Last Updated on April 10, 2021 by Lori Geurin

Looking for an easy way to improve yourself and make someone else’s day a little brighter? Here are 50 simple ways to be kind to others.

Being kind sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? But sometimes life’s distractions can take us away from the people and things that matter most in our lives. Being intentional about showing kindness to others can go a long way in improving your life and bringing joy to others too.

Is Kindness A Sign Of Weakness?

Some people think showing kindness is a sign of weakness. But being kind takes courage. You have to step out of your comfort zone, be vulnerable, and have a humble heart because you never know for sure how the other person will react.

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.

I recently heard that kindness and gratitude are intertwined and this makes so much 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. Being kind takes courage and it often takes you out of your comfort zone which is great if you are on a personal growth journey.

Putting others first isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be pretty difficult. But it’s also rewarding in ways that we may not be able to see until further into the future.

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 take a look at some easy ways to show kindness right now where you are today.

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50 Simple Ways To Be Kind To Others

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 Nonviolet 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 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 (And Away From Home)

1. Be an encouraging person.
2. Be supportive of your co-worker’s project, 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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Summary – Simple Ways To Be Kind

Some people are easier to be kind to than others. This we know. For this, we have the perfect remedy…kill em with kindness.

Not, ahem, literally.

We truly can’t know what another human is going through. And sharing kindness without expecting anything in return is one of the most generous things you and I can do 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! So I hope this post leaves you feeling inspired to show kindness to yourself and others. X, Lori

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

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