50 Ways to Brighten up Someone’s Day

Sometimes we focus so much on bringing positive energy into our own lives, we forgot to project that same positive energy outwards. Take some time away from yourself and use these tips to brighten up someone’s day.

1. Bake some goodies and bring them to work for your co-workers.
2. Send out thank you notes.
3. Hold the door open for someone.
4. Give your change to the homeless.
5. Leave “I love you” notes for your partner to find (perhaps his packed lunch or his work trousers pocket).
6. Help a struggling elderly person or mother take their shopping to their car
7. Say “hello” to a stranger.
8. Stop to give your spare change to a charity collector.
9. Smile at a stranger.
10. Let someone go in front of you in traffic.
11. Send an old friend a message asking how things are going for them.
12. Talk to a stranger in the grocery store queue.
13. Compliment someone.
14. Leave dollar notes on a vending machine for the next person to use.
15. Leave a note on a public bathroom mirror saying “You’re beautiful.”
16. Send your partner a romantic/cute text message.
17. Call up a relative or friend just to ask how they are.
18. Offer your seat to someone standing on the train or bus.
19. Cook “too much” of those special sausage rolls, or whatever your specialty is, and give the extras to a relative or friend.
20. Help a leaflet distributor in the streets out and take a flyer.
21. Smile at a stranger.
22. Give someone a generous tip.
23. Offer to make your co-workers their morning coffee.
24. When you arrive for work, ask your co-workers how they are and if they had a good weekend (and show genuine interest).
25. Make chit-chat with a stranger in an elevator.
26. Is the person at the till in front of you short of change? Pay that extra to help them out.
27. Hold the elevator for someone.
28. Send someone a gift (flowers or box of goodies).
29. Help out a co-worker.
30. Let your partner or children choose what TV show to watch.
31. Run an errand for someone.
32. Listen to someone else’s problems.
33. Donate to charity—whether it be household items you don’t need or old clothes.
34. Write a love letter to your partner.
35. Next time you are at the grocery store, buy a little gift for someone (e.g. your partner favourite chocolate bar).
36. Tell someone a joke or funny story.
37. Visit a friend or relative in hospital (don’t forget to bring them a gift!).
38. Have a friendly chat with the cashier.
39. If you had a good service at a restaurant, let the manager or waitress know.
40. When you see a friend or relative, instantly give them a hug (unless they are not a hugger).
41. Have a bath ready for your partner’s return from work.
42. Treat a friend or relative to lunch.
43. Write a love message on the shower door for your partner.
44. Compliment others’ work on social media.
45. Write down positive quotes and place them in library books.
46. Give old clothes to a relative or friend.
47. Put change in an expired meter.
48. When your partner comes home, greet them at the door with a hug and kiss.
49. Talk to someone who doesn’t know anyone at a party.
50. Offer to return a cart for a mother or elderly person.

Featured photo credit: janainacastelo via flickr.com