• Someone you don’t know
• Someone you know
• Yourself

Someone you don’t know

This is pretty simple and can quickly become a habit. (That’s a good thing!)

Smile. When you’re in a depressingly long line at the bank, watching a parent deal with their toddler’s public meltdown or sitting next to another car in traffic, a kind grin goes a long way when you’re feeling a bit hopeless about the daily hassles in life.

Someone you know

Take a moment to think about who in your life may be a little touch-deficient. Maybe you know someone who is recently widowed, a single parent with older children or a new empty-nester. Maybe even a young teenager in an especially introverted stage of awkwardness.

Make it a point to touch someone. It could be a warm hand shake, high-five or great hug, whatever is appropriate for that person and situation. Touch is shown to make us happier and healthier and it benefits both you and the receiver!

Yourself

People depend on you, so it’s important to take care of yourself. If you’ve only got a few minutes, steal away and flip through a great magazine. If you can set aside some more time, get a massage, go for a walk by yourself to recharge or enjoy some window shopping.

Kindness doesn’t have to cost you anything and it doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. A little goes a long way!