Here at Zip Code East Bay, we pride ourselves on kindness, connectivity, and building community. We believe that gestures of thoughtfulness and generosity, no matter how big or small, help to build a kinder world.
It turns out that kindness is infectious. Studies show that helping others may make you happier in return. And you never know, your actions may set off an even bigger chain reaction.
Below you’ll find some simple but fun ideas for how you can pay it forward without the need for a lot of time or money.
15 Random Acts of Kindness to Try Today
- Express that compliment. If you’re thinking something nice, go ahead and say it
- In line for coffee? Pay for the person behind you
- Put an extra few dollars in the tip jar
- Take your neighbor’s recycling bins to the curb
- Make eye contact and smile at those you pass on your way home from work
- Catch up with your neighbors
- Pick up litter
- Call your mom, grandpa, old friend, anyone you’ve been thinking about lately
- Send a friend a “thinking of you” postcard
- Ask coworkers if they want anything when you head out for lunch or coffee
- Give up the parking space you’re both vying for
- Leave a nice comment on someone’s social media post
- Pay someone’s toll
- Offer to take the photo the next time you see someone snapping a selfie
- Share overheard compliments
- Be kind to yourself too! When you hear a discouraging voice in your head, tell yourself something positive. As Roald Dahl said, “if you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”
And, if you do pay it forward, let us know how it was received or if it led to an even bigger chain reaction by dropping us a line at hello@zipcodeeastbay.com or using the hashtag #ZCEB. We love a good kindness story!
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