This Friday is World Kindness Day!

Set up in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs, with the mission to spread kindness around the world.
 
This year we are all facing the challenges of the pandemic and restrictions to our normal
lives through lockdowns.  But for the many this time will be particularly challenging either
through illness, loss of loved ones or worries about money and job security.

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself..."
Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Benefits of kindness
Kindness not only benefits those we help but also ourselves.  It makes look outside of ourselves and appreciate those around us. Research has proven that regularly undertaking acts of kindness can: 

• reduce stress  
• improve emotional wellbeing
• benefit physical health
• bring a sense of belonging and reduce isolation
• get rid of negative feelings 

However, at the moment it might feel that we can’t do much from our homes but we can!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Leo Buscaglia, 1924 - 1998 

​Here are just a few ideas for acts of kindness, and not all of them need to cost you
financially:

For Friends and Family:

• Check in on your neighbours – if you’re able to go out ask if they need any shopping
• Put out the bins for your neighbour
• Text or call a friend, ask how they’re doing. It’s difficult not being able to meet up at the moment but a phone call can be just the thing we need to feel more connected to our friends and family.
• Send a thank you email to a friend or colleague

york.foodbank.org.ukIn the community:

• Undertake a litter pick in your local area
• Say hello or good morning to people you see 
• Donate to York Foodbank – we provide a donation point at our pharmacy store in Huntington. Providing help and support to those in need in our area, York Foodbank are busier than ever and need our support in order to reach those in need in our community. We hope to be able to make regular deliveries to the Food Bank with donations from our generous customers.

• Donate to Christmas toy appeal. There are numerous charities who provide toys to children who wouldn’t otherwise receive a gift on Christmas Day. Check out Yorkshire Children's Trust.
• Write positive reviews on Facebook or Google for local businesses you have visited. 
• Buy a coffee for the person behind you, or leave a ‘pay it forward’ donation, a number of businesses are running this scheme at the moment.

Nature:

• Set up a bird feeder in your garden
• Feed the ducks on your walk
• Adopt a rescue animal rather than buying from a breeder
• Donate old towels, blankets and food to a local animal shelter

​And most importantly be kind to YOURSELF! Take time to enjoy a walk, some time in nature, a book, a bath, some baking – whatever feels like a treat to you. Afterall you can’t pour from an empty cup! 

What should you wear for World Kindness Day?
Everyone is encouraged to wear a cardigan as a symbol of kindness – so let’s cosy up in our cardigans and spread some kindness on Friday 13th November! 
 
Share with us your ideas for kindness or kindness that has been shown to you, we’d love to hear about your experiences, leave us a comment below.