February 15 – 21 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Performing kind acts has been scientifically linked to both mental and physical health benefits, so what can you do to make yourself and others feel better? The web site www.actsofkindness.org offers these suggestions for making your day and someone else’s better.

• Collect goods for a food bank.
• Garden clubs can make floral arrangements for senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals, police stations, or shut-ins.
• Volunteer to be a tutor in a school.
• Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen.
• Merchants can donate a percentage of receipts for the week to a special cause.
• Sing at a nursing home.
• Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents.
• Have a charity day at work, with employees bringing nonperishable food items to donate.
• Draw names at school or work, and have people bring a small gift or food treat for their secret pal.
• Pay a compliment at least once a day.
• Call or visit a homebound person.
• Be a good neighbor. Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”
• Transport someone who can’t drive.
• Mow a neighbor’s grass.
• Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
• Give the gift of your smile.
• Volunteer to read to students in the classroom.
• Give a hug to a friend.
• Tell your children why you love them.
• Pat someone on the back.
• Give blood.
• Leave an extra big tip for the waitperson.
• Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.
• When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.
• Offer to take a friend’s child to ball practice.