Viva Vitality: Make kindness the norm

By Taneil Zanidean on November 8, 2024.

Let’s talk kindness. World Kindness Day, Nov. 13, is globally recognized and dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.

World Kindness Day was introduced by the World Kindness Movement, a global coalition of kindness organizations, in 1998 to encourage individuals and communities to prioritize kindness and goodwill as fundamental values. Since then, World Kindness Day has gained recognition and participation from people around the world.

You can participate in World Kindness Day to make a positive difference in the world. Here are some ways to get involved:

Perform acts of kindness. Throughout the day, consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbour, complimenting a colleague or donating to a charity.

Spread positivity. Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.

Volunteer. Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.

Donate. Make a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education or healthcare.

Teach kindness. Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.

Random acts of kindness. Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.

Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others or yourself, motivated by genuine warm feelings. Evidence shows that helping others can benefit our own mental health and wellbeing – when we help others, it can promote changes in the brain that are linked with happiness. Acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing, improved support networks, and an increased likelihood of being active. Performing acts of kindness creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation. Helping others is thought to be one of the ways people create, maintain and strengthen their social connections.

Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone and may encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.

If you have the power to make someone happy, do it! The world needs more of that. Let’s make kindness the norm.

For more inspiration, visit randomactsofkindness.org or scan the QR code for a daily dose of kindness.

Taneil Zanidean is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Recovery Alberta Mental Health and Addiction Services