We’ve all had those blue days where we could use a little cheering up. And then, sometimes the people around us are the ones who need a little encouragement.
With all that’s going on in the world, it’s a good idea to reach out to people who could use some encouragement. Whether you opt for the same day flower delivery Melbourne and other cities rely on or a more personal gesture, reaching out is always a good idea.
A Few Simple Ways to Add a Smile
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When someone you know or even work with is going through a rough patch or simply having a blue day, it’s a good idea to add a little cheer. Let’s look at a few simple ways to brighten someone’s day.
1. Send Flowers
Flowers or growing plants have long since been a go-to gift. Not only to celebrate memorable or happy occasions but also to spread some cheer. There’s no denying, flowers make everything a little better.
Perhaps it has to do with them serving as a visual reminder of growth and above all else, hope. Speak to your local florist and they’ll help you choose the right bouquet for the message you want to convey.
2. Give a Gift for No Reason
There doesn’t always need to be an occasion for a gift. Choosing a thoughtful gift with a simple note that says something along the lines of, ‘thinking of you at this time’ or ‘wishing you strength’ will go a long way toward encouragement.
3. Bake a Treat
If you have a favourite cupcake, biscuit or even cake recipe, consider doing some baking. A few cupcakes in a pretty box or tin can really cheer someone up. Add a note with an encouraging message for good measure.
4. Offer to Help with Errands
Considerate gestures don’t have to always be bought or made gifts. Consideration can come in the form of helping out with the discouraged person’s chores or to-do list.
Some gestures to consider:
- Pick up their daily shopping or offer to keep them company as they run errands – opt to buy coffee or even lunch
- Offer to babysit the kids for an afternoon to give them some ‘me’ time
- Cook a meal for their family, giving the person a break
5. Check In
We’re all busy. In fact, so much so that we tend to undervalue the importance of checking in with each other. Be sure to check in with your friends and family members, especially those having a rough time. Remind them how special and valued they are.
6. Invite Them Over
If a friend or relative is having a difficult time with something, invite them over for dinner. It will be the best way to give them a break from their current burdens. Send some leftovers home with them for lunch or dinner, thereby giving them one less thing to have to do the next day.
Random Acts of Kindness Toward Strangers
If you’re on social media, you’ve no doubt seen the meme that reads, ‘You don’t know what people are going through, always treat strangers with kindness.’ If you want to spread some random cheer, read on for a few ideas to make a stranger smile.
- Donate your time to a local animal shelter. Many shelters rely on volunteers to clean cages or take animals for a walk. Collect old blankets from your friends and family to donate.
- Volunteer at an old age home or ask if you can drop off a few casseroles or a pot of stew. Spending time with the elderly who don’t get any visitors is also a good idea.
- Buy or cook a warm meal for a homeless person. Remember to include cutlery. Divide the meal into two portions so that they have food for two meals.
- Leave a thank-you note and a few baked treats for your office cleaner.
- Allow an elderly person to go before you in the grocery line.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Offer to return a shopping cart for a mother who has her hands full.
- Be friendly to the store cashier. Always compliment good service and thank them for it.
- When you can, leave a bigger tip than usual.
- Hold the elevator for someone.
- Let someone go in front of you in traffic.
- Donate unused books or board games to an old age home.
- Drop off a box of biscuits or cupcakes with a thank-you note at the local fire station.
Final Thought
It might sound cliché, but your simple act of kindness might be the nicest thing that happens to the other person all day. Generally, it doesn’t have to take or cost a lot. Once you open yourself up to the idea of doing something nice for someone, you’ll be surprised how many simple ideas you can come up with. You’ll not only feel better but as the old saying goes, ‘a little goes a long way.’
The best part, many people who receive a random act of kindness often spread it to someone else. What better way to add a few smiles this year!
