20 Easy Ways to Be Kinder to Others (& Yourself)

Every time you do something nice for others—without expecting anything in return—you make the world just that much better. Are we saying that putting change in someone else’s parking meter is going to solve the world’s problems? Obviously not. But it will make someone’s day a little brighter. And here’s the funny thing about kindness: It’s contagious. That person might just pay it forward and do something considerate or charitable for somebody else, who might do the same and so on and so forth. (Also, being unkind is the opposite of helpful, yes?)  Here’s another cool fact about being kind to others. It doesn’t just benefit them—it will also do good things for you. “Most people around the globe want to be happier,” says Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, University of California Riverside Professor of Psychology and author of The Myths of Happiness. “And one of the most powerful ways [to do that] is actually to make someone else happier by being kind and generous to them.”

Here are three ways that being kind to others can benefit yourself, per Lyubomirsky: “First it can make you happier. Studies show that being kind to others can make you feel good as a person and helps strengthen your relationships.” It’s not exactly clear why this is, but researchers suspect that being generous gives people a sense of doing something that matters. This in turn boosts their mood. “Secondly, practicing kindness can turn your genes on and off. A recent study suggests this can be linked to a stronger immune system.” And, thirdly, in case you need further convincing to just be nice to people, acts of kindness can actually make you more popular. A study of kids aged 9 to 11 showed that simple acts of generosity made them better liked by classmates. So if you want to be happier, healthier and better-liked, do a good deed for someone else. Hey, don’t take it from us—take it from Mr. Rogers. In the words of the iconic children’s show host: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” So with those words of wisdom in mind, here are 25 ways to be kinder.

Wait, isn’t the whole point of this list to learn how to be kind to others? Hear us out. “The root for most human behaviors, emotional responses and dispositions are internal and within our personal psyche,” says Dr. Dean Aslinia, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC. “It is therefore no surprise that if we want to be more kind to others we have to start with ourselves first,” he adds. “In over a decade of clinical counseling practice, I noticed so many of my clients were first and foremost unkind to themselves. Whether that started with not giving themselves permission to experience certain thoughts or feelings, to beating themselves up for how they may have failed a friend or a loved one. This can lead to frequent feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. In order to be more kind to others you need to start being more kind to yourself.” Got that?

Remember that time you were walking down the street someone told you that they liked your dress? You were basically on cloud nine for the entire afternoon. Giving someone a compliment is typically pretty low effort on your behalf but the payoff is huge. In fact, studies have continuously shown how compliments can positively affect our lives. Professor Nick Haslam of the University of Melbourne told HuffPost Australia, “Compliments can lift moods, improve engagement with tasks, enhance learning and increase persistence.” He went on to explain, “Giving compliments is arguably better than receiving them, just as giving gifts or contributing to charity has benefits to the giver.” But here’s the catch: The compliment absolutely has to be genuine. “Faux compliments are likely to have the opposite effect as genuine ones. People who receive them will often feel they are insincere and not well-intentioned, and that undermines any positive effects they might feel about being praised," Haslam said.

A 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’ happiness more than spending the money on themselves. This occurred despite people’s predictions that spending on themselves would make them happier. So think about a cause that’s close to your heart, do some research to find a reputable organization (a service like charity checker can help with that) and set up a recurring donation if you can.

Money isn’t the only way to help those in need. Many organizations and charities need volunteers to help spread the word and reach their goals. Give them a call and ask how you can help.

Don’t you just hate litter? Well, instead of shaking your head at that water bottle at the park, pick it up and put it in the recycling bin. Same goes for stuff left behind on the beach—even if there isn’t a trashcan nearby, take that junk with you and dispose of it when you can. Mother Nature will thank you.

Haven’t you heard? Laughter is good for the soul. But seriously: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. So whether you’re on the phone with your bestie or trying to build an IKEA dresser with your S.O., see if you can get them to crack a smile. But don’t sweat it if you don't have any actually funny jokes up your sleeve. Even watching a funny clip (this one’s a classic) can boost their mood and even relieve pain, according to this University of Oxford study.

We’re of the mindset that unless the service is totally appalling, you should always tip generously. Show people in consumer-facing industries (like the food delivery person or your Uber driver) that you appreciate all they do by tipping 5 percent more than you usually do if you can afford it.

There’s plenty of opportunities to be kinder to people on the road. Here are some ideas: Pay the toll of the driver behind you, put change in someone else’s parking meter if you see that their time is about to expire or let people merge ahead of you (even if you were there first).

Not because it’s their birthday or because it’s a special occasion. Send your bestie, your mom or your neighbor a pretty bunch of flowers just because.  Come on, who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive these bright yellow blooms? 

It’s hard to be nice when you’re angry, upset or annoyed. So here’s a tip from psychologist Dr. Matt Grzesiak: Step away from negativity. “You can catch your own negative thoughts and turn your attention elsewhere,” he says. “It is sometimes best to physically remove yourself from the situation—leave the room, go for a walk. Sometimes separation is the key to becoming more objective and calmer.”

You don’t need Ina Garten-level skills to whip up something delicious. From banana muffins to chocolate sheet cake, these easy baking recipes for beginners are sure to be a hit.

Hey, the planet needs kindness too. Here are some ways you can help the environment, starting today. Start carrying a refillable water bottle. Choose sustainable beauty and fashion. Start a compost. Opt for eco-friendly home products. Donate, recycle or upcycle instead of tossing in the trash. Here are even more ideas for ways to help the planet.

And make it anonymous. (Bonus points if it’s from a local business—see earlier point.)

“People can readily tell you what it means to be a bad listener,” journalist Kate Murphy tells us. “Things like interrupting, looking at your phone, non sequiturs, that type of thing.” To be a better listener and make sure the person you’re speaking with actually feels heard, she recommends asking yourself two questions after every conversation: “What did I learn about that person?” and “How did that person feel about what we were talking about?” If you’re able to answer those questions, she says that by definition, you’re a good listener.

“Forgiveness is crucial to becoming a kinder person,” says Dr. Aslinia. “You need to learn to forgive others for their perceived transgressions towards you.” Can’t seem to get over it? Seek some professional help. “Whether it’s a licensed mental health professional or a life coach, find someone that you feel comfortable with and start letting go of your past pains or angry feelings that make you feel stuck. When you can forgive and let go of the past, you’ll naturally become a kinder person.”

You really want to be nicer to your neighbor, but you just can’t get over the fact that she once fat-shamed your dog. “Oftentimes, our rigid beliefs and thoughts get in the way of our best intentions,” says Dr. Aslinia. So what’s the fix? Try to remember that we all experience life differently. “One of the kindest things you can do is make an effort to understand the perspective of other people.” Ask questions and express an interest in people. Then genuinely listen to what they have to say. “Over time, listening  will help you become less judgmental.” (Hey, maybe Mrs. Beamon once had a pudgy pooch, too.)

Kindness starts at home. From The Giving Tree to Blubber, here are 15 books that teach kids kindness.

You rely on other people’s reviews to decide where to eat or get your hair done—now it’s your turn. And if you happen to come across an outstanding waiter or salesperson, don’t forget to let the manager know about it.

There’s a lot of stress-inducing, negative content out there. Squelch the haters with kindness by posting educational, insightful and motivational content. May we suggest one of these positive quotes?

By sending this list around.