Today, 17 February, is Random Acts of Kindness Day.
I know there are special days and weeks for most things these days, but I am a fan of this particular one. I think it’s a really helpful reminder of the difference we can make to each other’s day with just a little thought and care. It also falls close to Emotional Health Week, which feels like a good match. After all, kindness and wellbeing are closely linked.
One of the favourite things I’ve come across in recent years linked to this week’s theme of kindness and emotional wellbeing is the idea of ‘social snacking’. And no, I don’t mean sharing crisps in the pub, I mean the small, everyday moments of connection that help us feel part of something. Although there is definitely a connection, as a great initiative by the Campaign Against Living Miserably called ‘Open Up’ showed (they made special bags of crisps, which when you ripped them open to share, had a range of prompts for discussion around mental health).
When I talk about ‘social snacking’ I’m talking about the small acts of social connection that you can build into your day. A quick chat in the kitchen, a smile to a colleague you see out and about, a wave from a neighbour. They are not deep or dramatic moments, but they matter. They remind us that we are not alone. They can lift our mood, help us feel more grounded, and give us a sense of belonging. They are like a handful of crisps (or something healthier) to keep us going between meals.
Kindness works in a similar way. Holding a door open, offering a compliment, letting someone go ahead in the queue, checking in with someone who has been a bit quiet. These things do not take much, but they can mean a lot. And they are not just good for the person on the receiving end. They are good for us too. They remind us that we can still make a difference, that we are part of something bigger.
There is some real science behind this too. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running study into happiness, has followed people for over 85 years to understand what makes a good life. The clearest finding? It is not money, or status, or even health habits that matter most. It is relationships. The people who stayed happiest and healthiest were those who had strong connections with others. Not just close family and friends, but also the kind of everyday interactions that remind us we are part of a community.
Of course, socialising is not always easy. It can feel like effort, especially when we are tired, stressed, or just not in the mood. But that effort can be good for us. I heard a podcast recently that described socialising as a kind of ‘good stress’, like exercise. It might feel awkward at first, but the more we do it, the easier it becomes. And just like a workout, it strengthens us over time.
At Coastline, one of our core values is ‘Value each other’. That is not just about big gestures or formal support. It is about how we show up for one another every day. With kindness, with curiosity, and with a willingness to connect. Emotional Health Week is a good time to reflect on how we are doing that. For our colleagues, our customers, and ourselves.
And while we are on the subject of connection, Friday 20 February is National Love Your Pet Day. For many people, pets are a huge source of comfort, and affection - especially for those who find socialising with people more difficult. And for people who are homeless, pets can be a lifeline. A source of warmth, companionship, and unconditional love when human contact is harder to come by. It is a reminder that connection comes in many forms, and that we all need it, in one way or another. The photo below is of Moon, a lovely Labrador that I met at Chi Winder, our Homeless Centre, on Friday.
If you are wondering how to mark Random Acts of Kindness Day, maybe try one extra ‘social snack’ each day this week? Say hello to someone you do not usually chat with. Send a quick message of thanks. Ask someone how they are doing, and really listen. These are small things, but they add up.
So whether it is a kind word, a shared laugh, or a moment of quiet company, keep finding ways to connect. Not just on 17 February, but every day.
And if you would like a music recommendation on the same theme I’d suggest ‘Something Changed’ by Pulp, which talks about how small decisions and actions made a huge difference in someone’s life.