When it comes to mental real estate, feelings like stress and uncertainty love to live in our heads rent-free, along with their posse of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. But how can you kick these unwanted houseguests to the curb once and for all? With the help of several Random Acts leaders, we will show you how to make kindness your guiding light—and how it can be a positive and powerful force for change.
10 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself & Others
- Practice random acts of kindness. You probably saw this suggestion coming—but that doesn’t make it any less important! Even the smallest gestures can have the largest impact. “When I was three or four, I got lost at the beach while on vacation,” recalls an RA staff member. “This sweet woman saw me crying all by myself and helped me find my family. She probably does not remember the little kid she helped 25 years ago, but I never forgot her act of kindness. Now, if I am out shopping and encounter a kid who seems lost and afraid, I step in to help them find their family.”
- Check in with your loved ones and see how they are doing. Send your friend a text to see how they are, or give your relative a call to see how their day is going. A friendly conversation can mean the world to someone experiencing a stressful life event.
- List out everything you are thankful for. When you have a bad day, it is easy to focus on all the negative things that happened rather than the good. Instead, give yourself a few minutes to catalog all the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small—a warm meal, a sunny day, or some quality time with a furry friend are all great places to start.
- Give out lots of compliments. An unsolicited compliment can make someone’s day, whether it comes from a friend or a complete stranger. If you think of something kind to say, feel free to share—even simple compliments like “I love your shirt” or “You make my day brighter” can really boost someone’s mood.
- Let yourself rest and recharge. “Rest is resilience,” explains RA Board Member Bri Jenkins. “There are so many things as people we go through ourselves, and then we want to show up for other people, too. Think of it like putting your oxygen mask on first—you cannot do things if you are exhausted.”
- Give yourself a big hug. Hugs symbolize love, support, and compassion—all things that you deserve! (Feel free to ask your friends and loved ones for hugs, too!)
- Fall back on your support system. Your friends and loved ones are there to help you, especially during times of uncertainty and distress. “Find your community, lean into your support systems, look locally, and find organizations that create a space for conversation and support,” says Bri. “That is what is really important.”
- Remind yourself that brighter days are ahead. When life gets turbulent, it can feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But fear and stress cannot hold a candle to the hope, joy, and endless potential that your life journey has to offer.
- Practice fierce self compassion. Self compassion revolves around the core truth that you are worthy of love, respect, and kindness. Whenever you deal with stress, pretend that you are talking to a close friend or loved one going through a tough time. Would you tell them something harsh or discouraging, or would you give them a shoulder to cry on? Give yourself the same grace and understanding that you would give anybody else.
- Prioritize your own health and wellness. As an old adage puts it: “Do not set yourself on fire to keep others warm.” As you both take in current events and take a stand for others, make sure to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and snack on nutritious foods. The better you feel, the more you will be able to show up for others.
Ask the Experts: Using Kindness to Create Change
When stress, fear, and doubt take up most of your headspace, it is easy to push feelings like kindness, compassion, and empathy far away—but that does not mean they are out of your grasp. During Random Acts’ inaugural Empathy Expo in December 2024, RA’s Co-Founder, Misha Collins, and Executive Director, Rachel Miner, shed some light on the true nature of kindness, and why it is essential to create positive change.
What is the difference between kindness and being nice?
Kindness has a long-term agenda. “Kindness is not nice and pretty all the time,” Rachel explains. “It is saying what is true and what is going to lead to well-being for all of us in the long run.”
“You can be kind and firm. You can even be assertive in your kindness,” agrees Misha. “It is actually very kind to say if something happening is unjust—you can say it with strength and power and still be operating from a place of kindness. Kindness is not meek. Kindness has a spine.”
How can you be there for others without burning out?
Take time for yourself throughout the week. “I need time in a day to breathe and feel that sense of space,” explains Rachel. “This helps me recalibrate and be present for other people.”
“If you do not take care of yourself in the process, you are not going to be able to do the work anyway,” explains Misha. “If you want to shine a bright light on the world, your light has to be shining—and you cannot do that if you exhaust yourself.”
Can one person really make a difference?
Absolutely—everyone is capable of making a difference. “That is what Random Acts is about: sending the message that you can have a positive impact, no matter how small,” explains Misha. “And you never know how big the ripple effect is going to be of that action, right? Doing good work in the world, whatever it is, can be the way that you persuade people.”
“We have the power in any given moment to change things in the opposite direction,” Rachel affirms. “Let’s treat each other right. Let’s truly be the things we are claiming to be. Let’s start from the inside where no one is looking.”
Can kindness change the world?
“I think that the most lasting and impactful change that you can make comes from a place of empathy and compassion,” Misha agrees. “Actions that create change from a place of hatred, division, or fear end up having an impermanent impact on society.”
Want to work with Random Acts?
At Random Acts, we do not think money should stand in the way of your kindness goals. If you have an idea for spreading kindness in your community, let us know! Apply for an Act on our website for a chance to get up to $499 of funding.
Let’s change the world together!
