10 Easy Ways to Make Someone’s Day

You can’t really beat the feeling of putting a smile on someone’s sad face. Here are 10 easy ways to do just that.

1. Smile. Smiling is probably the easiest way you can make someone’s day. A little smile can make a big difference, whether you’re smiling at an old friend or a stranger you’re passing by on your morning walk. There’s a reason people say “your smile makes me smile!”
2. Hug them. Plain and simple, sometimes people just need a hug, or even a pat on the back!
3. Listen. Sometimes people aren’t looking for advice – they’re just looking for someone to listen to their problems. Open your ears and offer advice only when asked.
4. Make them laugh! Did you accidentally trip on your way up the stairs this morning in front of your entire office? Have you heard a funny joke from your kids recently? Share your laughs with someone else – we too believe that laughter is the best medicine.
5. Send a note. You don’t have to head to Hallmark to do this easy task! Leaving a Post-It note, writing a short e-mail or even sending a text message is great way to let someone know you’re thinking about them and hope they are doing well, especially if you haven’t talked to him or her in a long time.
6. Surprise them! Baked goods, flowers, an extra concert ticket, something you found that “just had that person’s name on it” – everyone loves (and deserves) a little surprise now and then.
7. Give a compliment. Were you impressed by your co-worker’s presentation yesterday? Do you admire your best friend’s new purse? Let them know! Research says that receiving a compliment has the same positive effect as receiving money, and compliments don’t cost a dime.
8. Hold the door. This simple gesture will seem extravagant to someone running late to a meeting or carrying a stack full of heavy boxes.
9. Pay it forward. Notice you have a little extra cash in your wallet while paying for your morning coffee? Give it to the cashier and let them know you’ll be paying for the person behind you in line’s coffee, too. Paying it forward doesn’t always have to cost money, either – you can do this by volunteering for an organization in need or even offering to pick up your neighbor’s dry cleaning.
10. Donate! While you may not be there to actually witness their gratitude, your old pair of shoes or unused box of crayons could easily turn someone’s day around. A bit of a shameless plug, yes, but donating feels good for all involved.

How have you brought a little sunshine to someone’s day? Let us know by commenting below.