoting conversation and breaking down the stigma. And this year is all about kindness, which seems fitting given the current world we’re living in. But while you may not be able to visit your friends and family at the moment, there are still so many small acts of kindness you can try at home to show them you care.

Because I think it’s safe to say, the coronavirus has affected us all in some way, and for some of us (myself included), it has had a huge impact on our mental health. Which will likely continue once things go back to ‘normal’, whenever that may be. So I think kindness seems so important now more than ever. Not that you should wait for a pandemic to show people you care, of course. These small acts of kindness can be done at any time of year. 😊

But first, what is kindness?

To me, kindness is the act of doing something nice for others, or yourself. Whether that’s making them a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, helping out a colleague at work, or focusing on your own self care. It’s about helping people even if that means putting their needs before your own. But it also has many mental health benefits, in fact, research has shown that acts of kindness (no matter how small) can also help to improve your mental wellbeing. For example, reducing stress and isolation, as well as improving your mood and self-esteem by giving you a sense of purpose.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

– Winston Churchill

Keep in mind though that good deeds needn’t take up much time or cost any money either, there are so many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives. Which we’ve seen a lot of recently from clapping for the NHS and key workers, to fundraising efforts and even reaching out to our neighbours. Small changes can really make a big difference. So today I’d like to share a few small and easy ways you can show kindness from your own home.

Small Acts of Kindness You Can Try at Home

Write a letter

Whether it’s a thank you card, a note or a long letter, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s encouraging and positive. You could even include some family photos or a few motivational quotes to brighten someone’s day.

Phone a friend or family member

In this day and age, it can be so easy to forget to check in with those we care about. We’re all busy; whether that’s working or studying full time, childcare commitments or even focusing on your hobbies. So try to take a step back and check with them. You never know, it could be just what they needed.

Offer to help someone at home with a project/household chores/cooking

If someone is cooking for you at home you could offer to help out by doing the cleanup afterwards. Or by cooking for them one night. But it needn’t stop there something as simple as taking the rubbish bins out could be a great help to someone you live with. And if you’re unsure what they need, ask.

Donate to a charity

Many charities have websites or donation pages (such as JustGiving) making it easier than ever to donate to those in need. I personally make a monthly donation to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust which helps wildlife in the local area. But there are so many other options out there. And if your not in a position to donate right now, how about fundraising instead?

Send flowers

Who doesn’t like receiving flowers? Whether you pick them out yourself from your local florist or supermarket or use an online service like Eflorist or Funky Hampers, it’s an easy way to make someone’s day. Not affiliated or sponsored, I just love both services and have used them in the past.

Send a takeaway

If your loved one is unable to leave the house, why not get your treat them by having their favourite takeaway delivered to them? You could even make it a party by talking to them to apps such as Zoom or House Party.

Have a virtual movie night

Even if you can’t watch a movie at your friend’s house or at the cinema, you can still watch a movie together. Simply pick a movie you’ll both enjoy and either send it to them (if they don’t have it), stream it, or even share your screen with them. Bonus points if you send snacks too.

Send them a care package

Puta few of their favourite things in a gift basket or box and either hand-deliver it, or pop it in the post to them. Some ideas to include are face masks, bath bombs, their favourite chocolate or sweets, and scented candles.

Give someone a compliment.

Give someone a genuine compliment whether it’s about an item of clothing their wearing, their personality or how they’ve styled their hair that day. It’s a small and easy way to make someone feel good about themselves.

Smile!

They say smiling is infectious and it’s true. Have you ever been having a really bad day and someone’s just smiled at you? Did it make you smile back? It’s such a simple thing but can have such a positive impact on someone’s day.

Finally, be kind to yourself.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, so always remember to take care of yourself first. So have that bubble bath, or glass of wine, whatever it is you, love, just be kind to yourself.