Make every day a random acts of kindness day
“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” – Morgan Freeman
A random act of kindness can make your day
Sometimes, the little things have the greatest impact. Like someone buying you a coffee, or a smile from a stranger when you’re having a difficult time. An unexpected compliment, or surprise card from your best friend can lift your spirits and even turn your day around – particularly at this time of year.
The second week of February is worldwide Random Acts of Kindness Week – our chance to celebrate the transformational power of intentional kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity. At Zebra Pen, we love this week even more than we love Valentine’s Day.
Kindness is helping the world one person at a time.
Acting with kindness
Little, unremembered acts of kindness are all around us when we look. Kindness is a uniquely human quality. It radiates positivity and hope, making us feel better about ourselves and others.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s mission is to ‘Make kindness the norm’. So we’re sharing our own favourite random acts of kindness, as a little inspiration to go random!
❤️ Hide a hand-illustrated bookmark in a library book.
❤️ Design a kindness message and pin it up at work or college. Think of it as a secret Valentine to everyone!
❤️ Send a thank you card to someone who made a difference in your life – no matter how long ago it was.
❤️ Let someone else go before you in the checkout queue.
❤️ Bake someone a cake just because it’s not their birthday.
❤️ Write a list of all the reasons why your best friend is amazing – and send it to them.
❤️ Remind someone of a wonderful memory you both share.
❤️ Write out your favourite recipe and send it to a friend.
❤️ Leave a kind note on a co-worker’s desk – or even on the bus.
❤️ Leave a note on the kitchen counter or hidden in a lunchbox telling someone why you’re so glad they’re in your life.
❤️ Spend some time with an elderly neighbour or someone who is alone. Offer to run an errand for them.
❤️ Use one of your creative skills to gift someone – draw a picture, create a photo-frame or album, write a poem or piece of music. Bake some cookies or make some jam.
And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Cook your favourite supper. Treat yourself to a chocolate muffin. Spend an extra half hour being creative. If you’re looking after your own wellbeing, you’ll be in the right frame of mind for helping others.
“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!” – Dolly Parton
Why we love kindness
Being kind is as good for us as receiving kindness. When we do something kind for another person, oxytocin (our ‘love hormone’) and serotonin are released, making us feel calmer, more energised and happier.
A kind act may even increase our lifespan by lowering our blood pressure and stress levels.
Sixty percent of us said we felt more positive and motivated when we helped others according to the Mental Health Foundation 2020 survey. Kindness is good for your mind, body and soul.
If acts of kindness can reduce pain, anxiety and stress while increasing our energy, lifespan and happiness – what’s not to love?
Put your kindness down on paper
Kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have (especially if you have Zebra pens and paper at your side).
Whether you compose a letter, design a personal card, or leave an anonymous note pinned up at work, handwritten messages speak volumes. “I always like to give people some kind and thoughtful words on Random Acts of Kindness Day on 17th February,” says our brand ambassador, Lois. “This year, I’ve decided to write little notes by hand. I’m planning to hand them out to people and ask them to read them when they go home or when they’re on their own.”
You don’t need to write much, to make someone’s day. Just write from the heart. “I’ve got no problem with being ‘soppy’ and being thankful to people!” Lois continues. “It’s a lovely excuse to make an extra effort to make people smile.”
Amanda is the mental health rep at her work and likes to participate in random acts of kindness throughout the year. Pinning up messages of encouragement around the office is one of her recent kindness activities. “It brightens people’s day.”
And for a kinder message, choose Mildliner Gentle pens in soft, pastel shades like soda blue, baby pink or honey orange. Available as a 5-pack of dual-tipped markers and highlighters on Amazon and in Tesco.
Do you know someone who deserves more kindness in their life?
This February, to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week, we’re giving away 15 packs of dual-tipped Mildliner pens in our favourite Gentle palette – perfect for kind messaging. To enter, comment on our Mildliner Gentle Instagram giveaway post. Tag a friend, family member or colleague, or anyone who you feel is deserving of a random act of kindness and tell us why in the comments.
The giveaway runs from 10th February 2025 and ends at 4pm on 14th February 2025. UK entrants only. Tagged names will be entered into the draw and 15 winners will be selected at random. Keep your eyes on our Instagram account on 17th February – Random Acts of Kindness Day – for the winning entries. Winners must claim their prize within seven days.
Kindness inspires kindness
Kindness has a ripple effect. Do something kind, and you inspire others to pass it on.
Whether you smile at a stranger, or leave a loving note on the kitchen counter, you’ll be making the world a better place. You’ll certainly be making someone’s day.
Let’s make kindness the norm.