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Learn About Kindness: Resources for Students

Toolkit Landing Page The Impact of Kindness Be Kind to Yourself Kindness in the Classroom

“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people.”
–Franklin D. Roosevelt

Real talk from Alex Silberzweig, a student at Penn State in 2017. What does it mean to be kind in college when college can often make you feel less kind? Classes, homework, exams, work, family, systemic injustices—stressors that keep kindness low on the priority list. How do you refine kindness? Read the full article at The Daily Pennsylvanian, University of Pennsylvania's independent student media organization: "What does it mean to be 'kind' in college?"

Easy Ways to Practice Kindness

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
—The 14th Dalai Lama

Challenge yourself to do one small act of kindness for thirty days. You'll be surprised how quickly carrying out acts of kindness becomes a habit! To get started, expand the list below to see our our 30-Day Acts of Kindness suggestions. 

30 Acts of Kindness

  1. Do a Self-Compassion Meditation
  2. Go Out of Your Way to Recycle
  3. Give Thanks Before a Meal
  4. Complete a Gratitude Exercise
  5. Give Someone a Genuine Compliment
  6. Spend Quality Time with a Friend
  7. Call a Family Member to Say Hello
  8. Document Your Acts of Kindness from the Day
  9. Send Someone a Kindness Card
  10. Donate Anonymously to a Cause
  11. Learn about the Physical Benefits of Gratitude
  12. Take an Online Workout Class or Visit the Campus Recreation Center
  13. Say Hello to 5 New People Today
  14. Donate to a Local Cause in Cincinnati or Your Hometown
  15. Ask Someone What They Enjoy Doing
  16. Practice Active Listening
  17. Interact With Your Classmates Today
  18. Take a Break to Prevent Burnout
  19. Eat an Environmentally Friendly Lunch
  20. Enjoy a Quiet Walk in Nature
  21. Practice Meditation to Reduce Anxiety
  22. Bake Something for Someone 
  23. Offer to Help a Stranger
  24. Write About How You Show Compassion
  25. Share Your Feelings with Others
  26. Allow Yourself to Sleep in and Relax
  27. Brighten the Day of a Child at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  28. Volunteer Somewhere
  29. Celebrate Your Identity and Interests in Community
  30. Enjoy Moments of Awe

Explore More through Video

“A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return.”
—The Bhagavad Gita 

Get inspired by this commencement speech on kindness:

Did you know there are scientific benefits to being kind? It’s true!

Watch this TED Talk on the magic of kindness: