Amid the challenges of Covid lockdown, now more than ever it is important to be kind.

Simply Central is a home and lifestyle series for your Sundays. We take a look at what’s hot, what’s not, and everything lifestyle.

Each month Neighbourhood Support NZ launches a national campaign where they encourage us to focus collectively on a theme, for maximum impact. This month the theme is very relevant to what we are going through:

Random acts of kindness.

All it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. New Zealand can become a better place, one random act of kindness at a time.

Even in lockdown, the options for random acts of kindness are endless. Being kind doesn’t have to cost a thing, a smile is free.

Here are some other ideas:

Write positive messages in chalk on paths around your street as you go for a walk.

Call a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while.

Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them.

Give a friend or neighbour an unexpected compliment.

Ask someone how their day was, and really LISTEN to the answer.

Make a ‘Be kind’ poster and display it in your window.

Arrange to have a cup of coffee with someone via a virtual catch up.

Make a simple bird feeder and hang it where both you and others can enjoy watching the birds feed.

Remember, research has shown that when we do something good for others it not only benefits them, it also boosts our own health and wellbeing. So, be kind to those around you.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield had a wonderful suggestion at Thursday’s Covid briefing this week:

“Don’t forget both the smallest and the largest question you can ask anyone is, ‘Are you OK?’”.

 Image Unsplash