It can seem like every time we turn on the TV or browse social media, negative stories bombard us. I don’t know about you, but I would rather more exposure to the good in the world. What if the type of stories filling our newsfeed were examples of kindness and integrity? What a profound impact that might have on our day.

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week. For the reasons above and many more, I plan to partake!

Random Acts of Kindness Week started February 14th and ends February 20th. Similar to the social holiday, Giving Tuesday, the mission of Random Acts of Kindness Week is to fill your soul up with joy and remind people that good does exist in this amazing world.

There are several ways that the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation recommends you get involved. We’ve taken their super helpful 50 acts of kindness ideas and broken them up into categories depending on your personality type. Some might appeal to you while others might make your skin crawl. While we aren’t telling you not to get out of your comfort zone, we do want to help you plan something that is realistic for you.

You can choose something that immediately appeals to you, or something totally atypical for you- either way you will make someone’s day and your own in the process- trust me!

Share your act of kindness on social media with the hashtag #RAKWEEK:

50 Acts of Kindness by Personality Type:

The Shy Type:

You would rather remain anonymous.

• Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, school, etc.
• Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.
  Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
• Leave quarters at the laundromat.
• Leave unused coupons next to corresponding products in the grocery store.
• Leave a note on someone’s car telling them how awesome they parked.
• Place a positive body image notes in jean pockets at a department store.
  When you’re throwing something away on the street, pick up any litter around you and put that in the trash too.
• Pay the toll for the person behind you.
  Leave a box of goodies in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
  Tape coins around a playground for kids to find.

The Outgoing Type:

Ham it up for the good of others!

• Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
• Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.
• Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
• Throw a party to celebrate someone just for being who they are, which is awesome.
• Encounter someone in customer service who is especially kind? Take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.
• Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
• Smile at five strangers.
• Hold up positive signs for traffic or in a park for people exercising outside!
• While you’re out, compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.
• Everyone is important. Learn the name of your office security guard, the person at the front desk and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. Also say “hello” to strangers and smile. These acts of kindness are so easy, and they almost always make people smile.
• Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.

The Giver:

Do you shop more for others than for yourself? These ideas are perfect for you.

• Tell someone they dropped a dollar (even though they didn’t). Then give them a dollar.
• Give away stuff for free on Craig’s List.
• Buy a plant. Put it in a terracotta pot. Write positive words that describe a friend on the pot. Give it to that friend!
• Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford.
  Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
• Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital.
  Take muffins or cookies to your local librarians.

The Sentimental:

You write love notes, thank you cards, and thoughtful texts like its your job.

• Send a positive text message to five different people right now.
• Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for coworker or connection.
  Write a kind message on your mirror with a dry erase marker for yourself, your significant other or a family member.
• Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
• Write a positive comment on your favorite blog, website, or a friend’s social media account.
• Write a gratitude list in the morning and again in the evening.
• Put 50 paper hearts in a box. On each cutout write something that is special about your partner or a friend. Give them the box and tell them to pull out a heart anytime they need a pick-me-up.
• Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
• Send a ‘Thank you’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
• Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.

The Practical Type:

You would rather meet a need than give a frivolous gift.

• Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
• Let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
• Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
• Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.
• Have a clean up party at a beach or park.
• Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
• Put your phone away while in the company of others.
• Set an alarm on your phone to go off at three different times during the day. In those moments, do something kind for someone else.
• Practice self-kindness and spend 30 minutes doing something you love today.

Remember that even the smallest act of kindness can be powerful. Not to mention, performing a random act of kindness is good for you, like a boomerang. Scientific studies have shown that an act of kindness improves your life satisfaction because your sense of belonging and self-wroth increase. In addition, your health improves since acts of kindness lower blood pressure, anxiety and depression.

So get out there, join #RAKWEEK to help bring more positivity into this world and put a smile on those around you!

What are you going to do to participate in #RAKWEEK? Let us know in the comments!