Easy Things You Can Do to Brighten Someone’s Day
At times, it can be difficult to think of ways to give back to others. You want to make a difference, but how? Do you volunteer at another organization? Add more money to your donation? The options can feel endless… and overwhelming.
If you strive to live an altruistic lifestyle, there are lots of ways to serve others, and most of them don’t have to be grandiose or extravagant. They’re simply conscious, selfless decisions during day-to-day activities. Even a small gesture can have a huge influence on the people around you. To give a few ideas, here are easy things you can do to brighten someone’s day.
1. Share a compliment.
Compliments go a long way towards brightening someone’s day. Even a simple accolade, such as, “Your hair looks nice,” or, “You have such a fun personality” can change someone’s entire perspective for the day. If you notice something you like about a person, take the time to share it with them.
2. Pick up extra chores.
For your friends, family members or roommates, offer to pick up extra chores around the house. If you notice dirty dishes in the sink, clean them. Or, if you see that someone’s laundry is still in the dryer, offer to fold it. Chores can be exhausting, so taking something off someone’s plate can really make a difference.
3. Pay the bill.
Whether you’re out with loved ones or standing in line at a restaurant filled with strangers, cheer someone up by paying the bill. This doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive; even receiving a small meal for free is exciting. Spend a little money and go the extra mile to perk someone up.
4. Leave kind notes.
Similar to a compliment, but in note form! When was the last time you received a kind note—particularly a note from a stranger? See if you can leave a kind note for your loved one, or even someone random. For example, leave a sticky note on a public bathroom mirror for the next person to find.
5. Say thank you.
Gratitude makes a huge difference in someone’s day. If there’s a person in your life who helps you, supports you or who has made a difference, take a moment to simply say thank you. Send them a message, call or go for the handwritten note. Tell them the impact they’ve had and thank them for everything they’ve done.
6. Start a conversation.
Sometimes the best conversations are those random ones you experience with strangers in random places. Take a chance and step outside your comfort zone to start a conversation with someone new today. Who knows? You could be exactly what that person needed to brighten their day.
7. Give unexpected gifts.
We expect gifts on our birthdays and holidays, but what about all of the miscellaneous days in between? Make a difference in someone’s life by surprising them with a small, unexpected gift. This can be for your closest family member, the teacher at your school or even the barista you regularly see at the coffee shop.
Altruism means more than volunteering at a nonprofit or donating money. While these things matter, there are also lots of little activities you can do daily to make a difference. Consider these ideas and see how you can put them into action to brighten someone’s day.
We Are Here to Answer Your Questions
What does your organization do?
EmpathyHQ provides counseling to individuals, groups, and families and empowers communities to live authentically and thrive. We break down barriers to accessing care, offering comprehensive and accessible mental health support on your journey to health and self-discovery. We are here to pave the way to a better you—and a better community.
With over 12,000 individuals benefiting from 100,000 hours of evidence-based mental health care and case management in the past four years alone, EmpathyHQ is making a tangible difference in the lives of Texans.
For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit our Get Support section.
How can I get involved?
We welcome individuals who are passionate about mental health support and increasing access to resources. If you care about these issues, we'd love to have you join us. We support remote and in-person volunteer opportunities.
Visit our Get Involved section to find out ways to learn more, donate, or volunteer.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We take our responsibility to our community and donors seriously, striving to ensure EmpathyHQ's long-term sustainability. Our funds are used to provide mental health services for clients in need.
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Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and protects the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our clients, volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations—public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.
Do I have to have custody agreement or court order for my child to receive services?
YES. If your child does not live with both biological parents and there is any court order or custody agreement in place, it must be on file. In order for a counselor to see your child, they must have obtained and reviewed the MOST RECENT custody agreement or court order, and any applicable part of a divorce decree that mentions custody. When federal or state statutes provide an exemption to secure consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing services to a minor, the counselor must follow the protocol set forth in such federal or state statutes. If documentation is not provided, your child cannot be seen by a counselor.
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