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Help Someone Feel Better Today
Back in the old days, communities, tribes, folk and families thrived on doing things together. Not only did ways to help someone feel better about themselves come naturally, it was “normal”.
Nowadays the trend in our society is for people to be separated from one another.
Our daily thoughts and actions are mostly centered around what we do for ourselves as individuals. More me, less you.
People used to stop in the streets to have a chat, take the time to speak to their neighbours when walking by. Sadly, smartphones, computers and social media have distanced us from our communication with our fellow human beings.
I see this a lot when I am on public transport in Vienna. Everyone is so immersed in the information we they reading online (myself included), that we do not even for a moment, raise our heads when someone sits down next to us.
Television has planted us firmly in our living rooms, instead of out in the company of friends, family and colleagues. We love our TV shows and series and would often much rather stay home watching those, that to be out and about interacting with others. Of course, it is nice to stay home too. I love experiencing Hygge but at the same time I make time to spend outside of the house.
Not making any generalizations either, it just seems to be the norm in our daily lives.
I think we could all do a little more to take steps to connect with both strangers and loved ones.
You can take actions to help someone feel better or do something good for another person.Not next month, not next week, but today.
Why Help Someone Feel Better?
Selfish Reason: When you help someone feel better, you feel better about yourself.
Good Reason: It allows you to connects with another person and build relationships.
Better Reason: When you help someone feel better, they, in turn, want to pay it forward.
Amazing Reason: You are making a contribution to making our world a better place.
Spare a few minutes today to show a little kindness and compassion for someone else. There are so many ways to help someone feel better. I can think of thousands right off the top of my head.
Need a nudge, an idea or motivation? Here are 7 simple ways to make someone feel better today.
1. Smile
I am very shy, so I am less quick to offer my smile to a stranger. When I catch someone’s eye, I usually tend to start smiling, to gauge their reaction. It usually ends in both of us smiling at each other. Simple. It will leave the person receiving your smile feel a bit better, and maybe even make their day brighter. In turn, it might motivate them to offer their smile to another person.
2. Listen Closely
The biggest lie told on a daily basis is “I’m fine”. If you can tell someone is sad, angry, or frustrated or just needs someone who will listen, be that person. You can help someone feel better by lending an ear. It is often enough to just be there for that person. Trust me, they will be grateful for it.
You also do not always need to offer your advice or personal suggestions. Listening alone is sometimes enough.
3. Appreciate People
Help someone feel better about themselves by showing appreciation. I am guilty of not doing this enough with my hubby. He is so caring with our little one, great around the house, and super supportive. While I praise him a lot, I feel like I could still offer it more.
Why appreciate someone from afar, without expressing it to them directly? Let the person know how much you appreciate their work, their help, support, their time.
It will make both of you feel better. Knowing you are appreciated will always warm your heart.
4. Stop And Offer Help
If you see someone in need of help, just stop. Ask what you can do to help them. You never know how long they might have been waiting for someone to offer a lending hand.
You have two hands – one to help yourself, and the other to help others. I hate when I see an overwhelmed mom carrying lots of groceries, pushing a baby pram, and holding the hand of a toddler and not one single person has offered her help to get to her car. I can’t understand it. I always jump in whenever I can. Are you one of those people who sit back and watch? Wait for someone else to offer their help instead?
Remember: You might be in need of a helping hand one day too. Karma will reward you for your good deed.
'A good deed brightens a dark world.'Click To Tweet
5. Leave Notes For Those You Care About
Leave an email, text message, or better yet, a handwritten note for someone to show them how much you appreciate them, or how proud you are of them. Let them know you are thankful and grateful for them being in your life. I love receiving cards, little post its or messages on the whiteboard in and around the house from my hubby.
Last week a colleague left me a lovely note of appreciation on my desk. I was very touched and it really made me feel better about myself. Yes – the little things count.
6. Spread The Love
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Let those around you, family and friends know how much you love them.
You cannot say it enough so never miss a moment to do so. I tell my hubby and little one constantly how much I love them.
I let them both know this as many times a day as possible, every single day.
