Give the Gift of a Random Act of Kindness this Holiday Season

The holidays provide us with a wonderful opportunity to make someone happy. We often buy gifts for those we love but don't underestimate the impact a random act of kindness might have on someone in the grocery store, at the gym or in line at a restaurant.

The Bounce Back Project is a partnership between CentraCare Health - Monticello, Allina Health - Buffalo Hospital, Stellis Health and Allina Health - Buffalo Clinic. The goal of the Bounce Back Project is to make our communities happier and healthier. One way to spread happiness is by performing a random act of kindness. Studies have shown that completing a random act of kindness not only makes the receiver feel better for the entire day; it is proven to actually increase the happiness of the giver for two weeks!

Here are some examples of random acts of kindness you could perform to share happiness this holiday season:

• Leave a snack and a thank you note in the mailbox for your mailperson
• Adopt a family
• Buy a stranger a coffee
• Purchase fuel at the gas station for someone
• Shovel your neighbor's driveway
• Donate coats, mittens or boots to your local school
• Make your spouse/partner/child their favorite meal
• Bring food to the food shelf
• Volunteer to clean up at a holiday party

For more information on promoting health through happiness, visit bouncebackproject.org.