Tips on How to Cheer Someone Up

A few minutes of your attention and time can make someone’s day. The secret to cheering someone up is often effortless. Lifting a person’s spirit is like a boomerang, spreading gladness in both directions. It goes a long way. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving side, the power of thoughtfulness is kindness at its best.

This writer’s dear friend, H. Jackson Brown, Jr., wrote a little book for his son, Adam, who was headed to college called, “Life’s Little Instruction Book – 511 Suggestions, Observations, and Reminders on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life.” Published in 1991, this little plaid book was one of the world’s bestselling books on the New York Times Bestseller’s list for two years and a mega-sensation. It chronicled all the little things Jack wanted his son to know he valued, including one of my favorites, “Be kinder than necessary.”

The book was featured on NBC WXIA TV’s “Noonday,” and it touched readers of all ages and became a literary blockbuster around the world.

Jack’s life’s lessons continue to be relevant as we learn the power of caring more than necessary. As demonstrated in his book, good deeds, good thoughts and making someone else’s day lift others. To put a smile on someone else’s face, children do it all the time.

In Jack’s beloved memory and his little instruction book that will live forever in readers’ hearts around the world, here are some instructions for kind ways and cheering someone up:

Join your caring community. Many neighborhoods and synagogues have “caring committees” and on a regular basis reach out to members who have a loss, an illness, or life challenge. Whether you deliver dinner or write condolence notes or get-well sentiments, when your community reaches out, it shows thought and support. Your kind gesture representing a larger entity will touch someone’s heart and make a difference.

Be generous in spirit. Sometimes just a call or card hits the spot. Anyone dealing with a lot on their shoulders will appreciate a text if they don’t have time to talk. Don’t overthink it. A thoughtful message is a powerful expression. Atlanta’s well-known and beloved Marilyn Shubin is an example of someone who never misses a chance to acknowledge someone’s joy, send healing thoughts, or share her well wishes. She embodies kindness and if you’ve ever received one of her magnificently scripted notes, you’ll feel the thoughtfulness. Keep in mind these five words, “I am thinking of you” and share them often.

Gift a binge-watching TV list. Select your all-time favorites and think about the hours of enjoyment someone will receive watching those shows. With a little thought, you’d be amazed how endless hours of a hot new Netflix or Prime Video movie or series can pull someone through a long recovery who is home bound for a while. An enjoyable distraction will lighten someone’s load. Choose a great documentary about a resilient icon or a romantic comedy for someone who needs a little lifting up.

Share miles of smiles. Cheering someone up is easy. You don’t have to make chicken soup from scratch, though that’s always a winner. When someone needs a little pep in their step, consider what will make them smile. With AI, you don’t even have to be a poet … “Roses are red and violets are blue. I don’t know what I’d do without you!” Cheesy? Yes. However, stick with me. Would you turn that sentiment down if your daughter or son sent it? Not a chance.

Organize a game day. AJT colleague Marcia Jaffe organized a mahjong game following a best friend’s surgery. It was such a thoughtful thing to do and transformed an afternoon into a wonderful time shared. Not only did her friend meet a few nice individuals she didn’t know, but playing a shared favorite game, she was able to have a break and enjoy an afternoon. Marcia hit a home run celebrating her housebound friend who enjoyed it immensely.

Plan a movie night. Showtime! Drop off a big bag of popcorn, a few boxes of candy, and that wonderful list of movies for a night out, especially when someone is stuck in the house. Depending on their interests, it’s easy to find some suggestions that they’ll enjoy and watch one-a-day for a few weeks. They’ll have you thank for making time fly.

Get imaginative. Take a moment and remember sometimes a stuffed animal still goes a long way with a child. Even if it’s just a smile, find one you think your grandchildren will enjoy.

Deliver freezer pleasers. Lunches and dinners can be monumental when someone does not have the ability or time to prepare meals. Whether you organize a meal train or deliver items yourself, there are many ways to feed a need. Sweeten a day with delicious popsicles or an array of small cups of ice cream that will be a welcomed treat. Ask what their favorite flavor is and knock yourself out. Many ice cream stores have kiddie-sized portions, and you can easily order a dozen and bring all the toppings for an ice cream bar.

And finally, remember it’s not just the thought that counts, it’s the call, the card, the good deed and kind words that matter. As H. Jackson Brown, Jr., taught us, don’t delay generous thoughts. If you are blessed and able to do so, take a minute, make a mitzvah, and check up on a friend, family member, or neighbor. It’s the little things that mean a lot.