By Janelle Martel

While we’re all prone to feeling a little bit isolated and down these days, doing something for others is a great way to boost your own mood - and we call that a win-win!  Here are five of our favorite ways to spread some joy throughout your neighborhood with small acts of kindness:

Send Some Cheer

There’s something about receiving a little gift at your doorstep that can help to brighten your day!  Spread some positivity with a delivery of fresh flowers, a handmade card, a meal from a local restaurant, or a sweet treat in the form of edible cookie dough.  Sending a little gift can also help open up the lines of communication between neighbors, so you’re able to provide help in celebrating birthdays during COVID or provide you with a way to check in regularly with your neighbors. 

Decorate Your Home

With so many of us being cooped up, we’re all itching to get out for some fresh air and a walk for a change of scenery.  Decorating your home can be a great way to brighten up the neighborhood and bring a smile to your neighbor’s faces.  Whether it’s leaving your holiday lights up a little longer, keeping your garden in gorgeous condition, hanging pictures in your windows, or writing some inspirational chalk messages on the sidewalk, get creative in how you add some decor outside. You can also extend your decoration of the neighborhood by posting notes of encouragement throughout your neighborhood or hiding painted rocks.

Share Your Quarantine Favorites

When we’re spending time indoors, we’re all looking for things to keep us busy. So, why not host a swap of your favorite DVD’s, board games, puzzles, and books?  Search for a local Facebook group to offer up sharing some of these favorite things, look for a local little free library to swap, or host a free garage sale. Supporting local is also so important during this time, so don’t be afraid to share a favorite local restaurant for take-out or highlight a local business with awesome curbside pick-up. If you’ve mastered something new during quarantine - like baking bread or crafting - offer to host a neighborhood class via Zoom to share what you’ve learned with your neighbors.

Offer Your Help

If you’re able, offering your help  will not only do a world of good for someone who may be unable to venture out, but it also helps you feel good.  Put up a note and let your neighbors know that you’re able to help with getting groceries or picking up prescriptions. Other things that people might need help with is meal prep, walking their dog, or taking care of their yard. If you’re looking to be connected with people who could use a hand, there are many COVID-friendly and remote volunteer opportunities available.  If you’re unable to help, simply working on being considerate of others and giving them space is another way to practice being a kind neighbor.  Keep in mind that some neighbors - especially those who live alone - may be feeling especially lonely during this time.  Offer to do a social-distancing friendly video chat, or try to arrange a neighborhood group activity on Zoom.

Get Dressed Up

If you’ve got an awesome costume hanging around, why not put it on and go for a little walk through your neighborhood?  People of all ages will get a kick out of it.  If you’re feeling a little less brave, you could also dress up your pets.  Many people are also getting creative and doing social distancing friendly parades - whether it’s by foot or car - complete with music that can help spread joy through your neighborhood.