This year, Random Acts of Kindness Day falls on February 17, 2024. The general “Kindness Week” it is attached to, takes place from February 13 through February 19. 

Kindness Increases

The Love Hormone

Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. 

Energy

About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth

Lifespan

People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more.

Pleasure

According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

Serotonin

Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

How can We Be Kind on Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024?

Being kind doesn’t have to cost anything – a gesture of kindness can seem insignificant to you, but make someone else’s day. So it’s important to make good choices, and turn the volume up on the kindness. Here are just ten tips we think you could take to make any day (but especially Random Acts of Kindness Day) a good one:

1. Smile at, or say hello to a stranger.
2. Compliment somebody when they least expect it.
3. Hold the door open for somebody.
4. Pay for the next person in line’s coffee or snack.
5. Donate your time to volunteer efforts.
6. Help out an elderly neighbor or relative with their groceries.
7. Call a friend to check-in.
8. Donate old clothing, or canned food, to those who need it most.
9. Give up your seat on the subway to someone who might need it more.
10. Always say ‘thank you, no matter how small the action.

More Kindness Ideas

Workplace Kindness Challenge