Need a lift these days and want quick results try random acts of kindness (RAK).You get extra joy if you don’t get caught. When we practice random acts of kindness, it will release a sense of positivity, we feel better and the recipients of our will RAK’s feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people, so it is the beginning of paying it forward. Mother Teresa once said, “We may not do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.”

Kindness is a value that is often disregarded. True kindness is a behavioral response of compassion and actions, that are selfless; or a mindset that places compassion for others before one’s own interests. In performing the selfless act, a person often undercuts their own selfish interests. 

In fact, kindness is linked inextricably to happiness and contentment. Happy people are kinder. Random acts of kindness increase a person’s sense of happiness, because kindness can promote gratitude and empathy. You are kind to others in need; having that awareness then heightens the sense of your own good fortune. Kindness promotes leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others.  When you feel connected with others, you lessen alienation and you enhance the sense that we are more similar than dissimilar in our experiences. Feeling connected melds, us together rather than divides us. Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging. 

Here is what random acts of kindness will give you:

• It releases positivity: We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people.

• It can release neurochemicals that result in a sense of well-being, known as the “helper’s high.
• It often can reduce pain as dopamine and serotonin are released by kind behavior.
• It enhances the interactions where two or more people are engaged in kindness behavior. In turn, bonds between those who are kind to one another are strengthened.
• It enhances both physical and mental health. Many physical ailments are either precipitated by or aggravated by stress. Kindness reduces stress.

So, as our days of quarantine continue what can you do for someone else that will make there day. Here are a few ideas. You will come up with better ones!

• Make a call to old friend you haven’t spoken too in forever.
• Make a call to apologize, you both will feel better.
• Call asking how are You doing?
• Send a card (USPS still working).
• Send food to food bank.
• Bake cookies and share with neighbors.
• Smile at everyone your see, even behind a mask you can tell.
• Do yard work for a neighbor that cannot.
• Leave a drink for the folks that pick up trash.
• Give someone an encouraging note
• Leave a small amount of money for someone to find.
• Let someone check out before you at the store
• Call a relative out of the blue.
• Volunteer to wash the dishes
•  Pick up donuts or bagels and treat some of the “essential business” folks.
• Tip your server an unusually high amount when you get to dine out.
• Send care packages…………. you will know who!

Come up with creative ideas and feel the joy that will come back to your many times over.