Social Wellness: Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024
.png)
February 8, 2024
Random Acts of Kindness Day is coming up and it is much more than a fun name, it is a reminder of all the benefits there are when we are kind to others. Random acts of kindness are spontaneous, often small gestures of goodwill or generosity that individuals perform to bring positivity and happiness to others without expecting anything in return. Putting others’ needs before your own doesn’t have to be monumental, either. Usually, these acts are unplanned and can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, paying for a stranger's coffee, complimenting someone, saying “thank you” or “good morning/afternoon”, or helping someone carry their groceries.
The essence of random acts of kindness lies in their unexpectedness and genuine desire to make someone's day a little brighter. These acts can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward and creating a chain of positivity and goodwill in communities. In the UK there was a study which showed that being kind boosted happiness in just three days. The Mayo Clinic writes, “Kindness can increase your sense of connectivity with others, decrease loneliness, combat low mood, and improve relationships. It also can be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds.”
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, but if you are up for a challenge, try to extend it for a whole week or more! In support of our hospitals, we suggest ways to promote kindness in the workplace, these include:
-
Leave post-its with encouraging messages around the office.
-
Invite someone out for coffee.
-
Compliment someone on a job well done.
-
Donate towels and blankets to a shelter (or other items they may need).
-
Pick up litter along the road near your hospital (but, safety first!).
-
Take care of yourself with mental breaks.
If you are a part of Team Vetcor, ask your Hospital Manager for other ways you can infuse more kindness into your work day. For more information on how to join in, visit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
