Random Acts of Kindness During a Pandemic

A few days ago, someone did something incredibly kind for me.

Superficially, it did not seem to be a 'big' thing. The other person certainly didn't think it was - when I was effusive in my gratitude, they got embarrassed, and dismissed the importance of the gesture; in their eyes, they were simply being a friend. It was nothing; just something that any friend would do.

But, the fact is, it wasn't. It wasn't just something any friend would do.

It was something that, although might have seemed obvious and inconsequential to them, hadn't occurred to anyone else. Only them.

Only they had thought of doing it. And, then, having thought of it, actually acted upon it.

It will never be a 'small' thing. Not to to me. It will be something I'll treasure forever. I'll always be grateful. Not just because they were the only person who'd considered doing it. Not just because it was done so at a time when I felt my mood dipping, and it gave me a boost I needed.

But because those random acts of kindness always matter.

They have an impact far greater than the actual act itself. The action may be small, but it effect can be profound. They can lift our spirits, and provide a human connection, that seems out of all proportion to the effort of the gesture that inspired them.

A huge reason why they do so is basic human biology.

One of the chemicals we require to feel happy is oxytocin. We get our first taste of this whilst we are still in the womb, and it plays a key role in fostering our bond with our primary caregivers. In later life, our brains secrete it whenever we feel intimate, or meaningfully connect, with another person.

That sense of 'belonging' we get when we're in love, or feel part of a secure family unit? That's the oxytocin flooding our system.

However, it's also released when we are selfless, and altruistic. And that's the greatest thing about kindness; it positively impacts on both the giver, and receiver.

If you want to make someone else, and yourself, happier, be kind.

This got me thinking of how I could be so myself. How could I show kindness? What random acts could I perform that would create this instant, mutually beneficial, emotional boost?

As it turns out, it's relatively straightforward. Those random acts don't have to be Earth-shattering. They're things that we can all do with ease. Even when we're in 'lock-down', in the midst of a global pandemic, there's no shortage of 'little' things we can do to 'play it forward.'

In fact, it's probably more important to do so now more than ever before.

6 Ways to Show the Love.

1. Offer to Help - personally.

Do you have an elderly neighbor who could use a hand right now? Could you pick up a few items for them when you're doing your grocery shopping?

Is there someone you know who is presently housebound, but has a dog that is not currently being walked as much as it should?

Offer your services.

None of these things will take up much of your precious time. To be honest, you're going to the shops anyway, and you need to exercise your own mind, and body.

However, for the person receiving those offers? Priceless.

2. Offer to help - 'professionally.'

The benefits of volunteering have long been advocated; it aids your emotional well-being immeasurably. However, given Covid-19, the opportunities have shrunk. But, they're still there.

Loneliness is one of the biggest byproducts of the pandemic, and a number of 'befriending' websites have sprung up to try and combat it. If you've got a spare ten minutes a day, why not apply to one of those sites, and speak to someone who might very well have no-one else in the world to talk to.

It's a tiny gesture on your part. But, for the person you're communicating with, talking to you might be the highlight of their day.

3. Spread positivity on social media.

Don't just endlessly scroll - 'like' and leave positive comments. And before anyone says, "isn't that just a bit shallow?" just remember how you feel when someone 'hearts' a post of yours, or leaves you a kind comment. Instant mood lifter!

An extension of this is sharing your loved one's work, or small business. If you've got a friend who's a guitar tutor, share their Insta post to your feed; if you know a writer, retweet the links to their work. Try and send a little business - and love - their way.

Taking it further, find a cause you're passionate about. And share the organizations related to it far and wide. You never know - one of your Facebook posts about animal cruelty might be picked up by someone with a far bigger reach than you, and - before you know it - that issue is being talked about by hundreds, maybe even thousands.

Play it forward, people!

4. Buy local.

Expanding the above idea, don't just promote local businesses, buy from them!

Small businesses have been hardest by the pandemic. So, address the balance, and buy local. They'll all have a website, so - before you automatically just jump on Amazon - why not browse them first.

Granted, those smaller businesses are more expensive than the online behemoths, but, for the impact those few extra dollars will have, it's worth paying a bit more. You're helping someone else keep their dream alive, and pay their bills.

And, with Christmas fast approaching, now's the perfect time to show some local pride.

5. Send a loved one a greeting card - even better, write them a letter!

Never underestimate the power of a random text or email. But, a letter? Sometimes the old ways are the best.

It takes time and effort to write a letter, find an envelope, buy a stamp, and then post it - that effort is appreciated.

Now's the time to get writing!

Think about those people you've drifted from, people who are struggling with their mental health, or those elderly relatives who now find themselves alone.

Reach out with a card or a letter. It will always be appreciated, but even more so now in this age of 'quarantine' and 'self-isolation.'

6. Donate to a food-bank or shelter.

It's a sad indictment of the times, but there is always a place to donate food in our supermarkets. I truly wish families didn't have to rely on the generosity of others to eat, but they do. So, contribute.

It can be just one item; a tin of baked beans, a packet of noodles, a bar of chocolate. You'll probably not even notice the extra item in your shopping basket. But, for someone else, that could be the only food that eat that day.

A tiny gesture with profound significance.

So, there we have it - 6 ways to play it forward, half a dozen acts of random kindness.

6 tiny ways in which we spread the kindness.

For ourselves, and others.

Let's get going - we've got some love to dispense!

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