While schools across the nation take advantage of Random Acts of Kindness week to teach children about the importance of giving, Illinois State University has chosen to teach by example. The Bone Student Center at the University of Illinois will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness week during the daytime hours from Monday, February 11 through Friday, February 15 by giving away free items to students, says a February 10 report in Vidette Online, a community newspaper written by the staff of the Daily Vidette.
“Students can visit the Bone Student Center throughout the week for the opportunity to take home some great giveaway items,” Erin Watts, marketing director of the Bone Student Center. “All of our giveaways will include a Random Acts of Kindness postcard. We hope the person will pass on the postcard along with a new act of kindness.”
Random Acts of Kindness week operates on the principle that doing something kind for a stranger without any expectation of return from the act improves communities and the world at large. But it isn’t just the receiver of the act that reaps benefits.
Greater Good reports that research conducted in Vancouver, monitored the effects of kindness on a group of 9 to 11 year olds who were instructed to perform three acts of kindness a week. The results showed that being kind and doing things for others improved both well-being and acceptance by peers.
According to Cigna, being kind or giving to others reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, eases pain, reduces stomach acid and gives you increased energy.
Overall, those who practice kindness and giving to others are happier and show improved well-being. So go ahead and do something kind for someone who isn’t expecting it. You may be surprised by the results.
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