A new study has identified the top 10 acts of kindness in the UK, revealing that simple gestures not only benefit recipients but also reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing for those performing them.
Cooking a meal tops the list
More than half of Britons say cooking a meal for someone is the ultimate act of kindness. Helping an elderly neighbour, carrying heavy bags, and fixing something were also considered meaningful gestures. The research, commissioned by protein shake brand For Goodness Shakes and conducted by OnePoll, surveyed 2,000 adults.
Generational differences in kindness
Gen Z favoured less traditional good deeds, such as leaving a positive comment online, sending a voice note to check in, or letting someone go first on gym equipment. In contrast, Boomers considered giving up a seat on public transport, holding the door open, and helping a friend move or with errands as more significant.
TV psychologist Anjula Mutanda, who supported the campaign, said: “It’s fascinating to see how acts of kindness continue to evolve with each generation, but at heart, they still come back to the same hard-wired desire to connect, express support and look out for one another.”
Mental and physical health benefits
Nearly nine in ten (89%) of respondents believe the UK could benefit from more kindness. Nine in ten think it is important to be kind to strangers, while 83% said random acts of kindness improve their mood for the rest of the day. Additionally, 85% are confident that kindness offers mental and physical health benefits.
Mutanda explained that performing kind acts triggers the brain to release “feel good” chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin, which boost mood, reduce stress, and create satisfaction. “So, in doing good, we feel good too!” she added.
Kindness encourages more kindness
More than half (57%) of respondents said they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness if someone else does first. Acts of kindness are most commonly experienced while out on a walk, at home, or on public transport.
Philippa Milburn, brand manager at For Goodness Shakes, stated: “We recognise that doing good starts with feeling good. It can be as simple as making sure we get enough sleep, surrounding ourselves with the right people or ensuring our diet fuels us. When we’re fuelled by nutritious ingredients and take care of our bodies, we set ourselves up positively for the day and are in a better position to show up for others too.”
Top 10 acts of kindness
- Helping an elderly neighbour
- Helping someone carry heavy bags
- Fixing or helping with something
- Giving someone else your seat on public transport
- Donating money, food or clothes
- Volunteering your time
- Helping a friend move or with errands
- Holding the door open for someone
- Returning a lost item
- Making a meal for someone
The Goodness Exchange event at Battersea Power Station invited participants to sign a pledge to spread kindness across the country, receiving protein shakes in exchange.
