How to Help Others in Meaningful Ways
The holidays are joyous for many people, and for others they can be a time of great sadness. A small act of kindness from you, may mean the world to the person receiving it.
Often, at times, it’s easier to focus on the fun, bright lights, sounds of music, and laughter from those around you. This year, try to notice those who may be a little withdrawn, reserved, or quiet during the holidays. This applies any time of the year, but even more during the holidays. We never know what people are going through, and your good deed or act of kindness could change the trajectory of someone’s day, or even more, their year.
Here are some meaningful acts of kindness that go a long way, not just during the holidays, but all year long:
- Smile – A smile goes a very long way. If you make eye contact with someone, whether it’s at a doctor’s office, the grocery store or simply in passing, smile at them. A smile can relieve stress, pain, and improve mood in others, and in yourself too.
- Hold the door – Holding the door might be something someone considers “old fashioned,” but it’s really just a polite thing to do for another person. Try to be mindful when you’re entering and exiting through a doorway and wait a few extra seconds to hold the door for someone. This is such a small thing to do but it shows all who witness it, the beauty of a nice gesture.
- Pick up the tab – You can show kindness by paying for a coffee for the person in the drive through line behind you or pay for a family at a neighboring table in a restaurant. Whatever your comfort level is, something like this almost always catches the recipient(s) by surprise and likely creates a trickle effect, an expression known as “pay it forward.” This describes the beneficiary of a good deed by repaying kindness to others.
- Make a phone call or send a text message – When you think of someone, let them know. This could be as simple as a text message letting them know you were thinking of them and hope they’re doing well. It could also be a memory you shared together or just a quick “how are you?” If you have more time, a phone call is a great way to check in on loved ones to see how they’re doing and what they’re up to. You don’t need to commit to an outing, but there are many studies that show a phone call changes the trajectories of those who are dealing with loved ones they’ve lost during the holidays. Hearing a voice can have tremendous effects on another person.
- Compliment someone – Have you ever seen someone with a nice jacket or cute blouse? Let them know, give them a compliment. Noticing something pleasant on or about another person and pointing it out is a sure way to help someone else have a better day.
These are all very simple things that will have a meaningful impact on another person. And they might just make you feel good too.
PIH Health Family Medicine Specialist Elisabeth Brown MD says, “Research shows that helping others, or doing something good or kind, is also great for our own wellbeing. It benefits us physically and mentally. In short, doing good for others, also does you good too!”
Doing something nice for someone doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, four of the five ways listed have no financial cost at all. So next time you’re out and about, keep an open eye for an opportunity to help someone with an act of kindness. Your meaningful way to help another might seem like nothing to you, but it could mean the world to them. It’s the small things in life, that can make the biggest impact on others.
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