THE average adult carries out three acts of kindness per day – a total of 200,910,000 across the UK population.
Research of 2,000 people found giving up your seat on public transport, checking in on an elderly neighbour (both 56 per cent) and helping carry heavy items for someone up or down stairs (55 per cent) are considered the biggest displays of generosity.
Research of 2,000 people found that 56 per cent said giving up your seat for an elderly person to be the biggest display of generosity[/caption]
The same percentage said the same for checking in on an elderly neighbour[/caption]
While saying please and thank you (65 per cent) are the top acts people should perform for others, ahead of helping out (57 per cent) and holding the door open (56 per cent).
It also emerged that simply wanting to help is the main motivator for being nice (54 per cent), followed by wanting to put a smile on someone’s face (47 per cent) and setting a good example to friends and family (32 per cent).
The research was commissioned by Fairy Non Bio to mark the launch of its partnership with the film Paddington In Peru, with the two brands taking over the Outernet, in London, on Friday 25 October for its #LoadsOfKindess pop-up.
Laura Mcilwaine, from the laundry brand, said: “Being kind can really have a positive impact on someone’s day.
“As a nation we’re a kind bunch across the board and it is something to love about the UK.
“We want to create a ripple effect of kindness up and down the nation and encourage the little acts which can go a long way.”
The research also found that the impact of kindness is measured in how long people feel warm and happy for after being on the receiving end of a nice gesture – which lasts two hours and 16 minutes.
Some of the main emotions stirred when receiving a nice deed include feeling loved (48 per cent), it staying in their memory (45 per cent) and inspiring them to be nicer to others (41 per cent).
While 89 per cent felt it was important to be kind to others – and 88 per cent feel society should be kinder.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, found performing nice acts helps boost mental health for 43 per cent, with 58 per cent claiming they don’t expect those acts to be reciprocated.
Laura Mcilwaine, of Fairy Non Bio, said: “To kick-start this wave of good deeds, we’re inviting people to pledge an act of kindness in person at the Outernet this Friday.”
