I think it can be pretty obvious that there are many problems in the world; from poverty to global warming, to unemployment, simply to paying high taxes, everyone deals with many different stressors. However, I realized that helping others in the simplest ways really can make the world a better place. Here are ten ways that you can simply help individuals to make them feel just a bit better.

1. Hold the door open for someone.

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I was with my mom at the grocery store the other day and she saw one of her neighbors. As they were talking, I took it upon myself to put his groceries in his car. He was a very nice, old man and was very appreciative.

3. Donate to a charity.

Donate a simple $5.00 to a charity. Even a dollar helps. Make sure the charity is real though!

4. Help someone get the snow off of their car.

I was in the parking lot one day about to leave from going to the gym. My car was still covered with a bit of snow. A man started to wipe some of the snow off my car before I left and I could not thank him enough.

5. Give a gift.

Does not have to be so lavish. People enjoy the little things. I send a few friends of mine $10.00 gift cards to places I know they enjoy for their birthdays and Christmas and such. They tell me how much they appreciate it knowing that I care and it makes their day just a bit better.

6. Listen to someone.

Sometimes people just need to vent. I was sitting in the park one day upset and an old man came over to speak to me (I made sure he was okay to talk to). He gave me advice and told me if I ever needed someone to talk to, we could meet in the park, as he was a professional psychologist. I turned down the offer, but it was nice just to vent to someone.

7. Volunteer

Volunteering not only helps you feel better but you are helping others. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen, participate in a breast cancer walk, raise funds for those suffering from muscle disease, volunteer at your local library; the list is endless.

8. Bring baked goods to work.

No, I do not mean that type of baking..... I mean cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cake-pops, etc. You can even bake something for someone just because. I sometimes bring in baked goods to work and I love when the coworkers enjoy them (Hey, maybe you'll make a good impression on the boss too!)

9. Offer your seat.

I have a physical disability so I appreciate it when someone gets up to give me a seat. However, when I see someone who is in worse shape than me or a woman who is pregnant, I am more than happy to give them my seat when I can.

10. Smile at someone.

When someone, even a stranger, simply smiles at me, I feel better. Just a smile can brighten your day a bit as cheesy as that sounds.

Trust me, there are so many other ways you can help others, and I have only given you ten! Take time out of your day to do something helpful. Kindness is key.