Kindness is one of the small, everyday steps that can help protect your mental health. It’s part of “Give” – one of 8 ways you can look after your wellbeing.
This page is about the small, everyday kind of kindness towards ourselves and others. If you’re interested in giving your time in a more structured way, visit our volunteering in Leeds page for more information.
Why kindness matters
The Mental Health Foundation’s research on kindness shows that kindness isn’t just a feeling – it’s made up of small, everyday actions: considering other people’s feelings, treating people with respect and acceptance, and behaving fairly towards them.
Kindness also works both ways. Being kind to others can boost your own wellbeing, and being kind to yourself can help protect your self-esteem and sense of who you are, especially at times when you’re struggling.
Talk kindly to yourself
The way you talk to yourself matters just as much as the way you talk to other people. This is sometimes called self-compassion – treating yourself with the same warmth and understanding you’d offer someone you cared about, especially when things are hard.
- Notice your inner voice today. Would you say those words to a friend?
- If you catch yourself being harsh, try swapping it for something fairer and kinder.
- Remind yourself of one thing you’ve done well recently, however small.
- Give yourself credit for getting through hard days, not just good ones.
- When something goes wrong, try responding to yourself the way you’d respond to someone you cared about, rather than being your own harshest critic.
Be kind to others
However small, kindness to others can make a real difference – to them, and to you.
- Send a message to check in on someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Say thank you to someone who’s helped you.
- Really listen when someone is talking to you, without planning what to say next.
- Offer to help with something practical, even something small.
- Be patient with someone who’s having a hard day.
If you’d like to give more of your time on a regular basis, volunteering is a good next step, and can be good for your own wellbeing too.
Be kind to the world around you
Kindness can reach beyond the people you know.
- Pick up a bit of litter on your walk.
- Support a local business, charity, or community group.
- Share something positive with your neighbours or community.
- Think about one small change you could make that’s kinder to the environment.
Make it a habit
Kindness works best as something you keep coming back to, not a one-off.
- Pick one small kind act – for yourself or someone else – and try to do it every day this week.
- Notice what kindness feels like when you receive it, as well as when you give it.
- Keep a note of small kindnesses you notice, give, or receive. It’s a good thing to look back on.
Looking after the rest of you
Kindness is one part of looking after your wellbeing. It works alongside:
- Take notice – noticing the present moment and what’s around you.
- Relax and try to sleep well – giving your mind space to rest.
- Keep moving – looking after your body.
Where to get support
If you’re struggling and need more than self-care tips, MindWell can help you find the right support in Leeds.
Last updated: July 2026