5 Ways to Make Someone Feel Better

Seeing a friend’s smile flicker out is one of the worst feelings. Their eyes lose their sparkle, and a weight seems to hang over them.
You just want to reach in and make them feel better again. But how? How can you bring back that spark and turn that frown upside down?
This guide is your ultimate roadmap to becoming a master mood-lifter! We’ll explore thoughtful ways to make someone feel better and show you genuinely care. From personalized messages to unforgettable activities, we’ve got you covered.
And, of course, we will give you some practical free reads along the way. Here’s a taste of what you’ll discover:
- The Best Ways for Cheering Someone Up: Discover creative ways to show you care, from personalized messages to unforgettable activities.
- Bonus: How to Cheer Yourself Up: Self-care matters! We’ll explore cozy activities and introduce you to fantastic Blinkist resources for boosting your own mood and well-being.
Ready to become a rock star of positivity for your friends and experience the happiness boost yourself? Let’s get started!
5 Ways for Cheering Someone Up
Cheering someone up isn’t just good for them; it’s good for you, too. According to recent surveys, 89% of people reported feeling better after showing someone else an act of kindness.
Similarly, 90% felt uplifted when they were on the receiving end of such kindness. So, being kind won’t hurt anyone and is a great way to make someone feel better.
1. The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or break down. When your friend’s feeling down, use your words wisely to offer comfort and support.
- Thoughtful Messages: A heartfelt text, a funny meme, or even a handwritten note can go a long way. Consider sending a funny anecdote you remember together, or reminding them of a quality you admire in them.
- The Art of Listening: Sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do is simply be a good listener. Lend a compassionate ear without judgment, and offer words of encouragement when appropriate.
Feeling a little stuck for the right words? Blinkist offers a fantastic collection of micro-learning summaries on topics like communication and emotional intelligence. Check out our selection on “The Art of Conversation”:
2. Personalized Gestures
Generic gifts can feel impersonal. Instead, tap into your friend’s unique interests to craft a gesture that shows you truly care:
- Tailored Treats: Surprise them with their favorite takeout, a curated playlist of uplifting music, or tickets to a local event they’ve been wanting to see.
- DIY Delight: Feeling crafty? Bake them a batch of their favorite cookies, create a personalized photo album filled with happy memories, or write them a heartfelt poem.
Looking for inspiration? Check out Blinkist’s “The 5 Love Languages” to explore how people feel love and gratitude. Understanding this can assist you in personalizing your actions to truly connect with your friend
The 5 Love Languages
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
3. Quality Time Activities
Sometimes, the best way to cheer someone up is to simply spend quality time together. Here are some ideas to consider, catering to different energy levels:
- Cozy Companionship: For a low-key approach, have a movie night in with their favorite snacks and a feel-good movie.
- Nature’s Nurture: A relaxing walk in nature can be a breath of fresh air (literally and metaphorically!). Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some scenic bonding time.
- Adventure Awaits! Feeling more energetic? Plan a fun outing that aligns with their interests, whether it’s a day trip to a local attraction, a class you can take together, or a weekend getaway.
Need some inspiration for adventure activities? Blinkist offers summaries of books like “The Happiness Project” that can spark ideas for creating lasting memories with your friend.
The Happiness Project
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
Remember, the key is to choose an activity that caters to your friend’s current energy level and preferences.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that people with good nature connectedness tend to be happier. Research shows that individuals who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life. So, take them for a walk and hug a tree!
4. Acts of Service
Sometimes, the best way to show you care is by taking a burden off your friend’s shoulders. And here’s how you can lighten their load:
- Helping Hand: Offer to run errands for them, help with chores around the house, or complete a specific task they’ve been putting off.
- Gift of Time: Watch their kids for a few hours, offer to walk their dog, or help them with a work project if you have the expertise.
Acts of Service are such a meaningful way to show love and support. We highly recommend checking out the Blinkist article Know Your Love Language: Learn to Speak Acts of Service for more tips and inspiration on how to make someone feel better.
5. Being Present
Being fully present with your friend can be the most powerful gift of all. And here’s how to show you truly care:
- Put Away Distractions: Silence your phone, avoid multitasking, and focus solely on your friend during your time together.
- The Power of Touch: A hug, a pat on the back, or even holding their hand can offer comfort and emotional support.
If you need some practice with being present, check out the Blinkist summary “What Does It Mean to Be Present?” It encourages mindfulness and teaches valuable lessons about focusing on the here and now.
Remember, this section is a toolbox filled with different techniques to make someone feel better. Choose the ones that resonate most with you and your friend’s situation.
How to Make Someone Feel Better with Blinkist
Being there for someone who’s feeling down is a powerful act of friendship. By mastering these five techniques—the power of words, personalized gestures, quality time, helpful actions, and simply being present—you’ll become an expert at lifting spirits.
Plus, kindness is like a boomerang—it comes right back at you with a smile!
And if you really want to know how to make someone feel better, check out Blinkist Premium. With personal access to more than 7,500 top titles, book summaries, podcasts, Guides, and so much more, you’ll have all the resources you need at your fingertips.
And the best part: When you get Blinkist Premium, you can share it with your best friend. Yes, you read that right. When you sign up for one account, you get another account on top of it.
Imagine you and your best friend exploring all those amazing books and summaries together!
And the cherry on top: You and your bestie can connect on Blinkist, adding, sharing, and recommending titles all in one place in the app. It’s like having a book club just for the two of you.
Ready to give it a try?
Sign up today and see how Blinkist can help you become the ultimate friend – the one who always knows how to make someone feel better.
Bonus: How to Cheer Yourself Up
Self-care matters! It’s not all about making someone else feel better. Every so often, it’s us who need a little mood booster. Here are some cozy activities and fantastic Blinkist resources to help you feel better:
- Get Moving: Exercise can boost your mood by releasing endorphins. Try a gentle yoga session, a brisk walk, or even dancing to your favorite tunes.
- Connect with Loved Ones: Spending time with friends or family members, even virtually, can provide emotional support and lift your spirits.
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help you stay present and reduce stress.
- Pamper Yourself: Curl up with a good book, watch a favorite movie, or take a warm bath to unwind.
And here’s a special collection just for you: Self-Care Toolkit. This collection will give you the tools to unplug, reset, and nourish yourself, helping you to feel better and live life to the fullest.