Kindness Made Simple: 21 Compassionate Activity Ideas

For a lot of us, the world feels quite heavy right now. What do we do when things get tough? We come together, connect with our community, and help each other carry the load. For those wanting to spread a little kindness but not sure where to start, here is a list of 21 small, compassionate activity ideas to sprinkle joy into your day. Enjoy, and feel free to share!

1. Look up while you’re walking and give a stranger a smile.
2. Leave a thank you note on your letterbox for your postie.
3. Bring in your neighbour’s bins.
4. Buy a ‘pay it forward’ coffee or meal for someone in need.
5. Spend an afternoon walking in the park and pick up rubbish as you go.
6. Give someone a genuine compliment that’s specific and heartfelt.
7. Surprise your work bestie with a little treat that they love.
8. Cook a meal for a friend and enjoy a nice catch-up together.
9. Donate to a charity that resonates with your values. ProjectKindness (that’s us!) is a great choice for those who believe that every human being deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
10. Offer to handle a task for someone you care for who is struggling at the moment.
11. Share your skills with someone (eg. help a friend set up their veggie garden if you have a green thumb).
12. Offer someone your seat on public transport.
13. Leave a coin in a trolley for the next person to use it.
14. Go through your wardrobe and donate clothes you don’t wear anymore.
15. Message someone important to you to remind them how much they mean to you.
16. Help a stranger carry their groceries.
17. Plant a native tree and watch it flourish for years to come.
18. Volunteer your time with a local charity.
19. Send an encouraging message to a friend who is starting something new.
20. Do something you haven’t done in a while that makes you feel good.
21. Reflect on how each of these activities made you feel and decide whether to make compassionate acts a habit.

Each small act of kindness has a ripple effect, inspiring more kindness in each person it touches. Please take these ideas, check them off as you complete them, and be a beacon of joy for those who need it!