When was the last time you snapped at someone because you weren’t in a good mood? We’re often so overworked, caught up in our own thoughts and hustle that we forget people around us also have their fair share of troubles and bad days. It doesn’t take much to show some everyday kindness to someone, whether that’s the person cleaning your office, a colleague or family member.

Here are five simple ways you can show everyday kindness to people in your life

Take a deep breath

Next time you feel like snapping at someone, take a deep breath and count to ten. This will allow you to pause for a moment and reconsider your reaction. Can what you want to say be conveyed in a calmer manner? Think about how you’d want someone to speak to you if you were in their place.

How to Stay Creative Under Pressure

Offer a listening ear

Sometimes, when it comes to showing everyday kindness, all a person wants is someone to listen to them. If someone is having a bad day or you’re on the receiving end of someone’s temper, ask them if they’d like to talk about what’s bothering them. Suggest going for a walk or grabbing a quick bite together — this will allow them to have a change of pace and allow them to vent to you about whatever it is that’s on their mind. Perhaps you can even offer a perspective to the situation they hadn’t thought about.

Help

Reach out to a friend who is going through a tough time and ask if you can help with any chores, whether that’s picking up something from the grocery store when you’re running errands, or it could be watching their child while they get a quick breather or have time to focus on other tasks.

5 Reasons Why You Should Laugh More Often

Let go

Often the simplest way you can show everyday kindness is letting go of the grudges you hold and hitting reset. This also applies to yourself. Life is already too stressful and hectic for us to hold on to the small things. Did someone cut you off on your way to work? Let it go. Messed up during a presentation? Let it go because you’re only human. Additionally, find coping mechanisms to release the stress: whether it’s simply writing it down in a journal or boxing your frustrations out.

Simple acts

Even simple acts such as buying someone a cup of coffee, holding the door open for a colleague, sending a text message checking in or even buying the neighbourhood dog a treat can help us be kinder toward one another. It doesn’t take much, but a helpful gesture can go a long way.

Opinion: What is Beauty?

These everyday kindness acts are simple to incorporate in our daily life. And by being kinder to someone, you’re also creating a support group of who’ll be there for you when you’re having a rough day. Plus, you’re also building good karma, and who doesn’t want that? Share your thoughts …

About the Author

Aakanksha Tangri, is a producer, writer, and advocate, in addition to being the founder of Re:Set where she never shies away from topics such mental health, well-being, disabilities, and inclusion.