Drop everything. October 5th isn’t just another Sunday—it’s National Do Something Nice Day, and honestly? We all need this right now.
Look, I get it. Between doom-scrolling, adulting, and pretending we have our lives together, kindness can feel like just another thing on the to-do list. But here’s the plot twist: doing something nice actually makes you feel better. Science says so, and science doesn’t lie.
What Even Is National Do Something Nice Day?
Created to remind us that kindness isn’t cringe—it’s cool—this holiday is basically permission to be a decent human without overthinking it. No grand gestures required. No viral TikTok necessary (though bonus points if you make one).
Why You Should Actually Care
Real talk: studies show that acts of kindness trigger dopamine in your brain. That’s right—being nice literally gives you the same happy chemicals as eating pizza or getting likes on your posts. Plus, kindness is contagious. When someone does something nice for you, you’re 3x more likely to pay it forward. It’s basically a psychological domino effect, but make it wholesome.
Easy Ways to Participate (Seriously, Anyone Can Do These)
The Low-Effort, High-Impact Moves
- Text that friend you’ve been meaning to check on. “Hey, thinking about you” hits different when someone needs it most
- Leave a genuine compliment on someone’s post. Not just “🔥🔥🔥” but actual words
- Buy coffee for the person behind you. Classic for a reason
- Clear out your camera roll and send people random pics of them looking good. Everyone needs a confidence boost
The Slightly More Committed Options
- Venmo your broke friend $10 for tacos. No explanation needed
- Volunteer for literally anything. Animal shelter, food bank, beach cleanup—pick your vibe
- Make a playlist for someone. It’s personal, it’s free, and it shows you actually listen
- Write a review for that small business you love. Five stars can change someone’s whole week
The Overachiever Energy
- Organize a donation drive for your workplace, school, or group chat
- Mentor someone younger than you who’s trying to figure out life
- Start a kindness challenge on social media and actually tag people (not in an annoying chain-mail way though)
The Ripple Effect Is Real
Here’s what makes this day special: kindness multiplies. When you do something nice, you’re not just helping one person—you’re potentially starting a chain reaction. That stranger you smiled at? They might go home and be more patient with their kid. Your friend you texted? They might finally reach out to their therapist.
We’re all just people trying to get through the day. And sometimes, one nice gesture is the difference between a terrible day and an okay one.
Make It a Habit, Not Just a Holiday
National Do Something Nice Day is cool and all, but imagine if we did this… more often? Revolutionary concept, I know. The secret is finding what works for you:
- Morning coffee run? Grab an extra for a coworker
- Good at memes? Send them to people who need a laugh
- Have a car? Offer rides without being asked
- Talented at something? Teach it for free
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to cure world hunger or go viral to make a difference. Sometimes the nicest thing you can do is just show up, pay attention, and give a damn about the people around you.
So on October 5th (or literally any day), try doing something nice. Not because you have to, not for the ‘gram, but because small acts of kindness make the world slightly less terrible.
And honestly? We could all use that right now.
What nice thing are you planning to do? Drop your ideas in the comments—let’s inspire each other. And hey, if this post made you smile even a little, share it with someone who needs a reminder that good people still exist.
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Salt + Cedar Collective 