Random acts of kindness spread goodwill and happy hormones, it even has its own day of the year. The best part is that kindness is as cheap as fresh air and as contagious as the flu, but some people see kindness as a weakness or something to be ashamed of. We disagree. Below you’ll discover great reasons to practice random acts of kindness and ideas you can try today.

Positive psychology is the science of how positivity helps us flourish, live longer, and lead more fulfilling lives. Studies show that people who are subjectively happier, in general, are also kinder people. They volunteer, donate to meaningful charities, and practice random acts of kindness. 

Kindness makes you more aware of gratitude, empathy, and compassion. These help you feel more connected to others and less alone. Showing empathy, compassion, and gratitude toward others also helps you practice self-forgiveness and self-love.

In fact, highly anxious people that perform acts of kindness are able to reduce anxiety, improve interpersonal relationships, and have an easier time socializing. Because helping others creates a similar effect within yourself, you feel less isolated. 

If you see someone committing an unprovoked act of kindness, tell a friend. Let them know how it made you feel and make plans to vandalize the world with your own acts of love. You don’t have to have a lot of money or time to do something great. Practicing kindness for as little as 10 days can have a significant impact on your sense of wellbeing.

The list below will help you get started:

• Give a compliment to a stranger
• Give someone your seat on a crowded bus or subway
• Buy a meal for someone in need
• Make a meal for someone
• Help someone struggling to carry their groceries
• Keep plastic bags filled with snacks in your car to give to the homeless
• Bring treats to your local fire station or healthcare workers like these Scrumptious lemon pistachio muffins
• Participate in a charity walk or run
• Pay for someone's meal at the table next to you 
• Signup for a shift at your local soup kitchen
• Donate a vacation or a sick day to a colleague that is struggling with an illness or caring for a sick loved one
• Leave treats in the breakroom for your coworkers like these White chocolate meltaways
• Bring a Creme brulee latte to an office assistant
• Make this Creamy chicken pasta bake with broccoli and romanesco for a neighbor/colleague who has just had a baby or surgery

More than 75% of doctor visits are due to stress-related illness. The thing about stress is that it can come at you from any direction, including from things we love. Practicing acts of kindness releases the wonder hormone, oxytocin, which counteracts the effects of stress. 

Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone”. It triggers an avalanche of positive chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, nitric oxide, and others that make you feel great and lower your blood pressure. Practicing kindness like volunteering can boost your immune system, reduce anger, anxiety, and depression.

Long story short, being kind isn’t simply a ‘nice to do’, it’s the gateway to a happier, healthier life. At a2 Milk®, we know building positive routines into your life like practicing kindness isn’t always easy. It requires patience, persistence, and self-acceptance. That’s why we celebrate creating a holistic, sustainable lifestyle for you and your family with food that nourishes your body and your soul. Just don’t forget to grab the a2 Milk® at your local grocer.