• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Conditions / Mental Health / 11 ways to be kind to others

    A lady receiving a latte from a work colleague.
    A lady receiving a latte from a work colleague.

    11 ways to be kind to others

    As the saying goes, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

    It really is one of the best things you can be.

    And what is more, being kind is easy enough to do and need not cost you a single penny.

    We are all too aware of friends and families who struggle, for a myriad of reasons, and very often, your decision to be kind, might not only help to cheer them up, but it could be pivotal to them getting through that day.

    Whether it is strangers or friends and family, it is great to spread kindness to the people that surround you.

    So here are eleven ways in which you can spread some joy to others. Being kind is not just limited to World Kindness Day, so why not try one of these out for yourself today?

    1.      Consider what you say before you speak

    This is great advice for all areas of your life: always be kind when you speak.

    The old saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ is just not true. Consider whether your words are likely to hurt someone, intentionally or unintentionally, before you say them.

    This goes for social media as well. It is easy to be unkind when you are safely behind a screen and a keyboard but always worth considering how your words might affect someone.

    If you think that your words could be perceived as unkind in any way, then simply do not send that text or tweet.

    2.      Give someone a compliment

    How great does it feel when someone says they like your hair, coat or bag?

    Kind words cost nothing at all and give you a little spring in your step, as well as a confidence boost. If there is something that you like about someone, then tell them.

    3.      Surprise someone with a visit or phone call

    A surprise visit, phone call or text shows someone that you are thinking about them.

    In the UK, 45% of adults feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely1 so it is great to offer people your friendship and support.

    Older people are more likely to suffer from loneliness so be sure to check up on grandparents and elderly neighbours.

    4.      Pay for someone’s coffee

    If you can afford to, when you are getting your morning coffee, why not pay for the next person’s in the queue as well?

    This random act of kindness will really make their day and give you a good feeling to boot!

    5.      Smile at strangers

    It is difficult to be kind if you are always looking down.

    Instead of walking round with a neutral expression on your face, why not smile at every one you pass? You are bound to get a few smiles back as it is so infectious – which will increase your happiness as well as theirs!

    If you are feeling extra friendly, you might even say hello or good morning to the people that you pass!

    Not only will it pass a little bit of kindness on to others, but you will also feel good, as smiling helps you to keep a positive mindset.

    6.      Help a colleague

    Perhaps one of your colleagues is struggling with a deadline or would like to learn something that you are already well-versed in. Why not help them out with five minutes of your time?

    7.      Praise a colleague

    Speaking of work, when someone has done a good job, make sure you tell them they have.

    It is always lovely to hear that you have done well! If possible (and it won’t cause embarrassment), raise this in front of the rest of the team or other co-workers as well.

    8.      Hold the door open

    This quick and easy act is a great way to pass on some kindness.

    You can either open the door and let someone walk through it first or, if that seems a little outdated, why not walk through the door first and then ensure that you hold it open for the person behind you?

    9.      Give your time or money

    There are lots of charities that need help so if you can afford to, donate some time or money to one (or some!) of them.

    There are approximately 168,000 registered charities in the UK alone2 so you are bound to find one which fits in with your interests and passions.

    10. Let someone go in front of you at the supermarket

    If you have got a big trolley of shopping and the person behind you had just a few items, let them go first.

    They will not hold you up by much and they will really appreciate your kind gesture.

    11. Give someone your car park ticket

    Paid for all day car parking but leaving early? Then why not pass on your your car park ticket to someone just arriving?

    You have already paid for it and so it will not go to waste and will save the other person a couple of pounds.

    You might just make someone’s day!

    Read more: Taking care of yourself: Self-care ideas

    Last Updated: 28th January 2021

    bhupesh-panchal2

    Author: Bhupesh Panchal, Regulatory Affairs

    • Joined Holland & Barrett: April 2019
    • Qualifications: Masters Degree in Toxicology, BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry

    Bhupesh started his career as a clinical toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.
    Bhupesh specialises in vitamins & minerals nutrition, health benefits & safety of botanicals and traditional herbal medicines. View Bhupesh’s LinkedIn profile.

    In his spare time, Bhupesh likes to cycle and has been learning to speak Korean for several years.

    Sources
    1 https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/
    2 https://www.statista.com/topics/3781/charities-in-the-uk/

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Mental Health Mind and Body

    You may also like

    Five ways to improve health and wellbeing

    Article

    Five ways to improve health and wellbeing

    Staying in good health is important to all of us. The best way to do..

    READ MORE...
    Why am I always tired? Common causes of fatigue and how to beat them

    Article

    Why am I always tired? Common causes of fatigue and how to beat them

    Feeling exhausted is very common amongst adults and there is usually a good reason to..

    READ MORE...
    8 ways to be kind to yourself

    Article

    8 ways to be kind to yourself

    You are always busy looking after everyone else - but are you paying enough attention..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.