11/16/2025
4 Ways To Be A Kinder Person
When you stop to think about it, doing good deeds for other people doesn't really require a lot of time, money, or effort. Whether it’s texting a friend who’s been a bit quiet lately to check in with them or offering to take something off a colleague’s plate when they’re up against it with deadlines, there are so many small acts that make a big difference. The best news yet? According to scientific evidence, kindness extends one's life. People who occasionally volunteered to care for others lived longer than those who did not, according to a 2017 study published in Evolution and Human Behaviour. Want to enjoy those long-term advantages? Here is what you can do...
1. Celebrate the small stuff
There are so many big occasions that justify a ‘congratulations!’ card, but it’s not just the engagements and promotions that are worth popping a cork for. Perhaps your friend made their Zumba class despite though they sent you a voice message earlier expressing how exhausted they were, or perhaps your partner is trying to cut off caffeine and they just opted for a decaf green tea over coffee. Paying attention and being aware of these little wins can go a long way in your personal and professional life. Positive deeds can often go unnoticed by us since it's usually easier for us to notice the things that haven't been done perfectly or the activities that annoy us. For example, tell a coworker how much you appreciate them the next time you think of them. It could be that they offered a useful solution to a problem, you love their outfit or are impressed by how calm they appear in the face of a tight deadline. It's a modest act that may make a big difference in their mood and day. Amen!
2. Give someone space
When you listen well, you can have productive discussions and understand the other person's point of view, whether it's with your partner, family, or friends. Remember that it's acceptable to not know everything, and that sometimes all it takes to help someone who might be having mental health issues is just to be a listening ear. Let them know that you're there if someone you know is struggling. Try to stay calm and reassure them by letting them know that they are not alone, and that you will be there to help. Find out if there are any particular, doable ways you can support the person you are supporting if they are having difficulty with daily duties. Look after your own wellbeing [too so] that you have the time and energy to help someone when they need it.
3. Express your gratitude
Got a regular gratitude journaling practice going? Good for you. None the less, the advantages are obvious. Our brains release serotonin and dopamine when we practice gratitude, which improves our mood and affects our emotions. However, being grateful is much more than just writing something down. Extending our gratitude is also a great way to strengthen bonds with friends and family because, in the busyness of daily life, it's easy to forget how fortunate we really are. A simple "I appreciate you" or "I'm grateful for you" might be just what someone needs to hear to brighten their day and feel happier.
4. Don’t forget about the planet
Sure, holding the door open for someone or putting coins in the car park machine for a stranger are all valid random acts of kindness – and it may be worth offering these to the world around us too. Since producing a great deal of plastic waste is one of the main ways humans harm the environment, we suggest adopting a sustainable strategy as a good gesture. Whenever possible, purchase goods packaged in cardboard, foil, or recyclable plastics; the recycling information will tell you of the materials used. When buying fresh fruit and vegetables, try choosing loose items without the extra packaging.
