50 Ways To Be Kind To Others: Simple and Free

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Lori Geurin

The world may be a confusing place, but there are some things we can all agree on. One of those is that it’s always nice to be kind to others. Those who believe they are too busy to be kind may be in for a surprise. There are several tiny ways to make someone else feel good – and yourself, too – without spending much time! In this blog post, we’ll share 50 ways to be kind.

It may sound simple to be kind. But life’s distractions might sometimes lead us away from the people and things most important in our lives. Being intentional about demonstrating compassion towards others has the potential to improve your life as well as bring happiness to others.

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Being Kind Takes Courage

Some people consider being kind to be a sign of weakness. However, being nice requires bravery. You must put yourself out there, be vulnerable, and have a humble spirit since you can’t predict how the other person will respond.

Sure, most people are appreciative. But, even though you don’t like to think about it, your random acts of kindness (and you) could get rejected.

The Kindness Gratitude Connection

I recently heard that kindness and gratitude are intertwined and this makes perfect sense. Gratitude is a form of kindness.

Someone once told me that ‘being nice isn’t that important.’ I was surprised to hear this perspective, especially coming from this person.

It made me wonder if they viewed kindness as a weakness too.

The bottom line is that even though some people view kindness as a weakness, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Courage is required to be compassionate, and many people are unwilling to venture out of their comfort zones on a personal development journey.

Putting others ahead of oneself might be difficult at times. It’s actually quite difficult at times. However, it is also gratifying in ways that we may not anticipate until much later.

Check out our Be Kind shirts and apparel in our Wellness Lori shop.

Simply click on the t-shirt below to go to the shop.

Why Is Kindness Important?

While I don’t think my purpose in life is to please others, being kind is a different and admirable quality.

Is it easier for some people to express kindness than others? Absolutely, because we’re all wired uniquely. But anyone can learn how to be kind, and the benefits are amazing!

Not only does the person you’re being kind to benefit, but you win too. Whether you believe that kindness makes the world go round or not, it’s simply good for you.

Research shows that being kind to another person boosts your serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and dopamine (the brain’s natural painkiller) levels.

Kindness is a muscle. And like any muscle, the more you flex it, the stronger it gets. So let’s look at some easy ways to show kindness now where you are today.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting our little blog. I appreciate you!

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50 Simple Ways To Be Kind To Others

Being kind does not have to be hard. Sometimes the smallest things can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Intentionally looking for opportunities where you can be kind to others is not only beneficial for them but for you as well. You will likely find that it makes you feel better when you step out of your comfort zone to do something good for another person.

If kindness makes the world go round, the more you practice it, the smoother your ride will be.

An easy way to start is by checking out these 50 simple ways to be kind to others.

Ways To Show Kindness At Home

1. Be a good listener. Listen more than you talk.
2. Smile more. Smiling is contagious and can brighten someone else’s day.
3. Don’t interrupt people when they are talking.
4. Be patient.
5. Use a kind, gentle voice when speaking to your loved ones. (Check out Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life – Life-Changing Tools For Healthy Relationships for some great advice about this.)
6. Clean up without being asked to help.
7. Don’t confront your loved one in front of other people. If you need to discuss an issue, then do it in private.
8. Forgive them when they mess up. Nobody’s perfect.
9. Give warm bear hugs (assuming the person you’re hugging is good with hugs).
10. Leave a sticky note with a word of encouragement where your loved one will find it.
11. Be trustworthy and keep a confidence.
12. Make a favorite meal or take them out to eat. Here are 10 Fast And Healthy Sheet Pan Meals To Simplify Your Dinner Time for some quick and healthy ideas they’re sure to love!
13. Share a funny YouTube video.
14. Make them breakfast in bed. You might want to try one of these  15 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes For A Healthy Morning. Our family loves overnight oats because they’re healthy, taste delicious, and so quick and easy to make.
15. Express gratitude about something specific you appreciate about them.
16. Ask for forgiveness when you don’t show up well.
17. Take them to the doctor if they’re sick. Make them hot tea and show that you care.
18. Let them sleep in.
19. Be there for them when they’re sad and let them cry on your shoulder.
20. Respect their personal boundaries.
21. Share a good book.
22. Give a genuine compliment.
23. Take them out for dinner and a movie.
24. If they’ve been isolated indoors, ask if they’d like to go for a drive or on a walk.
25. Believe the best about them. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

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Kindness In The Workplace (Ways To Be Kind to Others Away From Home)

