Last Updated on January 6, 2023

What is being kind to others? What are the benefits of kindness to others? And what simple and kind acts can you do today?

If you’re asking these questions, you’re probably in a dilemma on what kindness is. You’re also looking for simple ways to show kindness to others.

If that’s the case, this article is for you.

Here, you’ll learn what is being kind to others. We’ll also gear you up with simple ways on how to be kind to others and how it makes a difference to others.

What is being kind to others and why is it good for you?

Here’s a simple definition of kindness: Showing compassionate acts.

Showing compassion means you treat others with a fresh mind. If you recognize a hint of suffering in every person you meet, you act on it. You don’t ignore it or find a workaround.

Instead, you do everything you can to provide relief for that suffering.

Showing compassion and kindness is good for you. It has physical and psychological benefits.

Let’s explore these benefits:

Physical and psychological health benefits

• Lower blood pressure – Kindness helps you relax. The more relaxed and less stressed you are, the better.
• Stronger and happy heart – Kindness releases a cardioprotective hormone called oxytocin. Other than strengthening your heart, it also makes you feel good.
• Improved immunity – Cancer, and diabetes are two diseases you can prevent with a better lifestyle and immune system.

10 simple ways you can show compassion and be kind to others

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You can show compassion and kindness to others without going over the top.

Here are 10 simple ways:

An old foe

1. Laugh at the past

Studies can attest laughter is the best medicine.

Bring back a memorable event in the past and point out something hilarious about it. The funny element could be anything — a person, item, or place.

For example, bring back the memory you had of a teacher who mispronounced your old foe’s name. Gently say, “Didn’t Mr. Chavez call you Blacky instead of Blake?”

2. Ask them how they’re doing

Strike up an honest conversation with them. If you used to be best friends, you may have to open up, too.

The idea is to make them feel comfortable to confide in you. Once they’re in the zone, ask them how they’re doing.

Are they doing fine? Are they suffering from health issues? Are they in the middle of financial problems?

Whatever it is, let them tell you about it. And be all ears.

3. Assure them that “the fight” is over

Actions speak louder than words, as the classic saying goes.

Sometimes, though, people can misconstrue actions, especially the people you haven’t been with for a long time.

Have you and your old foe gone years without talking to each other and having heavy hearts? If so, speak up.

Assure (and reassure) them you’re not mad at them anymore. And you’re leaving the past behind.

Your friends

4. Remember them on their birthday

This also applies to other occasions you’re 100% certain is special to your friend.

It could be their first work anniversary, the day that marks when they got their first car, or on holidays.

You can arrange for their favorite food to get delivered to their home. You can also call them up and ask what they’re planning to do on that day.

It’s up to you how you show you remember them. What matters is you make them feel special on a particular day.

5. Express gratitude

A simple “Thank you!” can go a long way.

So acknowledge a friend’s presence in your life. Do they make your life more meaningful?

If they do, enumerate the ways. And this is important: Tell them.

This way, they’ll feel happy knowing you’re not taking them for granted. If all goes well, they’ll want to stay in your life for years to come!

Your boss

6. Do your job right

To take a load off your boss’ shoulder, be considerate. And that means you need to focus on your job right.

Sure, you can do your job faster. What they’ll appreciate more, though, is if you finish the job right.

Don’t invest time and energy engaging in things you think they’ll find helpful. There’s a chance they’re not helpful at all. And all that did was waste resources — yours and your boss’.

7. Ask what else you can do to help

While it shows initiative, sometimes taking matters into your own hands is counterproductive. What if they’re not the biggest fan of surprises? In that case, you need to say something first.

So if you want to help your boss, ask. Be specific and tell them you want to reduce their workload.

“Helping” without their knowledge can be disrespectful. If you insist otherwise, you might send your boss into fits of rage.

8. Take initiative

Then there are obvious tasks that need to be done — tasks that need to be done even without your boss’ green light.

For example, there’s a cluttered section in their office. And after a year of observing them, you notice they want their office spotless.

So what do you do? You clean that cluttered area!

Random people

9. Treat them to a satisfying meal

Does someone seem overworked? Do they look tired? Or are they just aficionados of excellent food?

For this, just think randomly and treat the first person or group of people you encounter. They could be your colleagues, family members, or even homeless people.

Regardless of the case, it’s a fine idea to treat random people to a satisfying meal. Food relieves a person of stress. It makes them feel energized — and fantastic, too!

10. Be approachable

Walk around with a friendly face. Strangers will want to go up to you if that’s the case. And if you’re all about wanting to be kind to others, that’s one simple way of doing it.

Walking around with an unapproachable face works against kindness. It also works against you.

The more unapproachable you are, the more people will want to be away from you.

What if they have something urgent to tell you?

For example, you left your purse on a public vehicle. If you’re approachable, these strangers will want to tell you this information. However, if you’re not approachable, they’re more likely to ignore you and the whole situation.

What is being kind to others for you?

Showing compassionate acts.

That’s our definition of kindness in this article. How about your definition, what is being kind to others for you?

How you define kindness is up to you. You can refer to the common definitions of kindness (such as niceness and empathy). Or you can define it on your own.