Guest Blog by BulliesOut – A UK based anti-bullying charity. 

Random Acts of Kindness Day provides us all with a day to really reflect on the importance of kindness – not just to each other but to ourselves as well. It also gives us time to spread the message that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

With what has already taken place in 2020 and continuing into 2021, it seems appropriate that we take every opportunity possible to make another person smile. And a simple act of kindness can have such an effect. Not only that, but it can make us feel good too.

Being kind is for everyone and seeing the impact of our act on another can lift our whole day and hopefully inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ and do the same for another in return. A wave of kindness created from one simple act.

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Random acts of kindness

Listed below are a few examples of acts of kindness that can make a difference. But feel free to explore your own and tell us about them too!

1. Pay someone a compliment.
2. Leave some flowers you’ve picked or send a small gift or picture for someone ‘just because’.
3. Smile at someone.
4. Tell someone who you admire, why you admire them.
5. Send a message to a friend that you know is struggling.
6. Do something nice for someone you may not know very well. Send them a message, hold a door open for them, get in touch, ask how they are, smile and say Hi.

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Be kind to yourself

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself as well. This past year has been tough on us all and many are struggling with their mental health. Take some time out for YOU. Take care of yourself and treat yourself as you would others.

Self-kindness means not judging yourself harshly. It also means not holding yourself to impossibly high standards. And it means putting an end to comparing yourself to others and to beating yourself up for making a mistake, or for not being good enough at something.

Remember, being kind is not just something we do in the offline world – it also relates to our online behaviour. Sadly, the keyboard warriors are still out in force. What is it about a keyboard and screen that makes them think they can say what they want – regardless? Of course, we’re all entitled to an opinion – but keep them as that – an opinion. It doesn’t have to be rude or nasty. You know the saying, “It isn’t what you say, it’s how you say it”? That saying really matters. Because having a discussion about a hot topic can be fulfilling for everyone involved when it doesn’t degenerate into insults, name-calling and rudeness.

Just think before you type. If you don’t like someone’s status – move on, hide or delete it. If you follow an organisation/group etc, don’t stay there just to post nasty, negative comments – unfollow and join something that interests you.

Be kind – kindness really does matter. People really are struggling right now and may not always shout about it. Kindness won’t make everything better, but it will make our lives easier and more rewarding.

And remember, as Aesop said, ‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’

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BulliesOut provide anti-bullying help, support and information to individuals, schools, youth settings and the workplace. Learn more at bulliesout.com. Follow the Host news page and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) for more tips, advice and guidance.