random acts of kindnessThis coming week is International Random Acts of Kindness week.

This blog article has 50 great ways that we can impact positively other people.

Helping others in this way has a very positive impact on our own happiness, as well as those that we help.

Dr Richard Stevens from the Open University has suggested a great set of activities to make us happier. Points 6 an 10 are connected to the random acts of kindness. He suggests we try these regularly for two months:

  1. Take half an hour of exercise three times a week
  2. Count your blessings. At the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you are grateful for
  3. Have an hour-long, uninterrupted conversation with your partner or closest friends each week
  4. Plant something: even if it’s in a window box or pot. Keep it alive!
  5. Cut your TV viewing by half
  6. Smile and say hello to a stranger at least once a day
  7. Make contact with at least one friend or relation you have not been in contact with for a while and arrange to meet
  8. Give yourself a treat every day. Take time to really enjoy this.
  9. Have a good laugh at least once a day
  10. Do an extra good turn for someone each day

Have a go and see how it goes. Let me know!

Image credit: FreeImages.com Michael Illuchine