How To Cheer Up Someone You Love - The Positive Playbook

Introduction 

Happiness is a state of mind that is unfortunately not constant; it somewhat resembles a pendulum that can swing unexpectedly. As a bystander, seeing someone you love down in the dumps is painful as well as unnerving. With so much going on around us daily, the tug of war in finding the right words or actions to cheer up such a delicate situation is a gamble. Like no one-size-fits-all, similarly cheer to you may not necessarily be cheer to others.

Let us try our luck at how to cheer up someone and leave no stone unturned!

Why positivity matters when someone feels down

Positivity, empathy, and patience are crucial for uplifting someone in low spirits. While optimism is synonymous with cheer, it might take extra effort for a profound impact. The aim isn't to solve problems but to create a safe, understanding space that boosts confidence, resilience, and motivation. The power of positive energy which can be another word for cheers, reassures others of your concern for their well-being.

How to cheer up someone you care for

Here, the main goal is to brighten their mood but not overwhelm them at the same time. First things first, figure out how to cheer up someone you care for; see if they divulge the reason behind their being down before jumping to any conclusions. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to go about it. 

1. Hear them out
2. Ask how to help
3. Skip the topic
4. Oust negative thoughts
5. Recall happy memories
6. Make them laugh
7. Send cute messages
8. A surprise gift
9. Dance the woes away
10. Enjoy spa day
11. Shop till they drop
12. Plan a sleepover
13. Help get a new hobby
14. Meditate
15. Go outdoors
16. Unwind with yoga
17. Share funny videos
18. Random acts of kindness
19. Plan a trip
20. Remind them of what they're grateful for
21. Give them a long hug
22. Multiply your efforts

1. Hear Them Out

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Everyone needs time to heal and do so differently. Try to connect with them and lend an ear; let them vent, it helps to have someone willing to listen without trying to fix the problem or judging.

Depending on the issue itself, they might not want to address it right away but be patient anyways. In the meantime, find ways that cheers up and distracts them.

2. Ask what you can do to make it better

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A straightforward question can wield great influence, signalling your willingness to offer support and reliability.

Picture yourself in a comparable situation — what would uplift your spirits? By contemplating how to cheer up myself, I sometimes discover effective ways to do the same for my loved one. You should try this too!

3. Skip (Yep, That's Right, Skip)

Don't address the elephant in the room. Embrace the wisdom of Jim Morrison's words, "People are strange when you're a stranger," and adopt an air of obliviousness. While it may seem insensitive, sometimes it's the most effective approach. After all, "ignorance is bliss"; who knows, this might serve as a temporary distraction and improve their mood!

4. Oust Negative Thoughts

Negativity is louder than positivity. In most cases, the cycle of repetitive negative thoughts makes situations worse. Break the cycle of negative thoughts; call them out and replace them with positivity. Sharing happy thoughts is the key to lifting spirits.

5. Recall Happy Memories

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Sharing joyful memories is a reminder that, with time, wounds heal, circumstances improve, and challenging moments are fleeting. Take a walk down memory lane — go through pictures or videos to recall how they bring cheers to your life and theirs.

6. Make them Laugh

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As cliché as it may sound, laughter is the best medicine! Funny memories, stories or a joke or two will be great!

Keep in mind, that they could initially be a challenging audience, but once you break through that barrier, it might result in the most infectious laughter both of you have experienced in a while.

7. Send cute messages

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Words work wonders when used thoughtfully. Send a cute message and while at it, sneak in ideas from quotes to cheer up someone. Whether in a handwritten note, email, or text, express your gratitude for their presence in your life. A simple yet sweet message can make someone feel truly special and valued.

8. A surprise gift

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The moment someone receives an unexpected gift is magical — the anticipation and wonder fill and cheers up the heart. Whether it's flowers, something edible, or a meaningful present, gifts evoke positive emotions.

9. Dance those woes away!

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Go to a party or throw one! Good company, great music and dancing till the wee hours is a sure shot in the trick book on how to cheer people up no matter how awful they feel! So, while the nights are still young - wear your dancing shoes, drag your friend to the dancing floor and help your friend break a leg until those woes go away!

10. Enjoy spa day

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Pampering is another surefire way to share quality time and lift spirits. A stress-busting massage, freshly done nails, and a relaxing soak in Epsom salt can give your friend's day a positive feeling, leaving them with a radiant smile.

11. Shop till they drop!

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Shopping offers a distraction and restores a sense of control, lifting spirits. The vibrant displays invoke wonder, boosting satisfaction. While at the mall, treat yourselves to double scoops of ice cream for an extra dose of joy!

12. Plan a sleepover

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Invite your squad for a cheer-up sleepover — a night filled with in-person talks, takeaways, board games, karaoke, rom-com and flipping through magazines or baking cookies. Cheer to you all as the night is guaranteed to be fun!

13. Help get a new hobby

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Distracting someone from their worries in a productive way is a good plan to cheer them up. A hobby not only strengthens bonds but also contributes to mental well-being and skill development. The golden rule for a happy life on how to cheer up myself or others should always be to prioritise self-care and self-love.

14. Meditate

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Meditation effectively reduces stress, bringing calm, peace, and balance for improved emotional well-being and overall health — these are all paths to finding a true peace and happiness. In our busy lives, it's essential to pause, breathe, and reflect.

15. Go outdoors

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Take them outside and help them reveal the beauty beyond their walls! Nature has the power to lift moods and elevate spirits. Whether people-watching in the park or strolling, it will benefit both of you and let you soak in the surrounding beauty. As greenery affects human brains positively, this will surely help.

16. Unwind with Yoga

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Dive into good vibes with Yoga! Join a class or check out tutorials on YouTube; it's not just a physical exercise but a therapeutic journey emphasizing calmness. It's a two-in-one benefit, easing stress and uplifting positive emotions simultaneously.

17. Share funny Videos

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Cheering someone up can be challenging, but sharing funny videos often does the trick. The internet and social media are brimming with hilarious viral content. Find a video that matches their sense of humour, or even send a funny message and send it their way for a good laugh. 

18. Random acts of kindness 

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If your friend needs cheering up, consider signing up together for a meaningful cause like animal rescue, a nursing home, or a soup kitchen. The positive distraction and sense of purpose can lift both of your spirits.

19. Plan a Trip

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Travelling is a joyous adventure, a delightful switch that does wonders for anyone. Planning and packing keep the mind busy, while the anticipation and excitement cheer even the gloomiest soul. Focus on enjoyable activities and relaxation during the trip, creating lasting memories that benefit both mind and body.

20. Remind them of what they’re grateful for

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Helping a friend create a gratitude list when they're feeling low can shift their perspective. Even on tough days, there's goodness in life and around them.

A mindfulness journal, where they list a few things they're grateful for each day, can be a helpful tool. It not only cheers them up but also encourages taking ownership of their well-being.

21. Give them a long hug

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Hugs can boost happiness and strengthen the immune system. They trigger feel-good chemicals like dopamine to name one. Longer hugs reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and contribute to heart health.

Lift someone's spirits, go for those playful, extended hugs. Feel the vibe, though — if someone needs space, respect that.

22. Multiply your efforts

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If things don't improve, especially if the person is genuinely grappling with depression, seeking professional help is likely the best step forward. A compassionate family therapist or clinical psychologist can guide someone through negative emotions, particularly amid chronic stress.

Conclusion

Being there to cheer up someone you love requires genuine patience and lots of TLC. There's no manual for how to cheer people up,  it's a choice only they can make. These ideas will spread positivity and cheers for your life and theirs.