8 Simple Ways You Could Brighten Someone's Day | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

8 Simple Ways You Could Brighten Someone's Day

You never know what people are going through, so why not just assume you could help make their day better?

126
8 Simple Ways You Could Brighten Someone's Day
Today's Parent

I’ve always believed that one person has the ability to change the world, or in fact, change someone else’s world. With that said, every person you know is going through something. It may be big or it may be small, but no one can judge if one trial or tribulation is more important than another. Why not be the person to brighten another’s day and bring light into someone’s world? Here are eight easy ways you can make a positive impact in someone else’s life:

1. Smiling is free

It obviously sounds extremely cliche, but sometimes all people need to see is someone else’s bright smile to alleviate pain or stress. Being surrounded by negative energy is never okay, whether you’re having a good or a bad day.

2. Open the door for the person behind or in front of you

People often feel like they are invisible or unimportant, so when you do that one extra step to think of someone other than yourself, it’s guaranteed that person will be appreciative.

3. Ask someone how their day is going

Adding to the concept that people may feel unimportant, people may also be having a good or bad day and want to share their thoughts with someone. This one act could make someone feel special and it is also therapeutic to talk about your feelings.

4. Do a random act of kindness

Whether it be holding groceries for someone or giving money to charity, it’s guaranteed that you will feel like you did something valuable with your day. It doesn’t have to be some huge gesture, but just doing something for someone other than yourself is extremely rewarding.

5. Be a shoulder for someone to cry on

Sometimes just being there for someone is all that is necessary. If a close friend or someone you know is going through a difficult situation, it doesn’t take much energy to offer a shoulder or even an ear to listen to them. This act of comforting can do wonders and is always acknowledged by the person who needs it.

6. Compliment someone

I’m not advising you to throw random compliments at people that you don’t really mean. If you think to yourself that the woman in front of you looks good in that hat, why not tell her you think so? That woman may be having a rough day and could use some words of flattery. No fake compliments, just ones that travel through your mind and are worth mentioning.

7. Good morning or good night text

I know I love the feeling of being thought of, so if you remember to text your mom and dad “good morning” or “good night” or a friend for that matter, they most likely will feel very loved. This reminds people that there are people out there who care about them, and at the end of the day, what more could a person want?

8. Say "thank you"

We all have been taught by our parents since we can remember how important it is to be polite. I think the only words that are more powerful than “please", are the words “thank you.” It’s common for peoples actions to be under appreciated or unacknowledged, so when you tell someone “thank you”, it could really make them feel like they are worthy and whatever they are doing has a purpose.

All in all, these eight things may not have the ability to transform a depressed person into someone that is happy and content with life, but these eight things are important to have in the back of your mind. You never know how one act of kindness could effect someone's life in a positive way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages

It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.

1688
learning different languages
a2zli

When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.

Keep Reading...Show less
disney dinner
Deviantart

I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break

Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.

822
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Becco

Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student

Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.

2049
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Wikimedia Commons

It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.

Keep Reading...Show less
silhouette of person's hands forming heart
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments