We could talk for years straight about all the problems, hatred, negativity, and other frustrating situations we each face daily. I find that when I get really overwhelmed, it helps to simply connect with another human in a positive way through random acts of kindness. No, it won’t solve all our problems. But it will make us stronger, kinder, gentler, and happier.
The easiest time to build in positive connections is during our day-to-day lives. In this case, our careers with students. Here are five random acts of kindness you can practice that will surely brighten the day of any student.
Hand out sweet treats!
Have a jar of Starbursts on your desk, or bake cookies and hand them out. Or, go the healthy route and have fruit or granola bars.
Slip a card under their door with something you admire about them.
Especially if you’re an RD, it would be so easy to make someone smile after they come home after a long day.
Buy lunch for your student workers.
Team bonding for you, free lunch for them. Yeah, this is self-explanatory.
Frame their favorite quote in beautiful typography.
Share a little inspiration – you could even DIY this!
Compliment parties!
For a week, at your daily meeting, take five minutes to have everyone go around and say something nice about one person. How often do you take time to celebrate each member of your team? Especially if you have extroverts in the office, they will appreciate the love.
What random acts of kindness have you done for the students you work so hard to serve on a daily basis? Let me know!
On April 13th, Swift Kick is hosting a Random Acts of Kindness Day, so be sure to pledge your RAKs for #RAK17! Or, get your students to sign up to help spread the love on campus.
