We all wish we were super-shiny, brilliant human beings all of the time. The kind whose friends call them selfless and humble. The kind Ted Danson would invite into the Good Place.

But in our everyday life, what with the stuffy trains and lines for coffee and = public toilets that smell like piss, it’s hard to maintain this sense of do-goodedness. We slip very quickly into a “people are the worst” kind of mentality.

Which is natural — all humans are flawed, and it’s impossible to be cheery and generous all the time. But if you want to do a few more nice things in your life (without, you know, trying heaps hard), here are some very small, but important, acts of kindness that’ll start you off.

#1 Rate Your Favourite Podcast In iTunes

You know how at the end of a podcast they beg you to rate it so that they rank higher in the iTunes store? And you’re like, fat-fuckin-chance I’ll remember to do that later, SORRY!

Well, here’s your reminder. Podcasts are so intimate and nice — you know and I know that after a few listens the hosts become your imaginary best friends. And you want the best for your friends, right?

By rating their show (positively, of course), they’ll get more money, more motivation, and more social capital to make more episodes! Yay.

#2 Comment On Celebrities’ Instagrams

This is one of my favourites. Sometimes, when I get a superstitious pang that Heidi Montag-Pratt might not be OK, I like to comment on her posts and tell her she seems like a good mum. Or that her hair is really pretty.

It’s not just Heidi who I do it to either. After I watched I Feel Pretty, I messaged Amy Schumer directly to tell her it made me feel good about myself. When BenDeLaCreme stepped out of Ru Paul’s Drag Race: All Stars, I told her she was brave and inspiring.

Yes, it’s the lamest thing ever. And no, they probably don’t read these messages. But celebrities cop so much hate and vitriol on the internet, it’s nice to remind them that they’re doing so good, and bringing so much joy in the world.

#3 Email Your Hairdresser’s Boss With A Nice Review

You can replace “hairdresser” with waiter, barista, or sales clerk. Pretty much anyone in a service position who deserves a fair go. Gush about them in an email to their manager, explaining why you think they’re so great and how they make your experience with the company so positive.

Not only will an email make them feel really good (aw!), it’ll show their boss that they’re a worthy employee (woohoo!) who deserves a payrise (cha-ching!). Better yet, next time you see them, you’ll be treated like a QUEEN.

#4 Donate To Someone’s Patreon/Charity/Kickstarter

At any one time, you probably have about three friends on Facebook who are raising money for a cause. Or have started up a Patreon or Kickstarter for something in their life.

Crack open your wallet and donate to one of them! We’re not talking huge cash — $10 is fine — because it’s the gesture that counts.

#5 Message Your Friend To Tell Them They’re Great

Imagine your bestie opening up their phone to see a sickeningly earnest message from you saying you love them. Heart! Warming! Stuff! Depending on your relationship with them, they might be like, “What do you want?” But the intention was there, and deep down they’ll love it.

All of this good, good shit, and you didn’t even leave the couch.