It is not about making someone feel better or making yourself happier, but really expressing what is in your heart. The greatest part of knowing another human, is experiencing life together.
You will love yourself for knowing you affected someone in a positive way, and as a consequence, so many others.
I hope you will take these simple ways to help someone feel better into consideration and carry them out in your day today!
In the comments section below, let me know one thing you have done today to help someone feel better.
86 comments
I love the point about smiling more – a smile and a kind word can do so much. During this wintery season, I’ve found greeting busy retail staff with a smile and wishing them a happy holidays or that I hope they have a lovely day always gets a genuine smile in return, its too easy to treat people like robots and not like people!
I agree Rachel! A smile can make things better and lighter. I think the Winter season gets a lot of people down, so a kind word is always welcome.
What a wonderful message. When you taking time to make others feel better, you get the benefit of it as well, as you feel good inside, and people treat you the way you treat them.
This sharing helps make life better. Good life is giving and receiving, from the smallest ones. I think everyone needs to listen, understand, and I too. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a positive article and I enjoyed reading it about immensely. In my religion, it’s a good deed to smile to people and I loved that you included that.
These are all great tips and a great reminder! It’s amazing how simple things like these can make such a difference 🙂
Great post. I’ve been saying a lot of good stuff when my friends are feeling down. And I need to lift them up or cheer them up. Because there’s a lot to be grateful for. And you’re right, I feel awesome when doing these things. As Ellen always say. Be kind to one another!
Motivational, inspiring and such a beautiful post to read. Smiling is so important and also listening can go a long way x
I’m so glad you mentioned appreciation. One of the best things I’ve ever done was to start a gratitude journal. It’s forced me to notice even the littlest things throughout the day. It’s amazing just how many things we have to be thankful for. Also, if it’s something a person has done for me, instead of thinking “Oh, how nice of them” I actually say it with words. x
This is such a wonderful message! I totally agree that in today’s society we do not always have our priorities straight. Doing something for someone else makes the world such a better place! Thank you so much for sharing this so needed post. It’s a good reminder for us all, especially during the holidays.
I try to make people feel better as often as I can! I think helping others is essential in life – where would any of us be without help! your points were spot on! love this post!
Really great post. We could all do a little more to help our neighbors. Your suggestions were perfect!
[…] the while, as we live in this virtual reality, we are losing touch with the people around us, those we live with or simply stand in line next to in the […]
What an awesome message and list. Taking time to make others feel better and brighten their day, creates a domino effect of positivity and altruism. Love it!
These are really sweet reasons to help someone feel better, Sheri. I’ve always said that we were given two hands for a reason. I love how you mentioned why above. Being able to offer someone a hand is key to survival. We could all use a little love.
This is such a wonderful post! It’s so true that we need to stop isolation ourselves in our digital world’s. Just a simple smile could really turn someone’s day around!
Ellie
This is a wonderful list! And number 1, “Smile,” is probably the easiest thing EVER! I try to do it as often as possible, and it truly does make me feel better to exchange a smile with a stranger!
I love this post, it is so true we really don’t take the time in today’s day and age with social media and smartphones to stop and listen to someone and appreciate living in the moment, thank you so much for sharing this
This post reminds us that little things matter and can make a big difference. There are many simple ways to help others. I appreciate your thoughtful advice.
Lorna
This is so true. We have lost the human side of humanity as a result of social media and screen time. I love this post because you clearly set out ways in which we can do better as a people. Thanks.
I really love this post. I was feeling a bit down this morning, and reading these tips, thinking outside of myself really helped! Loved the intro photo too!
Helping people feel better help me get through my own problems because sometimes we go through the same things and don’t take our own advise. But, saying encore words helps us accept them personally. Great post!
Yes you are right. At times we give advice that we don’t use ourselves. Helping someone out also offers self- reflection for ourselves which is great. Have a great day Olubukonla, thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Totally agree, and guilty of helping out for selfish reasons most of the time. If anything, I want the pay it forward mentality because it creates a ripple effect of kindness. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to remind us to do something good today! Have a great day! 😀
How thoughtful of you to write such a touching post.
