It’s no secret that 2020 has been a hard year for everyone- our friends, our community, our teachers, our first responders, our family, and the list goes on…

We are all figuring out how to live in this “new normal” together, and that can be stressful (and scary) at times, but that shouldn’t change our attitude towards our neighbors. You may not strike up conversations with strangers, tip with cash, or hold the door open while others pass you by anymore, but there are still many ways that you can continue to show kindness.

If there was ever a year to show true kindness- it’s 2020. You need it. Your neighbor needs it. The world needs it. Here are 8 easy ways you can be kind in 2020.

1. Wear Your Mask

Even if your state doesn’t have a mask mandate, do your part in helping stop the spread by wearing your mask when you are out and about. It may seem annoying or a nuisance, but you are doing your community a kindness and possibly saving lives by wearing it.

2. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

There has never been a more mentally exhausting year than this. Between quarantines and the election and all else in between, you owe it to yourself to put your needs and your mental health first- get enough sleep, drink enough water, exercise, and take a mental break and do something that brings you joy.

3. Reach Out to Someone You Love

Call or Facetime a friend or relative you haven’t been able to see. Ask them how they are doing and have a long conversation. People, especially those older and more susceptible to COVID-19, are missing social interaction more than ever, and a simple phone call could make their entire day/week.

4. Get Some Socially Distant Fresh Air

Go on a walk, play in the back yard, or invite friends and neighbors to take part in a socially distant outdoor gathering before the weather becomes too cold. Not only does it give you a chance to catch up with friends and family, but Vitamin D in the sunshine is proven to help decrease depression.

5. Shop Local

Many mom and pops have already closed their doors and local businesses are hurting more than ever, thanks to COVID-19. If you find yourself shopping online try a local boutique instead of Amazon, a market instead of Walmart, and a family-owned restaurant instead of fast food. And don’t forget to tip! Due to a decrease in traffic, servers are also hurting.

6. Donate to a Food Bank or Shop for Someone

If you are healthy and have the ability to go to the store, ask someone in your community, who is more susceptible to getting sick, if you can pick up groceries for them. Or buy extra groceries when you go to the store and drop them at your local food bank or shelter.

7. Adopt a Furry Friend

Show yourself and an animal kindness by making the choice to adopt a shelter pet. Having a pet is a lot of responsibility (so please only adopt if you have the means to do so), but it is so worth it. Due to lockdowns, many people have been left completely alone in their homes without anyone to talk to. A pet will not only love you unconditionally, but they lift your spirits and let you know that you are not alone.

8. Don’t Forget to Show Your Appreciation 

Everyone in your community is working hard to keep themselves and others safe, while continuing to make a living. Say “thank you” to the clerk at the grocery store, the food delivery person, the teacher working hard teaching remote, the healthcare workers, and first responders you see after their shift, etc. These people have been working hard and non stop since the pandemic began to serve others, and your few words of appreciation mean more than you know.

For other ideas on showing kindness, check out our Easy Random Acts of Kindness blog here.

This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.