Can you remember a time when a total stranger did something kind for you? Most often, kindness elicits a response in ourselves and we want to pass along that warm feeling to someone else. If you have the energy, a great way to make someone's day during a difficult time is by performing a random act of kindness. It may help lower your stress levels as well. We’ve compiled a list of random acts of kindness that you can do without spending a penny. 

Random Acts of Kindness

1. Hold the door for a stranger.
2. Pick up litter when you see it. 
3. Volunteer at a local charity. 
4. Donate blood. 
5. Organize a canned food drive at your work to donate to a local shelter. 
6. Send a gratitude card to a friend or family member. 
7. Give a compliment.
8. Smile at a stranger.
9. Volunteer or visit a local nursing home. 
10. Donate clothes that are new or in very good condition to a shelter. 
11. Cut out coupons that you won’t use and stick them on the appropriate items at the store. 
12. Leave an anonymous, positive note on a piece of paper on public bathroom mirror.
13. Let people merge during traffic.
14. Help an elderly person cross the street. 
15. Say ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Thank you’ to public service workers.
16. Offer to pet-sit for your friend for free.
17. Donate books to the local library.
18. Let someone with less items go before you in line at the grocery store.
19. Ask to sit with someone who is eating alone.
20. Ask someone how they are doing today and actually listen to their response.

So many acts of kindness don't cost anything other than a little effort. Usually that small outward action is returned to you tenfold. Try it for yourself and see how you feel.