{
  "id": 4400019,
  "title": "Doing Random Acts of Kindness Is Good for You",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/doing-random-acts-of-kindness-is-good-for-you",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T10:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/08/30/doing-random-acts-of-kindness-is-good-for-you/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Random acts of kindness are not only beneficial for those who receive them but also for the givers themselves, according to recent research. This simple act of kindness can boost happiness levels in both parties involved. These findings come from a systematic review of 24 studies, which revealed that performing acts of kindness leads to improved well-being, regardless of whether the recipient is a close relative, friend, or a stranger. Dr. Oliver Scott Curry, research director of Kindlab, a team dedicated to studying kindness, emphasizes that humans are naturally kind, especially when given the right circumstances. Kindness has roots in human nature, proven across different cultural and economic settings, such as the United States, Canada, Uganda, India, and South Africa.\n\nDr. Jonathan Passmore, a psychologist and coach in the UK, introduced the concept of CAKE (Consistent Acts of Kindness and Empathy) to help individuals spread kindness. He suggests committing to a one-week plan, doing one act of kindness per day. For instance, greeting the barista at the local coffee shop by name or writing a handwritten note of gratitude to a colleague. Engaging in these acts for a week can make one more empathetic towards others they meet.\n\nKindness is not just for adults; children can also benefit from engaging in kind acts. Kindlab offers kindness challenges, games, and activities for younger family members, such as the kindness walk. This activity encourages kids to smile at someone they don't know, offer sincere compliments, or pick up litter during walks. While the impact of kindness may not be immediately apparent to the giver, it can significantly boost emotional well-being. Simple, low-cost, and widely available acts of kindness can have a profound positive impact on both the giver and the receiver.",
  "summary": "Research indicates that engaging in random acts of kindness boosts happiness in both those who give and those who receive, writes Joan M. Cook.",
  "key_points": [
    "Random acts of kindness benefit both giver and receiver.",
    "Study of 24 researches shows kindness boosts well-being.",
    "CAKE concept encourages consistent acts of kindness."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}