National Do Something Nice for Someone Day is a day to show kindness. This can be as simple as letting the person behind you go first through a door or sending a thoughtful compliment to a friend or coworker.
Some other ways to be kind are paying for a coffee, buying flowers, or rekindling an old friendship.
Make a Donation to a Charity
Getting your business involved with a local charity shows that you care about the community and that you’re in it for more than just money. It also improves team morale, Fusaro-Pizzo says.
Before you donate to a cause, do some research on the organization. Check if it’s registered with the IRS and whether you can verify its tax-deductible status. Also, avoid charities that request wire transfers or gift cards—those are often signs of a scam.
If you’re unsure where to start, try using an online tool like Charity Navigator to narrow your options. It will tell you what each organization can do with a dollar, such as provide a night of shelter or feed a family for a month.
Help Out Your Neighbors
During the coronavirus pandemic, people need their neighbors more than ever. While it’s important to be cautious about meeting your neighbors outside during this time, you can still help by letting someone cut in line for you at the grocery store or simply walking their dog if they are sick.
You can also use community organizations that connect neighbors to lean on each other during difficult times and support one another. Being nice to your neighbors will make you feel better as well—your brain releases happy chemicals when you are kind, like oxytocin and serotonin. It will help you stay grounded and connected to your community.
Bring Food to Share at Work
When planning a work event, ask everyone to bring food to share. This will help ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the meal without feeling left out or guilty about eating too much. It’s a great idea to plan for healthful foods like fruits and vegetables as well.
Make sure to focus on snacks that can be eaten without sharing germs (like individually wrapped chips and salsa). Germs can ruin the mood at even the most fun office parties.
This can also be a great way to show appreciation for co-workers who are working from home. This can take a few forms: buy a co-worker coffee, bake them a treat or bring in snack boxes for remote workers!
Send a Card to a Friend
Writing a note on a card is a wonderful way to share with your friend something you know will be meaningful to them. It’s also a fun and relaxing activity that lets you get away from your computer and just enjoy being with your hands.
Writing words of encouragement is always appreciated by your friends, especially if they’re going through a difficult time. Whether it’s about their health, their family, their job, or even their relationship, your support can be just what they need to keep going.
Sending a message that you miss them is another great option, and it’s sure to brighten their day.
Reach Out to Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a While
One of the best ways to let someone know you’re thinking about them is to reach out via text message. Send them a simple message that lets them know they’re on your mind, and ask how they are doing.
Sometimes life gets in the way of your friendships, so it’s important to rekindle them when the time is right. A great time to do that is when you learn something new about them, like a significant accomplishment on social media, or when they’re celebrating a holiday or special event.
Just be sure to apologize for your absence, and make clear that you hope you can start talking again soon!
Volunteer
Researchers have found that people who volunteer tend to feel happier. It’s likely because of the natural sense of accomplishment, but it also can be because of the positive impact that they are making in their communities or with individuals.
It’s also a great way to meet new people, especially if you are in a new place. This can strengthen your ties to the community and expand your network of friends. Plus, volunteering often connects people with similar values that may not be as common otherwise. It can even expose you to different social groups and cultures, which broadens your worldview.
