Now that it’s finally November, and with World Kindness Day on the 13th, there’s no better time to be nice to those around you. All being nice costs is your time, thought and effort. And in return, you’ll make people smile in delight. From surprising someone with a fun day out to helping someone in need, here are 5 acts of kindness you can use to be a nicer person this ‘Nice November’.
1. ‘Cook’ The Part
Who doesn’t enjoy feasting on a delicious home-cooked meal? Whether it’s a simple toasted cheese sandwich or a 4-course meal worthy of a Michelin star, cooking delectable comfort food for a loved one (or a stranger) is one of many acts of kindness. But, don’t worry if you can’t cook. You can also delight them with a yummy deli platter or a snack hamper, featuring tasty nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, different types of cheese, preserves and crackers. Just don’t forget to treat them to a mouth-watering dessert. Think freshly made doughnuts, chocolate cupcakes, dipped strawberries and even Château Gâteaux cakes, sure to leave them smacking their lips!
2. Give Them Their ‘Pic’ Of Treats
Another small act of kindness is to take that someone special out on a picnic. If a loved one is feeling blue, this is the perfect way to get them out of the house, in the sunshine and breathing fresh, crisp air. And be sure to fill your picnic basket with a tantalising array of fresh fruit and biltong and droëwors for them to snack on. And, why not include some fine alcohol, like a bottle of wine or bubbly? No matter what, remember to include a soft and fluffy blanket for them to sit on while snacking, and just like that, their day will be made!
3. ‘Plant’ The Seed
You can also be nice by lending a helping hand to those in need. A lovely was to do so is to help them in their garden. After all, gardens can improve moods, reduce stress and increase joy. So having a garden really is just how to be a nicer person. Help someone out by planting seeds, watering plants, pruning or tiding up. Or, you can even spoil them with a potted plant, like herbs, cacti and succulents, bonsai pots or even flowering plants. This is an especially wonderful way to help elderly family members, or friends and co-workers who are injured, sick or feeling down.
4. Go Old School
Sometimes, a simple act of kindness can make someone’s day, or even life, so much more joyous. And you don’t need to go out of your way to show you care, all you need to do is go old school. Yes, we’re talking about a good old-fashioned movie night! Invite a new colleague, an old friend, or a lonely distant relative to watch a movie, either at home or at the cinema, like the good old days. And, it’s not a movie night without snacks, so be sure to stock up on popcorn, chocolate boxes or candy jars, and a beer crate to wash down those delights.
5. Send Re-‘cards’
Another random act of kindness is to simply compliment that special person. Tell them how nice you think their new purse is, or how funny you think they are. This may seem a bit too easy, but we all love hearing how much we inspire others. And if they live far away, you can still give them your compliments, with a personalised greeting card. Whether you miss them or want to show your appreciation, a thank you card or an occasion card will go a long way towards showing them how much you care.
Just Be Nice
No matter who you’re being nice towards, what they mean to you or how you feel about them, these acts of kindness towards other people will boost your confidence, make you feel happier, make you a more generous gift-giver and increase your optimism. And in turn, this will encourage others to be nice too, making the world a happier place for everyone, and not just on Kindness Day. So, just be nice.
