The world could use some extra kindness now more than ever. With the stress and uncertainties caused by disease, social unrest and a volatile political climate still weighing on us, even just a smile to a stranger can turn someone’s day right-side up.
More than just a smile though, there are several random acts of kindness that you can do during this challenging period that will not only give you a warm, fuzzy feeling, but may change someone’s mood entirely. (In the best way possible, of course!)
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- Make Sure You are Taking Care of Yourself and Being Considerate of Others
- Tip Your Baristas, Delivery Drivers and Others
- Let Someone Else Have That Up-Front Parking Spot
- Check-in on Your Friends and Family
- Donate to a Charity
- Stay Smiling
Make Sure You are Taking Care of Yourself and Being Considerate of Others
Right now, there’s nothing more relieving than the sight of someone with hand sanitizer and a mask. It may sound funny, and that will change someday, but just ensuring that you have hand sanitizer, and that you’re using it frequently, is a great way to show those around you that you care about their health and safety.
The cleaner you are, the cleaner the areas you touch will be. Using hand sanitizer and wearing masks when out in public seem like obvious moves, but they’re ones that can drastically influence the course of someone’s day or week, as you’re helping to potentially slow the spread of viruses and other diseases during a national medical crisis.
Read our article about tips on how to deal with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you aren’t feeling well, then don’t go out at all if possible. Stay home and take care of yourself. No matter how many precautions you are taking, when you are coughing or sneezing, you will alarm anyone that sees you in public. Talk to a doctor and make sure you are on a path towards getting healthy.
These choices not only protect you from others, but they can make a world of difference for someone’s health, too. Show that you care about the health and safety of others, and follow all precautions that you can. Remember, while they may be a bit uncomfortable, a mask is a lot easier to wear than a ventilator.
Tip Your Baristas, Delivery Drivers and Others
Delivery drivers and restaurant workers are working on overdrive to help not only provide you with food and beverages, but to keep you safe while they’re doing so. These services are here to make your life during COVID easier, so the least you can do is thank these workers by tipping them.
Money is tight for everyone right now, so even just an extra dollar may make a world of difference for an essential worker. No matter what you’re buying or what kind of service they’re providing, show your appreciation with a tip whenever possible.
If you don’t have the money to tip right now, it’s generally best to avoid using these services if you can. Baristas, delivery drivers, and restaurant workers are risking their health and safety for your satisfaction; don’t take their kindness for granted by not reciprocating that appreciation.
In general, during a time like this, it’s nice to keep a few dollars on hand--you never know who you’ll come across that might need it more than you do.
Let Someone Else Have That Up-Front Parking Spot
Right now, adventures involving leaving the house may be few and far between. But, when you do leave, pay attention to where you’re parking. Currently, parking lots are being reduced and being in public causes a lot of anxiety and tension for many people.
If you’re someone who is healthy and not at high-risk of infection, park a bit further away and let someone who needs it park up close. Most people just need to get in and out of public spaces nowadays, and having that easily accessible spot can quickly make someone’s day.
Though it’ll cause your legs to walk a bit further, you’ll be putting a huge smile on the face of someone who needs that accessibility just a bit more than you do. This time is all about taking care and looking out for each other, so always consider those who are more at risk than you are, and take proper precautions to make the way for them just a little bit easier.
Check-in on Your Friends and Family
Everybody’s feeling a bit lonely right now. With isolation being crucial and avoiding most human touch being one of the best ways to stay safe, we’re all craving interaction. During a time like this, don’t be afraid to reach out and check in on your loved ones and family members to see how they are handling this pandemic.
Even a simple “How are you?” could bring someone out of their heads and help them feel cared for. If you’re in the position to offer assistance, now’s the time to do so! Offer to do grocery shopping for your grandma or elderly neighbor. Write letters to those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Be the support your friends and family members need, just from a safe distance, of course.
Reaching out is a sensible act of kindness that not only benefits those who you are communicating with, but it helps you as well. Checking in on those who are close to you allows you to get some of that interaction we’re all craving.
Donate to a Charity
The world is in need of help. It’s not just certain communities, certain demographics, or certain areas that require support. The need for assistance is global. If you’re fortunate enough to have some extra money right now, do consider donating it to a charity that interests you.
There are numerous charities focusing on those struggling with hunger, the housing crisis or medical expenses that could use your support as well as attention. Along with charities, various fundraisers are also running to help individuals in special circumstances that would benefit significantly from any acknowledgment or even a small donation.
It may seem obvious, but these are the organizations that are not only risking their lives for you, but they’re helping to make the world a safer, healthier place, too. Support right now is key, so show your appreciation and spread the word of these incredible charities, organizations, and fundraisers.
Please be thorough about your research on charities. There are many scams out there, so do your homework and vet them properly before sending any funds.
Stay Smiling
It’s a stressful time. Even those people that do not have a problem with chronic stress and anxiety are feeling the pressure right now. Solving stress with sensible acts of kindness is a real way to feel good about yourself by actually helping, Medical professionals are stretched to their limits now, but it takes extensive schooling and time to work on the medical front. So, just do what you can.
Though your smile may be covered up by a mask, positive energy radiates. Whether you’re reaching out to a friend or giving a few extra dollars to your speedy food delivery person, your random acts of kindness during this pandemic can create worlds of change for those around you. Positive vibes and smiles can be the right kind of contagious we could all use these days.