The world is a very strange & uncertain place at this unprecedented time, don’t you agree?

One of the best things that you can do for others during this time period is, quite simply, be kind.

There are many ways in which you can be kind to others during the coronavirus outbreak; you’re more limited due to social distancing rules, and of course avoiding physical contact with others, so hugs are out of the equation. However, we’ve found 10 really straightforward ways to put out some ‘positive energy’ into the universe, and hope that you all take some inspiration from this.

Stay safe!

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Don’t Hoard!

One of the biggest bugbears at the moment of many is people panic buying things that they don’t need and hoarding food & essentials.

If you are shopping for someone else too, or have a large family, then of course it’s understandable if your trolley is usually overflowing, but otherwise, stop and think – “Do I really need all of this?”

Hoarding means that more vulnerable shoppers, like the elderly, can’t purchase all that they need. Be sensible and think of others – this is one of the kindest things that you can do.

Check in with vulnerable people in your community

Do you know of people on your street or community who haven’t got much support or family around them? Don’t be afraid to text, call, or knock on doors – keeping a distance from the neighbour of course – and offer any physical or emotional support that they may need, such as someone to vent to or someone to mow their lawn. Communities need to look out for each other, and your kindness will be appreciated.

Share 

Sharing is caring, folks!

If you hear of someone desperate for some loo roll, pasta, infant formula etc, and you have plenty to spare, offering even one roll, or one feed, to someone in need will make such a big difference and buys them time to find what they need. Your act of kindness will never be forgotten and will hopefully inspire more acts of kindness, in a lovely ‘butterfly effect’.

Do shopping for those who can’t get out or order online

If your elderly neighbour can’t go out due to being high risk, cannot get an online delivery slot as there simply aren’t any (or they have no internet access), and have no family around, what are they to do?

Reach out through social media and word-of-mouth to let others know when you’re braving the shops, and try to pick bits up for those in need where you can. A lot of community Facebook groups have been banding together with local farms and suppliers to ensure that people in need have sacks of potatoes, bread and milk!

Practice social distancing & follow the official advice

Of course, another way to be kind to others at this stressful time is… Don’t make other people unwell!

By following the government’s advice on social distancing and not taking any chances, as well as minimising physical contact, staying 6 feet away from others, and hand washing, you can hope to significantly reduce the risk of making other people unwell and you can still do favours for people if you follow the advice, too.

Don’t judge others

As much as we’re all advised against panic buying and hoarding essentials, it is important to NOT judge others without knowing all of the facts.

If you’re at the supermarket and see a trolley loaded with food and essentials, remember that…

• The shopper may well be shopping for other people, too.
• They may have a lot of children.
• They may usually shop monthly.

A lot of arguments in supermarkets have been sparked over individuals being outraged that other people are, in their eyes, being selfish and bulk buying, when in fact a lot of the time it simply isn’t the case. Keep on moving, and give people the benefit of the doubt.

Send motivational texts to family and friends

Put a smile on the faces of your loved ones with a motivational text… Tell them how well they’re doing, that the outbreak will be over before we know it, that you are there for them no matter what – your kindness will bring some warmth to their lives at what is a pretty difficult time.

Share positive & funny posts on social media

See the bright side, and share this with your friends on social media! Tell them things like…

• The positive side of staying in
• Ideas for things to do with children
• Funny stories
• Funny coronavirus memes

Here’s my favourite… A little comic relief is always welcome!

Watch a video with a lonely friend via Netflix Parties

Read our guide on Netflix Parties here!

If you have a lonely friend who misses socialising and wants a movie night with you, Netflix Parties is the way forward. You can watch the film together, in your own homes, and chat during the film, just like you would if it was a ‘proper’ night in in front of the TV.

Support your local food bank

Finally, a way to be kind to others in your community during the coronavirus outbreak is to donate to your local food bank, where possible.

Of course, you will need to call ahead to find out what the protocol will be in terms of contact with others, and which food banks are still open, but at times like these donations are even more valued. There have been a lot of redundancies as business (the leisure and catering industries for example) struggle due to closures, and unfortunately this means that more people will be in need of food packages.

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These 10 ways of being kind are really, really simple, and shouldn’t cost you much (if anything).

We know that it’s a seriously stressful time and that the uncertainty of the situation is causing most of us to feel much more anxious than usual, but that isn’t a reason to not be kind to others and to look out for those around us. These acts of kindness will make this horrible time much, much nicer and more bearable, too.

Do you have an act of kindness that you’d like us to add? Tell us in the comments!

Love from Katie & Team BBY. Xx