fbpx

Spread A Smile!

10 random acts of kindness to help you create happiness wherever you go!

In a world where people can be cancelled in a nano-second and social media can be an emotional and mental battle, the message of #BeKind has never been more important. Where we see dark, let’s spread some light! By doing a simple random act of kindness once a week or a few times a month, you can play your part in spreading smiles and making someone else feel happy and appreciated!

What Is A Random Act Of Kindness (RAOK)?

It’s taking out your neighbour’s bin, dropping surprise flowers on your nan’s doorstep and giving a homeless person a hot cup of coffee. It’s helping an elderly person across a busy street, picking up rubbish in the park and complimenting a friend on their new hairstyle. Acts of kindness can be any selfless thing you do to make someone feel happy, special, cherished and valued.

Ready to spread the smiles? Give these RAOKs a go today!

  1. Write a letter to a relative you haven’t seen in a while or a mate who’s a bit down in the dumps. There’s nothing nicer than receiving a surprise letter in the post – it makes a welcome change from bills and junk mail!
  1. Pop along to an elderly relative or neighbour’s house to ask if they need a hand with anything. Shopping, cutting grass, picking up medication – there’s lots you can do to lessen their burden so encourage them to relax with a nice cup of tea.
  1. Next time you’re at your favourite café why not leave some money behind the till for the next customer? You could cover the cost of a cup of coffee to surprise someone in the queue behind you. Who doesn’t love a free coffee?!
  1. Help your local foodbank with a donation of food or household essentials. Check with the foodbank first to see what type of items they need most of all. Then you can collect items from family and friends or even pop down the supermarket and spend some of your own money picking up a few things to donate.
  1. Make dinner for your parent/s! If Mum’s been rushed off her feet lately or Dad’s been too busy at work to make dinner, surprise them with a home-cooked meal. Don’t forget to serve with a smile and make sure you do the dishes to create that at-home restaurant vibe! Top tip – get your sibling involved. An extra pair of hands won’t go amiss!
  1. Write happy messages on sticky notes and sneak them into your family and friends’ bags, lockers and books or leave them on the mirror in the bathroom at home. You can jot down reasons why you love them or scribble positive mantras.
  1. Write a positive review about a local business or restaurant you’ve been to. Running a business is hard work and it’s always good to support our local eateries and businesses.
  1. Donate old clothes, books and toys to a local charity shop. Your items will help to raise money for a worthy cause, you’re doing your bit for the environment AND you’re giving your belongings the chance to be worn and used by someone else.
  1. Litter pick in your local park or in the street you live in. The local wildlife and neighbours will thank you for it, we promise you!
  1. Baking or cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Make double the amount you usually would and gift half of it to a friend, family member or neighbour. Food always makes people smile!

Go forth and spread the smiles, people! Let us know how you get on with your RAOKs on our socials. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the links to join the conversation!

Curated by

Sian Dolan
Sian Dolan is a content writer for Hidden Strength with a background in children’s and teenage magazines. She feels it’s more important than ever to write supportive, engaging features for young adults who need a guiding light and a helping hand with their mental health and wellbeing.