This Thursday 13th November is World Kindness Day, an opportunity to consciously promote kind gestures, words and actions across the UK.
With new research from greetings card marketplace thortful finding that almost a third (31%) of Brits feel accomplished when they give one, and over a quarter (26%) claiming it restores their faith in humanity when they receive one, they are on a mission to help people in the UK spread positive one random act at a time.
Currently, 29% of Brits are carrying out random acts of kindness multiple times per week, with 15% even doing them daily. However, 12% do them monthly, 7% admit to every few months, and 2% even claim to only do them once per year. Glasgow is officially the kindest UK city, with 31% of people carrying out a random act of kindness every single day, followed closely by Southampton (28%) and Birmingham (26%).
To help spread kindness, thortful have put together 100 random acts of kindness to try on World Kindness Day and beyond, and have also teamed up with Clinical health psychologist Dr Ravi Gill, to dig deeper into the positive impacts a small gesture can have, from how to fit them into daily routines and their impact on physical and mental health.
From everyday gestures such as holding a door open for someone, to bringing the kindness home with you, sharing it at work or school, giving back to the community, being friendly online, focussing on your own wellbeing, kindness to strangers, in friendships, to animals, nature and by surprise, see thortful’s 100 random acts of kindness here: https://www.thortful.com/blog/world-kindness-day-random-acts-of-kindness-2/
The impact of a random act of kindness can have an extremely positive effect on our mood, self-worth, confidence and empowerment. Almost a third of Brits (31%) feel accomplished when they give one, and 26% admit it restores their faith in humanity when they receive one. See the full effects below:
| How people feel about random acts of kindness | Percentage |
| I feel accomplished when I give one | 31% |
| It restores my faith in humanity when I receive one | 26% |
| It makes my whole day when I receive one | 25% |
| It gives me a sense of purpose when I give one | 22% |
| I feel less stressed when I give one | 16% |
| It makes me feel more connected to others when I give one | 12% |
| It makes me want to do more kind gestures when I give one | 10% |
How random acts of kindness affect our mood
Dr Ravi Gill explains, “Giving or receiving random acts of kindness has a powerful positive impact on mood. Acts of kindness trigger the release of “feel-good” neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which boost happiness, reduce stress, and strengthen social bonds. Performing kind acts also enhances a sense of purpose and self-worth, while receiving kindness fosters feelings of gratitude, safety, and connection. Overall, even small gestures can create an upward spiral of positive emotions for both giver and receiver.”
How random acts of kindness affect our output on life
Dr Ravi Gill continues, “Engaging in random acts of kindness can significantly shape how we perceive and approach life — our “output” in terms of attitudes, behaviours, and overall functioning.”
- Shifts Perspective Toward Positivity: Performing or receiving kind acts activates positive emotions and reinforces optimistic thinking. According to Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory, these positive emotions expand our mindset, helping us notice opportunities and approach challenges more creatively and resiliently.
- Enhances Purpose and Meaning: Acts of kindness foster a sense of purpose and contribution, which psychologists link to greater life satisfaction and motivation. Studies (e.g., Layous et al., Journal of Positive Psychology, 2012) show that helping others strengthens our sense of meaning — a key predictor of psychological well-being and proactive life engagement.
- Builds Social Capital: Kindness strengthens social bonds and trust, which enhances support networks. Strong relationships are one of the best predictors of success, resilience, and longevity (Harvard Study of Adult Development, 2017).
- Promotes a Growth Mindset: Consistently practicing kindness builds empathy and emotional intelligence. These traits improve communication, leadership, and problem-solving — all of which enhance our personal and professional “output.”
- Creates a Positive Feedback Loop: The “helper’s high” — the rewarding feelings after kind acts — encourages continued prosocial behaviour. Over time, this habit reshapes our worldview, leading us to see life as more interconnected, purposeful, and full of opportunity.
How random acts of kindness affect our physical health
Dr Ravi Gill says “As acts trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. Acts of kindness are also linked to lower cortisol levels, improved heart health, and even increased lifespan. Over time, these small positive actions contribute to a healthier body and greater overall vitality.”
Why people should fit random acts of kindness into their daily routines
Dr Ravi Gill concludes “People should fit random acts of kindness into their daily routines because they’re simple yet powerful ways to improve overall well-being — for both themselves and others. Kindness boosts mood, reduces stress, and supports physical health by releasing feel-good hormones. It also strengthens social connections, builds empathy, and adds a sense of purpose and meaning to everyday life. Over time, these small actions create a more positive outlook, enhance resilience, and contribute to a kinder, more supportive community.”
