24

Be more Keanu

No, we’re not suggesting you go full ‘John Wickes’ this holiday season! But you must’ve seen the memes celebrating Keanu Reeve’s humble acts of kindness – from giving up subway seats to pushing a stranger’s car, to passing on his fees to his stunt crew. Become a quiet legend yourself, this festive season, with a few small, selfless gestures. “Be excellent to each other.”

Try this experiment

Coffee of Kindness

Festive shopping can bring out the worst in all of us. When you’re next in a queue for coffee, don’t just pay for your own – ask to pay for the person behind you as well. See if you trigger a coffee chain of kindness (a Starbucks in St. Petersburg, Florida, famously witnessed 378 consecutive customers each paying for the next person’s order!) Pass on the lattes and love!

Why it works

Acts of kindness trigger the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which fosters trust and connection. Even better news: simply witnessing kindness boosts happiness and inspires others to pay it forward. Create a ripple effect of surprise and goodwill, this Christmas!

Check out this article for ways to get your kindness chain started.

Discover the spectacular science of kindness…