How To Cheer Someone Up After a Bad Day: 21 Simple Ways

How to cheer someone up is a toughie these days. But not to worry I’ve got you covered!

The other day I was chatting with a friend who was feeling down and overwhelmed by life. She’s a mom, has a full-time job, and takes her kids to sports practice a few times a week—along with dozens of other responsibilities. Exhausting. 

At that moment, I felt stuck after she shared her feelings, not knowing what to do or say. After an awkward silence, I fumbled for the right words.

So, after our conversation, I thought about and did a bit of research on how to cheer someone up after a bad day to help lift her spirits, and here are 21 simple but powerful ways to brighten someone’s day.

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How To Cheer Someone Up After a Bad Day: 21 Simple Ways

As small as they may be, any of these ideas can make a world of difference to someone who’s struggling or feels sad or alone. And when you go out of your way to cheer someone up, that impacts your own level of happiness.  

As Mark Twain said:

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.

1. Be a shoulder to cry on.

If they are comfortable with opening up to you, just your presence and offering your soft shoulder in a hard situation is a meaningful gesture.

Having genuine support during a difficult period is something we all need to cheer us up.

2. Take them for a cruise. 🚗

A drive around the city or countryside is a good distraction and gives them much-needed time with a loved one. 

An awesome playlist and some carpool karaoke are great ways to lift someone’s spirits and have some belly laughs.

3. Drop off a tea and treat for them.

4. Listen to them without judgement.

This is such a powerful way to be there for someone. Be present and attentively listen to what they say without judging them or the situation. 

It’s not necessary to give advice or solutions unless, of course, they ask. Often lending an ear is the best way to support someone genuinely. Empathize with them as this validates their feelings and lets them feel heard.

5. Let them know they are so loved. 💞

When someone is in a negative frame of mind, has been hurt, or is dealing with overwhelm and stress, this can be all-consuming. Often that leaves people feeling alone and unloved. 

Let that person know you care for them and remind them how much their family and friends love them.

6. Send them a thoughtful text message.

After my father passed away, I remember receiving sweet text messages from close friends, family, and co-workers. As simple as some of those messages were, they brightened my day and made me feel loved. 

Here are some thoughtful message ideas:

• Thinking of you❤️
• You’re amazing!
• I’m blessed to have you in my life.
• So proud of you.
• I’m here for you😊
• I admire your courage.
• Remember to take some time for yourself.
• Call me anytime.
• Let me know any way I can help.
• You are seriously the best!!

As another idea, you can send an inspirational quote or a comforting Bible verse. Just search these up in Google “quotes for a bad day” or “Bible verses for a bad day” and choose the option that suits the situation best and then copy and text the image to the person who’s having the bad day.

Side note: This is a staple for me when it comes to being there for friends and helping cheer them up. Sometimes I’ll randomly send a text to a friend or co-worker I haven’t spoken to in a while, and the responses I’ve gotten have blown me away, from “Wow I really needed that today”, to “It was as if I was getting a message from God” and “Thanks so much for this.”

7. Send them a cute animal video or photo.

Social media is full of adorable videos and photos of sweet and ridiculously adorable cats, dogs, pandas, chipmunks, and any other animal you can think of. These instantly make you smile and melt your heart, so it’s a quick and simple way to cheer someone up.

This Pixaby page has hundreds of short cute animal videos, or check out these adorable animals’ Instagram accounts sure to lift anyone’s spirits:

• @thebeagleandthebun These two adorable and unlikely BFFs will melt anyone’s heart.
• @popeyethefoodie This cute pup was a stray in LA and is now travelling and dining at pet-friendly restaurants.
• @cruzysuzy An account dedicated to quokkas, which are very smiley marsupials.
• @wallythewelshcorgi There’s a good reason he’s known as the “happiest corgi in all the land.”

8. Write out a gratitude list together.

Encouraging them to focus on what they are thankful for will shift their frame of mind and how they feel. 

You can suggest fun ideas, such as creating a gratitude jar, writing things they are thankful for on colourful post-it notes and sticking them around the house, or doing some gratitude journaling.

9. Give them an inspiring book. 📚

An inspiring book can cheer someone up after a bad day, whether it’s a magical fiction book or inspirational non-fiction to help shift their mindset.

Non-fiction recommendations:

• The High 5 Habit: Take Control of your Life with One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
• The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

Fiction recommendations:

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• The Chronicles of Narnia 8-Book Box Set by C.S. Lewis
• The Lord of the Rings 4-Book Box Set by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Beloved by Toni Morrison

10. Laugh it out.

Be silly. Share something funny that happened to you. Watch a funny video on YouTube, like this classic and hilarious washroom scene from There’s Something About Mary—it’s comedy gold (warning: coarse language). Or how about these funny clips from Elf? We all need lighthearted fun, so this is a great way to cheer someone up after a bad day.

You can choose joy even amid adversity—this is a lesson that took me years to learn, but it has been a game-changer.

Related article: 43 Hilarious Stress-Relief Quotes 😂

11. Go for a walk.

The combination of fresh air and the beauty of nature and sunshine helps boost Vitamin D and serotonin levels. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused.

12. Buy them a thoughtful little gift. 🎁

Do they like candles, tea, chocolate, beauty products, plants, or movies? Whatever it is, a thoughtful surprise from a friend or loved one is something anyone would appreciate.

Here are some thoughtful & unique little gift ideas:

• A Hug in a Jar Soy Candle Adorable and thoughtful candle to cheer someone up.
• Aromatherapy Shower Steamers These pretty shower steamers with essential oils help to create a spa ambiance at home.
• Love and Friendship Quotations in a Jar This is a fun, unexpected gift idea for a friend. It comes with 30 sheets so they have something sweet to open each day.
• Essential Oil Aromatherapy Roll-On Set (3 pack) This all-natural set is good for mind refreshing and energy-boosting, the scents are light and not overpowering.
• Indoor Herb Planter with decorative tray This is the perfect gift for anyone with a green thumb.
• Hydrating Korean Sheet Masks (8-pack) Having a relaxing time with a face mask is a great way to pamper yourself after a bad day. Good for all skin types with no harsh chemicals.

