Acts of kindness are defined as selfless acts performed in a kind manner to either help or cheer up a stranger, for no specific reason.

Princess Diana once said, “[To] carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

People constantly describe acts of kindness, but what do they do?

The short answer is that kindness can decrease stress levels and create a happier mood.

When asked what comes to mind about acts of kindness, junior Natalie Girvin said, “I think of something simple like opening a door for somebody.”

Kindness to others offers benefits for both mental and physical health. When kindness is presented to the body, serotonin is released. Serotonin creates a feeling of calmness, allowing people to feel stronger and boost self esteem. It also produces oxytocin, which can help aid in lowering blood pressure and also improve overall heart function.

Junior Emily Goss described the way an act of kindness makes a person feel. “It makes you feel good,” she said. “It shows how one simple act can make a person feel good and can improve their day.”

Many acts of kindness have been seen to make a huge impact in people’s lives. Whether it be as small as giving money to someone or giving a kind gesture.

When asked how he feels about acts of kindness, junior Jack Chatterley said, “I think of service. Just simple tasks like saying hello to someone.”

Acts of kindness are shown in various ways throughout each individual community around the world.

When the time came for the father-daughter dance at Kaley West’s weding, her five brothers stepped in for their father. Three years before her wedding, the West family lost their father due to heart disease. Before the wedding, Kaley’s brothers selected a special song for her. As each brother took their turn dancing, the song “Fathers and Daughters” played. Little did she know, her brothers had their own father’s voice put into the song from old home videos.

“I love you very much and you know I’m going to miss you,” West’s voice spoke in the song.

This small act of kindness to their sister made her wedding night unforgettable and paid tribute to their father. “Kaley had a very special bond with her dad,” the West family shared in an interview with Popsugar. “She was his little princess.” The kindness shown from her siblings revealed how not all acts of kindness have to be massive to have meaning. The void that was filled in the dance was made in a simple and meaningful way.

Acts of kindness have been seen throughout the world. A police officer in Phoenix was on patrol when he saw a homeless man without any shoes. The officer, Mark Valenzuela, felt sympathy for the man since he wasn’t wearing shoes. Out of kindness, Valenzuela took the shoes he bought for his son, and gave them to the man.

Little Things was able to interview Raymond Celaya, who took the video of the officer. “[The video] just shows exactly how much our officers serve Phoenix and help the community and also protecting the community.”

As many heartwarming stories are told and shown, remember that acts of kindness can be as simple as opening the door, or as impressionable as helping a person who is need. Acts of kindness start with one person and can create a chain which can help shape and strengthen communities.