With World Kindness Day and Thanksgiving right around the corner, there’s no better time to give back. The world needs more kindness, and volunteering benefits both you and the recipients of your good deeds. In fact, research proves that sharing kindness on a regular basis can “profoundly” affect your attitude, outlook and even health. That’s reason to celebrate!

Here are just a few World Kindness Day activities you can lead or participate in on November 13—and any other day of the year.

Get Active

Get the health benefits of being active while helping others!

  1. Get active for a cause.  What causes are you passionate about? Cancer research? Clean water? There’s likely a race that lets you support any interest or movement that’s close to your heart! Google “5K (city)” to find opportunities near you, or browse these 10 charity races hosted throughout the country.
  2. Participate in a community garden.  If you love gardening, why not extend the benefits—and deliciousness—of fresh produce to your neighbors? Find a community garden near you by searching “community garden (city).” Although you may not be getting your hands dirty very often during the colder months, you and fellow green thumbs may meet about plans for the spring garden and perform any necessary administrative work.
  3. Organize a cleanup party.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produced about 258 million tons of solid waste in 2014, a little over half of which—136 million tons—was gathered in landfills! Help reduce land pollution by putting together a crew of friends and family to pick up trash in a nearby park or other littered areas of your community.

Donate

Animal rescues, food pantries and shelters are always in need of supplies, some of which you may already have in your home. Call the organizations or visit their websites to see if they have wish lists. If not, paper towels, bottled water and personal grooming products like deodorant are safe bets (and will be safe to store if there isn’t an immediate need). You can also donate your time or give money to one of these organizations, if you’re able. Every dollar matters!

Places to Volunteer

With so many charities and nonprofits in need, you will have no trouble finding volunteer opportunities. Look no further than your local soup kitchen, children’s hospital or church! They may need help preparing and serving food, reading to patients, or organizing special events.

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit that’s best suited for those who want to get hands on. As a volunteer, you will help build or repair homes for local families who may not otherwise be able to secure safe, permanent shelter. You can also volunteer at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where you can help stock shelves, price inventory and ring up customers.

Meals on Wheels is another wonderful nonprofit that operates in virtually every community in America to address senior hunger and isolation. Eight out of 10 low-income, food-insecure seniors are not receiving the home-delivered meals they need. Volunteer over the lunch hour(s) to make sure they do!

For more places to volunteer, join RSVP, a Senior Corps program, where you can find opportunities in your community specifically for people 55 and older.

Give Kindness

Giving back doesn’t have to be a big effort. Small acts of kindness can make great impacts! Write a friend or family member a handwritten letter, compliment a stranger, or bake your neighbor a casserole or cake. Think of little things that let you put a smile on someone else’s face.

Be Kind to Yourself

As you focus on kindness toward others, don’t forget to also be kind to yourself. Take this opportunity to practice self-care: do a hobby you enjoy, relax in a bubble bath and practice yoga. Stretching can improve your posture and reduce stress and body aches, such as muscle cramps.

If you regularly experience leg and foot cramps, consider Theraworx Relief topical solution. Theraworx Relief is an easy-to-use, fast-absorbing, non-prescription foam that is recommended by healthcare professionals to relieve and even prevent muscle cramps and spasms with daily use. Learn more and order your bottle today—or order two and share with a loved one for World Kindness Day!