A kind word, a helping hand or simply taking the time to listen might seem like a small gesture, but it can make a real difference to someone’s day.
World Kindness Day, which takes place on 13 November each year, is an opportunity to think about how we treat the people around us and the simple things we can do to make our college, workplaces and communities more positive and supportive.
You don’t need to make a grand gesture to show kindness. Here are some simple ways you can make a difference.
1. Check in with someone
Sometimes, simply asking someone how they are can mean a lot.
If a classmate, colleague or friend seems quieter than usual, take a moment to check in with them. You don’t need to have all the answers or try to solve whatever they might be dealing with – listening and showing that you care can be valuable in itself.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until someone appears to be struggling. Taking an interest in the people around you is an easy way to build positive relationships.
2. Include others and offer to help
Making an effort to include and help other people is a simple way to show kindness.
If you notice someone sitting alone or not getting involved in a conversation, consider inviting them to join you. You could speak to someone you don’t usually spend time with or make an effort to include everyone during group work.
There may also be opportunities to lend a helping hand. Perhaps a classmate is struggling to understand something you’ve already got to grips with, a colleague has a particularly busy day or someone simply needs pointing in the right direction.
Small gestures like these can make someone’s day a little easier.
3. Give someone encouragement
A little encouragement can go a long way, especially when someone is learning something new.
If a classmate has done a good job, tell them. If someone is struggling with a new skill, encourage them to keep going. You could also thank someone who has helped you or let a colleague know that you appreciate something they’ve done.
Positive feedback doesn’t need to be complicated. A genuine “well done” or “thank you” can be enough.
4. Be patient
Everyone has difficult days, and we don’t always know what someone else might be dealing with outside college or work.
Someone might be tired, worried about an upcoming assessment, dealing with something in their personal life or simply having a bad day.
Being patient, avoiding quick judgements and giving people the benefit of the doubt where appropriate are simple ways to show kindness in everyday situations.
5. Think about kindness online
Kindness matters online too.
Before sending a message or posting a comment, take a moment to think about how it might come across to the person reading it. Tone can be particularly difficult to judge online, and something intended as a joke may not always be received that way.
Using group chats and online spaces positively, sharing helpful information and avoiding unnecessary negative comments can all contribute to a more supportive environment.
6. Remember to be kind to yourself
World Kindness Day is also a useful reminder to consider how you speak to yourself.
Studying can come with challenges. You might make a mistake, find an assignment difficult, receive a result you’re disappointed with or have a day when you simply don’t get as much done as you hoped.
Try to give yourself the same patience you would offer a friend or classmate in the same situation. Learn from mistakes where you can, ask for help when you need it and recognise the progress you’re making along the way.
Kindness doesn’t need to cost anything or take a lot of time. Often, it’s the small everyday actions that can have the biggest impact.
This World Kindness Day, why not choose one simple thing you can do for someone else? Start a conversation with someone new, send a message to check in with a friend, offer to help a classmate or simply tell someone you appreciate them.
While World Kindness Day provides a good reason to think about these things, kindness doesn’t have to be limited to one day. Small actions throughout the year can help make college, workplaces and the communities around us more positive places to be.