Often in the race of life thoughts get centered around our own self.
The first thing to do is STOP and then sequentially do the other 5 points!
You are right Joleisa! Good karma is always a great thing to get in return. 🙂
I always try to do things like these as I know that the world operates on this cycle. It will eventually get back to me. Plus I always admire people who are kind, thoughtful and giving. They are the special ones.
Appreciation and notes are my specialty! A smile definitely won’t hurt either!
Notes are the best Joanae, and so is appreciation and gratuity. 🙂
What a great article about doing the right thing in more ways than others. Thank you for sharing.
This is a beautiful post. The thing here which most stands out to me is the “notes” part. I know I should give people more notes, digital and especially analog, but I just am so bad at this. I really think about people all the time that I have not seen in ages, but I rarely reach out. It is a two way street, right? Aren’t we all thinking about each other all the time and happy to hear from one another just when it is necessary? This reminds me.. I am traveling right now and I need to send out some postcards (another thing I am TERRIBLE at!)
Thank you Judson. Your words are always so encouraging and motivating. Try not to forget to send out those postcards! Trust me, the person or people on the receiving end will have their day brightened by receiving your card in their mailbox rather than seeing bills. LOL. Where are you in the world right now? I hope you are having a great time!
This is such a beautiful reminder, Sheri! If we all followed your suggestions, this world would be a better place- at the end of the day it’s small things what makes a huge difference. Mal x
It always brightens your day to brighten someone else’s. Just helping someone with a task at work that’s not a part of your job is something I try to do each day.
What a great read and so true – Always try and help someone feel better! Specially in today’s world where we are running against time to get things done, it’s like a fresh breath of air when someone lends you that helping hand or just a smile.
Yes Molly. Some days, just a smile or a helping hand can turn the day around and make one feel so appreciated.
You are right. There are millions of world in this world, in different languages that we could use just t make someone feel better, and saying negative things won’t do good. A simple smile and an encouraging tap on your shoulder is enough, to communicate to others making them feel alright.
Such a great list! I actually used a handwritten letter recently for a friend who lived abroad and was going through a rough time. It was simple, yet thoughtful, and it put a big smile on her face. And, to top it off, it got there a lot faster than normal.
I would love to receive a postcard a nice short note in my mailbox. Nowadays we hardly receive those anymore and I am sure it would brighten up my day!
You are absolutely correct, its sad but technology has taken over our lives and not in a good way. People can literally be in the same room and nobody is engaging with each other.. Listening is important, Many times we ask how some one is doing without really waiting for a response or caring how some one is really doing..
Human relationships are very important. Truly caring ,listening,sharing is more valued but less done.Your is a timely post to remember to be more humane
Notes are my favorite to give and to get. I got a card in the mail the other day, and it just lifted my spirits.
I am often smiling! I also write a lot of notes! This is a great list and it definitely does make others feel better!
Kind of hard to admit that I havent did much of this the entire weekend. Ive stayed away from online activitiesore than I usually do, but I could show a little tenderness to those around me.
I try to reconnect with special people as much as possible. Sometimes it’s hard when your work is online.
Your post is full of positivity,loved reading it.I feel smiling is the best and easiest way to interact and spread love.
Xo,
Shreya!
I agree. A smile a day keeps the doctor away. I love sharing smiles.
When we give to others, life can’t help but to give back to us. Besides, giving feels so good.
Never underestimate the power of a smile! I also like the idea of leaving little notes as encouragement.
These are all so true!! I always try to take note to truly listen to someone when they are not feeling themselves or maybe they are feeling unsure–active listening is key, though, which means I make sure to pay extra attention to eye contact and acknowledging their responses!
Listening is a really powerful way. I don’t think we really recognize how just creating space and time to listen to someone’s heart can make a difference. And of course, love.
These are wonderful tips! I think it is always important to make people feel better themselves. Kindness is free! – HilLesha
That’s great reminder! Listening and tuning in can really help a person feeling understood and cared for.
Such a beautiful reminder of how we can be the change in the world. I will be tweeting this link.Technology has made us rather introverted.
Thank you so much Verushka!
