World Kindness Day for 2019 has come and gone this week, but we hope the message behind the day lingers much longer.

According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, which promotes spreading kindness, there are many benefits to being kind to others, including increased energy, happiness and even a longer lifespan. In addition, the organization states research shows giving kindness decreases pain, stress, anxiety, depression and blood pressure.

If you’re not already making a concerted effort to show kindness to those around you, we encourage you to consider some of the following ideas given by the foundation. Not only can you make the lives of those around you a little brighter, but you’ll find that in return, your life will be better, too. 

• Write a positive comment on a website or a blog.

• Leave quarters at the laundromat.

• Buy lemonade from a stand.

• Have a judgement-free day.

• Praise a local business online.

• Don’t jump to conclusions.

• Leave a generous tip.

• Write a handwritten letter.

• Befriend someone new to the community.

• Compliment a parent on how well behaved their child is.

• Ship a care package.

• Complain less.

• Run or walk a 5K for a cause.

• Pick up trash around town.

• Write one thank-you note a week.

• Send an encouraging email.

You’ll find that once you get started, you won’t want to stop, and others will likely want to join the fun, too.