If you need more amazing gift ideas, check out these posts: 40 Best Gifts To Make Someone Happy and 56 Essential Self-Care Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

Sweet side note: A couple of years ago, I had eye infections, so my doctor recommended that I throw out all of my eye makeup. I was frustrated but also bummed about throwing all of my mascara out.

It was Christmas time, and we went over to visit family. I was feeling self-conscious about my eye, but to my surprise, my sister-in-law handed me a cute little package.  It was a Marc Jacobs limited edition mascara! How kind—I didn’t even think she would remember something so trivial as me having to throw out my make-up. It was a small gesture, but it totally brightened my day.

13. Give them a long hug.

Did you know that hugs can strengthen our immune systems and increase our happiness? 

Hugs are proven to lift your mood because they help your body and brain boost feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. (1) 

Long hugs have even more benefits. For example, a 20-second hug reduces the harmful impact of stress, lowers our blood pressure, and even helps with heart health. (2)

14. Plan a day out (set a date).

Setting a day to get together is something you both can look forward to and planning it out is so much fun and will boost their mood.

If they like the spa, then plan a spa day or pick up some self-care goodies for them to have a mini spa day at home. Or if they like movies, set up a home movie night or take them to the theatre. Sharing their interests is an excellent way to bond and create meaningful connections.

15. Encourage them to do deep breathing.

Deep breathing helps to lower your stress response and has a calming effect. (3) If you are with them, you can do it together. I highly recommend this deep breathing method here.

16. Give them a handwritten note. ✍️

There’s something special about receiving a handwritten note, and it shows you went that extra mile, which will be appreciated. It doesn’t have to be lengthy or too deep; keep it simple and let them know you care. It’s an easy but powerful way to spread kindness.

Here are some quick examples of what you can write:

• Just wanted to send this note to let you know how important you are to me. I’m here whenever you need me.
• Hey (name), not sure if anyone’s told you lately how amazing, kind and smart you are. I’m blessed to have you in my life. Sending lots of love, (your name)
• I know you’re going through a hard time, and I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. Remember that I’m always here for you.

17. Get your creative juices flowing and do some crafts.

You can try adult colouring books, painting, card-making, or any little DIY project that is a positive distraction and gives new energy to a bad day. There’s satisfaction in creating something, and that’s also a mood booster.

18. Offer to do an errand.

First, find out what they most need help with so you can lessen their load in an area they’re struggling with. This is a practical way to cheer someone up after a bad day and really shows you care. 

When it comes to the 5 Love Languages, “Acts of Service” is a common one for people. (4) For these people, actions speak louder than words, and helping in a practical way makes them feel loved and cared for. 

Funny side note: To this day, one of the sweetest things my now hubby did while we were in the early stages of dating was surprise me by immaculately cleaning my car. It was professional car detailing standards—the car smelt like flowers and all! As an “Acts of Service” love language person, it blew me away. I’ll never forget it, and it confirmed he was a “keeper”.

19. Make them a meal.

20. Remind them of happy memories.

Reliving positive memories you share is another way to get someone’s mind off what they are going through. This helps them focus on the blessings in their life, thus shifting their mindset from negative to positive.

21. Help them replace their negative thoughts.

If they are open to a discussion, it’s a beneficial step to working through their feelings so they don’t linger. Then you can try to encourage and help them shift their perspective on whatever they are going through. 

Sometimes it’s not a bad day or week; it’s one thing that happened or didn’t go as planned. Or maybe there’s a lesson to be learned. Being able to assist in putting the situation into perspective is an effective way to shift their mood. 

Stress and overwhelm can often lead to a spiral of negative thoughts or catastrophizing, which, simply put, is thinking the worst will happen. 

Catastrophizing is a common issue—called a cognitive distortion—for many people. The good news is that after you become aware of this type of thinking, you can begin to challenge and shift those negative thought patterns as they arise. (5)

How To Cheer Someone Up After a Bad Day: The Most Powerful Way

It’s funny after the conversation I had with that friend, I sent her a thoughtful text message as a follow-up (#6). She responded and, to my surprise, thanked me for the phone call. So even though I was worried I didn’t do enough and felt self-conscious that there was an awkward silence, ultimately, what she needed was someone to listen and be a shoulder to cry on. 

That combines #1 and #4, so there’s no need to search for fancy ways to cheer someone up, spend lots of money on an expensive gift, or read tons of articles with elaborate suggestions. The most powerful way to cheer someone up after a bad day is to listen and be there for them. 

Kindness never goes unnoticed and can make all the difference for someone.

The fact that you read this article and want to bring light into someone’s day says a lot about you and how amazing you are.🤗 So don’t forget to be kind to yourself and celebrate you! And when you’re feeling blue, don’t forget what Mark Twain famously said: The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.

Want More?

Before you go, get my FREE printable cheat sheet to help reduce stress after a bad day:
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Bonus: Quotes To Cheer Someone Up

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop

You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. – Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top. – Unknown

Be positive. Stay happy and don’t let the negativity of the world get you down. – Germany Kent

The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. – Helen Keller

A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run. – George Matthew Adams

Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. – Thoma S. Monsoon

Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have. – Hyman Schachtel

Life is only as good as your mindset. – Unknown

1. How Do Hugs Make You Feel? on Medicine Net
2. same as above
3. Relaxation Techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response
4. 5 Love Languages
5. What is Catastrophizing? PsychCentral