Good post, we humans have taken a different step to good feeling but this will surely bring us back to roots as ro real essence and ways to help others feel good. Smile, love. And so on are good.
These are all really great and things that we need more of in our community! My favorite on the list is smile. It’s amazing how powerful a simple smile can be!
I wish we could do things to encourage and motivate others, these are some easy and helpful tips….
I love smiling to people in the train and it also make my day when I receive a handwritten note, so I know it also help fix others mood
I think if we do the things we would like done to us to others than our world will be filled with love filled individuals,
This was a great post! I agree that TV and phones have seemed to be the norm instead of people sitting there together enjoying one another. I try to do all of these things on a daily basis, but I am sure I could be doing them more!
completely agree!! Today has been somewhat trying with anxiety, tears, crappy weather, technical issues etc. but a good smile, laugh etc. helps ease this weird atmospheric pulse 🙂 I hope people try these simple tips as they can help!
I hope your day ended up turning out for the better Janine! 🙂
Great tips, Sheri! you’re right, it really doesn’t take much to make someone feel happy or special. (And that photo is beautiful!)
What a great feel good post! The best is that when you make someone else feel better, you make yourself feel better!!!
With love, you’re able to do all these things. Great write up!
What an awesome post to start my Friday with! It really is the simple things, like a smile, that can change someone’s day.
It’s been a rough day–wish I could get some of this myself, LOL. Thanks so much for sharing <3
I think it is really important to know what other people who are close to you’s love language is. Because the way I show/receive love is different from my husband. We are able to tailor that to each other and it makes for a wonderful relationship.
I read your blog regularly and this is one of my all time favorite posts! I am sharing on my facebook page!
Thank you so much for the great feedback Terri and for sharing, I really appreciate it! You made my day 🙂
These are such simple ways you can change someone’s day. A simple smile or a kind word is all it takes!
I really like this post and I enjoy reading this. Thanks god my hubby would appreciate all my effort for our family.
This is so nice. I always tell my friends and family I love them. I also try to smile at people, but sometimes it freaks others out if you just start smiling in their direction.
Fantastic points. I am one of those people think is a weirdo because l am always saying hi, smiling and engaging. I find in a lot of countries they are hesitant to return the gesture, but l don’t care. It’s second nature to me and when they reciprocate, well..we both feel better. Sometimes the smallest thing pushes someone through a difficult time. Great post.
This is so important, making someone feel better like you said is good for you and them, plus there needs to be more positivity and happiness in the world.
I love these ideas. The world needs more people who are willing to help each other and who think of how the other person is doing!
How true.
It just brings to my mind how when we hear someone go: “How are you?”, we instantly reply with a “I’m good.”
It doesn’t matter if we’re dying on the insides, and I think the sad part is, most people don’t care if you are.
You never know what the next person is going through. Small acts of kindness can make a world of difference.
I agree 100% Antoinette!
Sometimes, these are just what someone needs to encourage them and make them feel better. I love all these suggestions.
It’s so true that when you help someone else you feel better yourself! When ever I am feeling down I try to find someone to serve that day!
A Beautiful reminder! These days everyone is so much busy in all the worldly possessions and technology that there is no social interaction at all! A beautiful smile can make anyone’s day and a simple ‘Hello’ can brighten someone’s eyes!
Thank you for writing this post!! I truly think more of us need to focus on the energy we are putting out to others, besides how we feel about ourselves. Being a light to those around me has always been a goal of mine, and you just reminded me that sometimes it takes effort to be a better citizen of the world, but it’s always totally worth it.
I really enjoyed this does of positivity. I can say it made my day better just by reading it 🙂 love and compassion always wins.
I love this post, and I agree we get so absorbed in our own lives we forget about others. I smile at everyone that I pass and sometimes just say hi. I also make sure to compliment other women when I’m out and about, or at the office!
I agree with you, we have totally gotten away from connecting with people. My youngest was very shy and to help him get over it I challenged him to smile and say “hello” to at least one new person everyday. Now that he’s a little older I can tell that the challenge paid off. He has a number of new friends and talking to a complete stranger isn’t as scary as it used to be.