World Kindness Day takes place on 13 November. Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. You might want to do something for someone else or take note if you experience a random act of kindness.

"Kindness can be as simple as a smile, a thank-you or a word of encouragement. It's a way of connecting, even if only for a brief moment, with those we pass in our daily lives. It doesn't have to cost anything or take much time - what's important is that it's an act of genuine care and thoughtfulness for another person.

Kind acts can be spur of the moment, like when we notice someone in need. For example, we might give up our seat on the train or pick up and return someone's glove when they drop it. Opportunities to be kind pop up all over the place - like handing on a newspaper we've finished reading, letting someone take our parking space or passing on an unused ticket.

Kind acts can also be thought through in advance - planning to do something for a friend, neighbour or loved one or because we want to spread some daily joy. There are unlimited ways to be kind to others - we only need to keep your eyes open and pay attention to those around us to start seeing opportunities to help.

To be kind, it's important for us to be aware of the people around us - and to notice their needs and feelings. We all have an innate compassion but sometimes it takes bit of time for us to tune into it. As the Dalai Lama says: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible"

What goes around comes around - and with kindness it really does. Research shows that being kind to others increases our own levels of happiness as well as theirs. What's more it has a knock-on effect - kindness is contagious, so it makes our communities nicer places to be."

Here's a list of suggested acts of kindess to get you started :

1. Give a (sincere) compliment

2. Make someone laugh

3. Take time to really listen to someone

4. Let one car in on every journey

5. Make someone new feel welcome

6. Pick up litter as you walk

7. Read a story with a child

8. Tell someone they mean a lot to you

9. Let someone have your parking spot

10. Treat a loved one to breakfast in bed

11. Tell someone if you notice they're doing a good job

12. Say sorry (you know who to)

13. Forgive someone for what they've done

14. Buy an unexpected gift for someone

15. Do a chore that you don't normally do

16. Help out someone in need

17. Donate your old things to charity

18. Give food to a foodbank

19. Call someone who may be lonely

20. Get back in contact with someone you've lost touch with

21. Volunteer your time for a charity

The above is an excert from the wonderful organisation 'Action For Happiness' you can find out more here  http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action/do-kind-things-for-others

The Mental Health Foundation is challening everyone to be kind

"The random acts of kindness challenge

With this in mind, we’re asking you to try and help others once a day for a week and see if it makes a difference to how you feel. Try to keep track of any volunteering that you’ve done, support you’ve given to friends and family or any random acts of kindness that you’ve carried out or that someone has done for you, and make a note of how they made you feel.

Stuck for ideas? Why not pick some from the '50 random acts of kindness' poster. The 50 ideas came from supporters:"

You can download the poster of 50 Random Acts of Kindness from the Mental Health Foundation here https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/doing-good-does-you-good/random-acts-kindness