Compassion

#1) Look after yourself, to look after us all – flatten the curve!

Use simple social distancing tactics like replacing hugs and handshakes with alternatives …

#2) Check in on elderly neighbors

Although necessary, social isolation can be lonely. Text, phone call, email or, if needed, in person, especially if they live alone.

#3) Reach out to people in self isolation

Send them funny memes or GIFs to cheer them up. Call them. Video chat them. Don’t forget about them. Make sure they feel less alone and have social support. Offer them help. Some communities have started to use these cards to help neighbors who are in self-isolation.

#4) Volunteer your time.

Know someone in self isolation or who needs to limit their public interactions? Offer to pick up and deliver their shopping, treats or other things they might need, while taking precautions to keep yourself safe. Your time and labor could be a big help to someone needing support.

#5) Counter racist fears and xenophobia

Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their origin or ethnicity. Yet because the virus originated in China, people of Chinese descent have faced a wave of racism. Help stop the fear and abuse by educating people when you hear or see them.

#6) Combat misinformation online

Unfortunately, if not unexpected, misinformation on COVID-19 is floating around online. If you see it, report it to your platform and let anyone posting/sharing it know (e.g., via private message or commenting on the post). Get your information from trusted sources.

#7) A radical idea: pay if forward?

If you and your family are using a drive-through to get some dinner, consider paying for the car behind you also. You may start a trend of kindness! What do you think?

#8) Fund raise for people financially impacted by quarantine measures

Fundraising platforms like Give A Little can help you organize, but word of mouth, email and text are also tried and true ways to do some grassroots fundraising in support of someone affected by things like missing work, paying for childcare because of school closures, or extra medical costs.

#9) Make social distancing fun with video chat

Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t feel close to our loved ones. Get creative. Have a video chat to get together and celebrate birthdays or other occasions using everyday tools like Skype, Hangouts or Zoom. Or, synchronize watching your favorite TV show or movie together while chatting via text or video.

#10) Share positive news and acts of kindness with your community

There are so many examples out there of people helping one another. Share those. Talk about those. Together we can prevent getting caught in a bad news hopelessness spiral. Spread the word about how you’re making a difference.

1. Leave a note on a neighbor’s car wishing them a spectacular day.

2. Buy a cup of coffee for the stranger behind you in line.

3. Write an email to the manager of a business that you frequent about an employee that you find extremely helpful and friendly.

4. Text a friend or loved one a photo of something that reminds you of them.

5. Make lunch for your family.

6. Give someone a compliment.

7. Write a “thinking of you” card to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Send it in the mail. (Yes, the snail mail.)

8. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.

9. Smile at passersby. (Yes, displaying kindness can be that easy.)

10. Offer to run an errand for a sick or injured friend.

11. Offer to babysit your sibling(s), without being asked.

12. Hold the door open for someone.

13. Message a friend from the past and thank them for something they did years ago.

14. Pick up trash on the street.

15. Next time you order something from a counter, ask the cashier how their day is going.

16. Forgive someone for something they did.

17. Offer your expertise to a friend or someone who needs it. Teach them using zoom, YouTube or similar platform. (Do you play the guitar? Offer a lesson. Are you a personal trainer? Give someone a free session. Are you good at algebra? Tutor your friend.)

18. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them, to use less energy and conserve environmental resources.

19. Write a heartwarming comment on a friend’s social media wall.

20. Make eye contact. We need more connection in the world, so lift your attention from your smart phone and look at everyone you see, offering a smile and acknowledging their presence.

21. Say “thank you.” This should go without saying, but anytime someone does something nice for you, say “thank you” warmly and genuinely, not fleetingly.

22. Listen. When someone needs to talk, listen with your full attention, without chiming in or offering advice.

23. Write a note to a teacher, expressing gratitude for something specific they’ve done for you and how much it meant to you.

24. Buy/make a deck of inspirational cards and leave them for people at random: on windshields, at desks, on doorsteps.

25. Bake cookies and bring the whole batch to your local hospital, fire station, or Sheriff station

26. Say “good morning” to anyone who crosses your path.

27. Bring flowers to your neighbor or family.

28. Do the dishes for your family.

29. Write a positive Yelp review of a business you like.

30. Text a joke or photo to a friend who’s going through a tough time to make them smile.