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Culture September 14, 2017
Being nice is a gift to everyone. Even you.
With all the negativity in this world, National Do Something Nice Day is dedicated to bring out the best in people.
Each year on October 5th, many people around the world come together on Do Something Nice Day to do something, well, nice. No matter how big or small the act is, it’s the thought that counts. Besides, it’s good for you.
“People who engage in kind acts become happier over time,” Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, told The Huffington Post. “When you are kind to others, you feel good as a person — more moral, optimistic and positive.”
And to celebrate this day, we wanted to show you some ways you can be nice on National Do Something Nice Day.
There are plenty of awesome non-profit organizations out there. We guarantee you’ll find something that best suits your interests and needs. You can volunteer at animal shelters, food pantries, retirement homes and foster homes. There are even organizations that work to help the planet and organizations that work to help women getting out of abusive relationships. Everyone could use your help.
But how do you choose the right organization for you? Well first, figure out a cause you are passionate about. Then, Google nearby organizations that stand for the causes you want to fight for. And as you’re doing research, also make sure that you’re able to commit to the volunteer requirements listed on the site (i.e. transportation and time).
Donating is really important and can change a person’s day. Whether it’s your pocket change or you write a check for a foundation you support, any amount can be greatly appreciated.
Keep in mind, though, donating doesn’t just mean monetary donations. There are a lot of different ways to donate. For example, think of some things you don’t need or use any more. Do you have clothes you don’t wear anymore or don’t fit? Don’t just throw them in a box or throw them away. Clothing is something that can be donated to different thrift stores.
“Goodwill” is a thrift store where you can donate clothes you don’t want, and they get sold at much lower prices for people who don’t have a lot of money. Another great place to donate your clothes is “Out of the Closet.” All the money made from your old clothes gets donated towards helping the AIDS healthcare foundation.
If you don’t have the time to do the two examples above, but still want to take part in National Do Something Nice Day, just make someone laugh.
Whether or not you think your joke is funny, people will often just laugh because you tried. As long as you hear them laugh or even smile, then you’ve done your part. You never know what someone is going through in their everyday lives, so making someone smile could make an incredibly big difference.
Thomas Benz of RehaClinic in Switzerland says, “Humor can be used specifically as a cognitive technique, for example, in terms of a distraction to control the pain and increase pain tolerance.” Laughter takes away your pain and the stress of everything that is going on in your life. Be the person who takes way that pain for someone, even if it’s only for a couple minutes.
Maybe there’s someone you haven’t spent much time with. Or maybe there’s just someone you want to genuinely say thank you to. Buy this person food.
And you know what? You don’t even have to limit this to your personal circle. You can buy someone in need food. Or, if you plan on going through the drive thru on this day, why don’t you pay for the person’s meal behind you? It’s a nice unexpected thing to do. And even if you won’t see the person’s reaction, just know you’ve made their day.
Food brings people together and it’s the one thing that almost always guarantees a smile. Because, really, who doesn’t love food?
If you see someone struggling or if they look like they need some help, don’t be afraid to give them a helping hand. Whether it’s helping someone cross the street or holding the door open for someone, the little things are the acts of kindness that are most appreciated.
Don’t always wait until people ask you for help. Instead, take the initiative and just offer your services. But of course, also be respectful. If someone insists they don’t need help after you’ve offered, then it’s okay to back off. At least this way, they’ll remember you as someone to call on when they do need a helping hand in the future.
We hope these ideas inspire you to go out there on National Do Something Nice Day and make someone’s day a whole lot better. But remember, you don’t only have to do these acts of kindness on just October 5th. Try to apply these to your everyday life. It can help you and others more than you know.