1. Be an encouraging person.
2. Be supportive of your co-worker’s projects, cheering them on.
3. Ask someone about their weekend and be a good listener.
4. Clean the microwave and kitchen area.
5. Smile more at work.
6. Avoid complaining.
7. Use your manners. Say “please” and “thank you.”
8. Talk to people who seem shy or lonely.
9. Hold the door open for people coming in behind you.
10. Don’t gossip about others.
11. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru pick-up lane when you make a lunch run.
12. Let someone in front of you in line at the grocery store.
13. Be friendly and cheerful.
14. Bring vegetables from your garden to share with coworkers.
15. Be respectful of others, even when you don’t agree with them.
16. Make a coffee run for the office.
17. Learn people’s names and use them often.
18. Introduce a new colleague to your co-workers.
19. Look for ways to serve others.
20. Be a mentor.
21. Take a meal to someone who’s sick or has a chronic illness.
22. Celebrate a co-worker’s birthday with balloons or a yummy treat.
23. Brew another pot of coffee when you drink the last cup.
24. Volunteer in your local community.
25. Send a card or gift to someone you know who is going through a challenging time.

Want to find out what to do when you say something you regret? Learning these crucial strategies will help you forgive yourself and flip the script on negative self-talk.

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More Ways To Be Kind

• Visit a nursing home to spend time with an elderly person who may not have family nearby.
• Start teaching your kids about kindness from a young age.
• Visit a local business and offer to volunteer your time.
• Place a few items in a ziplock bag or backpack and give them to a homeless person.
• Read a book or play a board game with sick children in the hospital.
• Make a conscious effort to be encouraging to someone who is going through a challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kindness

How can I be kind online?

Being kind online is as easy as remembering that there are people on the other side of those tweets, emojis, or pics. Use your current filter settings (if you haven’t already) and turn off notifications from accounts whose posts make you feel bad or trigger angry feelings. Try to focus on people and causes who make you feel good about humanity rather than those who post things specifically designed to irritate others.

So for this question, be mindful of your words and actions so that people feel comfortable and safe interacting with you. Wait a few minutes before publishing anything if you’re not sure. Return to it later and ask yourself whether your remark will be beneficial or harmful.

How can I be kind every day?

Be kind every day by always looking for opportunities to do something helpful or thoughtful for someone else! If you know what would make them happy, offer your help. Don’t forget that saying the right thing can mean a lot to someone feeling hurt, misunderstood, or lonely. Mindfulness may help you become more aware by paying attention to your words and actions.

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How can I improve my kind?

It’s easy to improve your kindness. Do your best to be thoughtful and considerate, don’t say mean things about other people, and think of every little thing you can do for others. For example, help a friend by offering them a glass of water even if they didn’t ask. Hold the door open for someone because it may make their day better! Try to help them feel included and respected when you talk to them. You’ve got this!

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How do I start being kind to myself?

It’s important to be kind to yourself to set a good example for others. You can start by not putting yourself down or punishing yourself when you make mistakes. No matter what, be patient with your progress and know that changing your outlook will change your future.

How can you identify a kind person?

There are a few characteristics of kind people that set them apart from the crowd. A genuinely kind person frequently thinks about others and how they may help. They’re responsive if they see a need, and most kind people are polite and considerate.

Why is it so hard to be kind to myself?

Self-compassion can be difficult to practice. People may not be gentle with themselves because they think it won’t make a difference or they’re afraid of being vulnerable. Avoiding self-compassion is one of the many techniques we use to shield ourselves from suffering.

How is kindness contagious?

Kindness is contagious in many different ways. People like to be around people who are kind to them and feel comfortable around the person. Kindness can also make people more inclined to do good things for others; if they know you’re kind, they might want to be that way too!

How does kindness get passed on?

When one person makes someone else’s day by being kind, the other person may feel inspired to do something nice for someone else too. It starts with just one small act of kindness and grows from there!

Why is kindness so powerful?

The beauty of kindness is that it may be expressed in a variety of ways and impact a large number of people. One person may try to show kindness by doing something nice for someone else. Someone can also show kindness by being a good friend or listener. Being kind is not always about giving physical things but also about being there for people at their lowest points.

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Summary – 50 Simple Ways To Be Kind

Some people are easier to be kind to than others, as we all know. This, we understand. For this reason, we have the ideal cure for people who try our patience… kill them with kindness. Not literally, of course.

We may not know what another person is experiencing. And, aside from the fact that it’s one of the most selfless things we can do for each other, sharing kindness without expecting anything in return is one of the most generous acts you and I can perform for each other.

At the expense of sounding cheesy (and embarrassing my children yet again), I believe that kindness can transform the world.

Kindness is your superpower! I hope this post leaves you feeling a renewed sense of optimism and inspired to show kindness to yourself and others.

What are some more simple ways to be kind to yourself and others?

If you liked these 50 ways to be kind, be sure to check out:

• 10 Tips For Keeping A Gratitude Journal
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• 20 Natural Ways To Boost Your Mood
• 10 Things Mentally Strong People Do
• 8 Ways To Improve Communication Skills
• My Favorite Ways To Relax In No Time Flat