Feel like the cold has sucked some of the love out of February? With the end of the month coming near, it also means the end of Random Acts of Kindness month.
Luckily, you still have some time left to feel all lovey-dovey by being kind to those around you, because who says doing random acts of kindness is solely confined to February?
Here are some simple, small ideas to make not only your day, but those around you:
- Leave a nice note for your roommate or a friend. They’ll definitely appreciate a surprise note from you reminding them how awesome they are.
- Do some early spring cleaning by donating to a local thrift shop. When was the last time you wore that sweater in the back of your closet, or used the purse you got years ago? Give your clothes some purpose again — it’ll feel great to help someone who may really need it.
- Make conversation with a stranger on the bus. You never know how much a person may need a simple “hi” from a stranger, and you may even make a new friend.
- Hold the door for someone behind you. College students are constantly on the go, walking in and out of buildings all day. Holding the door open for someone with their hands full, an older person, a visiting family or your peers will stand out to someone and potentially brighten up their day.
- Smile. Winter is dreary enough, simply smiling while walking around campus can encourage others around you to smile as well. Also, smiling is proven to boost your mood, so it’s a win-win for all.
- Thank a bus driver at the end of your ride. With treacherous winter sidewalks and more people riding buses, the 80s have become war zones. Take the extra second to yell, “Thanks!” to the bus driver before you leave the bus. Bus drivers spend many hours a day carting people around campus, most of the time without any recognition. Share your gratitude with the driver — nobody wants to walk up Bascom and they just helped you out.
- Learn the names of people around you. The guy you always talk to in discussion, the cashier at Gordon’s or someone you see around your dorm. You'll be surprised at how happy it'll make them to show that you care enough to ask.
- Make plans with a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Maybe there's an old friend from high school, or a friend from the beginning of the semester that you lost touch with along the way. Check in on them and see what's new. It doesn’t have to last long, but even short interactions to show you care can go a long way.
- Take a moment to thank your TA after class. They work really hard to make class beneficial for you, earn their teaching certification and ultimately help you succeed. Unless they’re the TA that everyone raves about, they don't always get recognition.
- Join the Badger Acts of Kindness club — the club works to keep the friendly feeling going all year long! If these ideas excite you, join the club that embodies them all.
It sounds cheesy but being kind in unexpected ways can lead to unexpected friendships and make a lasting impact on those around you. With every action there is a reaction. Your simple, random act of kindness will surely cause a domino effect on campus.
Take some time to get to know people you wouldn't have known, and maybe you'll make a new best friend. Say thank you to the people who do thankless jobs, change your own personal outlook and simply take the time to show you care.
