By Debra Yearwood

Friday, November 13th marks World Kindness Day and right about now it feels like the world could use a little kindness. Why not take advantage of the day to make the effort to be kind?  It doesn’t have to take time, money, or even much exertion to add a little kindness to your day and someone else’s.  Say thanks to the cashier, tell someone you like their dress, shoes, face mask.

Kindness is good for you.

Kindness is a wonderful activity that gives as it restores.  Did you know that evidence shows that helping other people has a positive effect on your own mental health?  Kindness is a powerful tool that can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, mood and happiness. Acts of kindness also don’t dissipate quickly; they have a lasting impact through recall. You can easily build yourself a kindness bank of good memories by keeping a good deeds diary. The best part is, it’s contagious. With a little effort, we could all start a pandemic of kindness.

Ideas for being kind.

This year we have the added bonus of having the day fall on a Friday, one of my personal favourite days to celebrate. If you like the idea of being kind for a day, or even introducing a touch more kindness to your world, here are some ideas:

• Learn something new about a coworker.
• Send an inspirational text or email to a friend or family member.
• Knit, draw, paint something for someone else.
• Compliment the first three people you talk to on November 13.
• See if you can find something kind to say to everyone with whom you speak. 
• Send someone a thank you or gratitude letter.
• Donate to charity.
• Leave a good tip.
• Say something nice on social media.
• Send flowers to someone.
• Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and say hello.
• Take a few minutes to pick up litter.
• Put an inspiring sign in your window.
• Buy a stranger a cup of coffee.

Don’t forget yourself.

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too. It’s called self-care and it’s often overlooked. Take the opportunity to celebrate how awesome you are! You know it’s true.

• Take a nice long bubble bath, listen to music, or read a good book while you do.
• Send yourself flowers.
• Visit the site https://www.futureme.org/ and send yourself a kind letter in the future.  You can make your letter public or anonymous and you can delay delivery for up to 5 years.
• Forgive yourself. We are often our own worst critics.
• Give your feet a message
• Remind yourself of all your great qualities.
• Carve out some time to do something you enjoy.

Kindness is an investment in others and yourself.