10 Ways to Spread a Little Kindness

What's the kindest thing you've done recently? As it's Random Acts of Kindness Day this month, here are some suggestions as to how you can spread a little happiness!

There’s nothing like someone showing you a bit of kindness to brighten up your day, is there? Even something as simple as someone holding open a door or calling to see how you are can be a real mood booster. As a homecare provider, we know how much the little things matter - a thoughtful gesture really can make the world of difference to someone’s wellbeing.

So, as it’s Random Acts of Kindness Day on 17^th of February, we thought we’d come up with a few ways for everyone to spread a little happiness!

1. Compliment someone – whether it’s a loved one, acquaintance or complete stranger, everyone loves a compliment! So, remember to tell someone their loveliest qualities and why you appreciate them.
2. Help a neighbour – if they’re elderly or disabled, could they do with some help to go shopping, cook, walk the dog or keep the garden tidy? Maybe they’re a new mum who feels isolated and would love to see a friendly face now and again. Everyone needs a bit of support sometimes.
3. Volunteer – charities and community groups are always on the lookout for volunteers. Many organisations simply couldn’t keep going without people kindly giving up their free time to help out. Not only will it benefit your local community, you’ll have fun and meet new people in the process.
4. Check on a friend or relative – if there’s someone you haven’t seen in a while or you’re worried about, connecting with them could be just what they need. If you can’t see them in person, a thoughtful card, friendly phone call or video chat could make their day.
5. Be courteous – give up your seat on the bus, let someone out in traffic or open the door for someone. Even something as simple as a smile and a cheery ‘thank you’ can go a long way.
6. Surprise someone with a gift – it doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive. In fact, small gestures and home-made gifts are often much nicer because they show someone has really thought about you. So, why not pop round with some home-baked biscuits, a few flowers from the garden or a book from your collection that you think someone will love?
7. Take the time to listen – listening is a really important skill that quite a few people don’t practice. Even when life is busy, taking time out of your day to make someone feel that they’re being heard and valued is a lovely thing to do.
8. Donate things you don’t need – most of us have cupboards full of stuff that we don’t use anymore, but there are plenty of charities and community groups who might benefit from them. You could give those toys the kids have grown out of to the local play scheme or donate your old clothes to a local shelter.
9. Help animals – being kind doesn’t just extend to the humans in your life! Showing kindness to animals is just as important and can help the environment too. You can do anything from leaving seed out for the birds and making sure hedgehogs can get through your garden fence, to picking up harmful litter in the park or fostering a pet.
10. Treat yourself kindly – while you’re busy being kind to everyone else, don’t forget about you. Make that voice in your head tell you kind and positive things about your attributes and abilities. We’re often harder on ourselves than anyone else, so just remember to cut yourself some slack and appreciate your own value.

Be kind to others

Of course, we’re not saying you should only do these on the 17^th February! While Random Acts of Kindness Day might just seem like a bit of fun, it’s a great reminder of how we can all take some time to be more thoughtful in our daily lives.

At Bluebird Care Wandsworth, treating our Customers with warmth and kindness is at the heart of our compassionate care philosophy. So, if you’d like more support to from a homecare provider that genuinely cares about people’s wellbeing, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re always here to help.