“Be kind, rewind” is a slogan that disappeared with VHS tapes, but it succinctly illustrates the basic elements of kindness: Even a small, seemingly trivial act can make life a little better for someone you don’t know. You won’t get paid or even thanked for it — and that’s OK, because that’s what it means to be a good citizen of your video rental store [any community that exists in 2025]. 

Little kindnesses — whether it’s complimenting the barista’s cool earrings or carrying someone’s stroller up the subway stairs, or just saying “please” and “thank you” and holding doors open — make the world run smoothly. They soften the occasional sharp edges of human interaction and helping everyone work together. That “together” is key: Kindness builds community and helps you feel more connected to people in your circle and well beyond.

And, quite simply, random (or planned!) acts of kindness can, experts say, be a surprisingly easy way to boost your well-being. And for that reason alone, it can be worth making kindness an actual practice, a habit to develop in various parts of your life.

Practice on yourself first. If you tend to be self-critical, try to take a step back and tame negative thoughts. If you can give yourself grace and leeway, it will be that much easier to do it for others too. On the flip side, though, be careful not to confuse kindness with overpromising or other people-pleasing behaviors. Kindness should come from a place of generosity, not from expectations that you’ll be liked, or earn favor.

After that, even small gestures can give you a boost. One study comparing acts of kindness over a week showed increased happiness for all participants, regardless of whether the kindness was big or small, or aimed at strangers or family. So check in with a friend, give up your subway seat, write a glowing review of a book you read, give to charity — or even just give your attention, in the form of listening carefully and asking questions.

Volunteering — an extended, organized gesture of kindness — has shown especially good health effects. If you feel too pressed for time to volunteer, as if the stresses of your life require more attention than anything — or anyone — else, then that’s exactly when you should take time to look outward, experts say. A 2007 survey of research showed consistent findings that people who volunteered, even just 40 hours per year, showed greater life satisfaction and lower rates of depression.

If you ever doubt the value of kindness, think of a memorable time someone was kind to you — rewind that memory, as it were. There’s a good chance the kindness sticks with you now because you felt a connection in the moment. Every day, you have a fresh chance to do the same for someone else.