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Random Acts of Kindness
February is an extremely important month! Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we also have the opportunity to participate, observe and celebrate something everyone is capable of … KINDNESS! Random Acts of Kindness Week is Feb. 9-15, 2025 and Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed on Feb. 17, 2025. Many people consider niceness and kindness to be the same thing, however there are some important differences that should be addressed when considering how kindness and niceness can impact mental health. While both “kindness” and “niceness” are positive attributes for anyone to have and demonstrate, the major difference in my opinion would be the depth of each quality. Niceness can easily be associated with being agreeable, well-mannered and pleasant, whereas kindness suggests that someone has a deeper concern toward others with evidence of compassion and action, rather than simply exchanging pleasantries and being easygoing. One is surface level and the other is deeper, having and showing genuine care and action toward oneself or others.
While being nice can positively impact the short-term mental health of oneself and others, kindness most likely has a longer-term impact because there is not only an exchange of pleasantries, but there is empathy and action as well! For instance, instead of being nice by telling someone directions to the toilet paper aisle, kindness would tell them where that aisle is in addition to leading them to that aisle. Nice is complementing someone’s shoes, whereas kindness is helping someone carry their groceries to their car. Both are positive; however, one requires personal involvement of self for someone else’s benefit. Relating this to mental health, instead of telling someone where to seek help, or everyone’s favorite “If you need anything let me know”; calling mental health providers with that person, taking them to schedule an appointment or simply being with them in the moment will go so much further than nice words or suggestions. Don’t JUST say … DO! A lot of times, most of the time, actually, simply not being alone during rough times can make all the difference to someone’s mental state. That’s kindness! Sitting with someone who is suffering or struggling. Being congruent with them in their tough times. Showing them empathy and unconditional positive regard. Blasting resources all over social media and promoting things and services is positive; however, personal involvement and action goes so much further and is far more impactful and longer lasting. That is also a difference between nice and kind. Kindness not only impacts the receiver, but also positively impacts the giver of kindness. When we receive or give kindness to others, happy and satisfying chemicals are released!
During this new year, choose kindness! Here are a few ideas of how we can demonstrate kindness:
Visit the elderly and ask them to hear their stories.
Be a friend to a lonely neighbor or peer.
Volunteer at the local food bank or free meal center.
Practice active listening (listen to understand rather than to respond).
Write a handwritten letter and send it rather than typing a short text.
Cook a meal for someone who may be facing food insecurities.
Give positive google reviews to your favorite local business!
Spend time with yourself doing your favorite things.
Take time to pray and verbalize gratitude.
Enjoy nature and include someone to enjoy it with you!
Volunteer in your community.
Become active with your local foster care system for children and/or animals. This doesn’t mean you have to be a foster parent, but your involvement and advocacy would be priceless!
The possibilities are endless! In 2025, choose kindness and remember if you or someone you know needs mental health assistance of any kind, please feel free to reach out to your local community mental health agency or call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline, or call 911 for immediate emergencies.
Take care of yourselves,
– Relo Adams, Mr. Ponca City
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