How do you cheer your friends up on their gloomy days? Give ONE tip.

Question

We all have friends who need a little pick-me-up on their gloomy days, so we asked professionals from various fields for their best advice on how to cheer them up. From ordering takeout for friends to cheering up with humor and memories, here are 18 thoughtful tips shared by CEOs, founders, and other experts to brighten your friends' days.

Roy Lau · Answer

When my friends are feeling down and having a gloomy day, I always try to cheer them up. One of my go-to methods is to order some takeout for them. There's something about having a delicious meal delivered right to your doorstep that can brighten up even the darkest of moods. I like to pick their favorite restaurant or cuisine and surprise them with a tasty treat. It's a simple gesture, but it shows that I care and am there for them even when I can't be physically present. Plus, who doesn't love a good meal to lift their spirits?

Ben Lau · Answer

Cheering up a friend on a gloomy day is not only a kind gesture, but it can also have a positive impact on both their mental and physical well-being. One excellent suggestion that I use with my friends and family is to encourage them to engage in social or physical activities. You can invite them on a walk, for a light jog, or even a light yoga session. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk can have a positive impact, and it's even better when with a trusted and calming friend. Physical activity can help distract your friend from negative thoughts and ruminations, and provide a sense of accomplishment. If you're lucky enough to be invited to join your friend during physical activity, it's also important to listen actively and offer empathy and support. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, friends can help lift each other's spirits on a gloomy day.

Amy Ling Lin · Answer

If your friend is having a gloomy day, one way to cheer them up is to take them outside and do something they enjoy! For example, if you live near the coast, you can take them to the beach, on a hike, or just for a walk.It may not seem like it at the moment, but fresh air truly helps with a gloomy day and your mental health. You can also do something simple, like taking them out to grab comfort food or snacks, and they will appreciate having you around!

Natalia Brzezinska · Answer

Sometimes, cheering up a friend on a gloomy day involves offering practical support or a helping hand. Whether it's assisting with a task, running errands, or providing a home-cooked meal, these gestures can ease some of the stress and burden your friend might be experiencing. By showing your willingness to help, you can make their day a little brighter and show your care and support.

Tali Ditye, PhD · Answer

One tip for cheering up friends on their gloomy days is to listen simply to them. Let them vent or express their feelings without interrupting or trying to offer solutions. Sometimes all someone needs is a listening ear and to feel heard and understood. Show empathy and validate their emotions, and let them know you are there for them. Consider doing something thoughtful, like sending them a care package or inviting them out for a fun activity to lift their spirits.

Sacha Ferrandi · Answer

Sending a thoughtful and encouraging text or note is a great way to cheer up your friends on their gloomy days. A simple message expressing your care and support can go a long way in lifting their mood and making them feel better. You can also personalize the message with something that is specific to them, such as an inside joke or a shared memory, to make it more meaningful.

Burak Özdemir · Answer

To cheer up your friends on their gloomiest of days, the best tip is to be present and engaged with them. While it may not always be easy to get together in-person these days, even a simple call or video chat can help turn their day around. Send them a care package with thoughtful items that make them smile—such as books they've been wanting to read, fun surprises, or framed prints of photos you've taken together throughout the years. The key is to give them something heartfelt that will show how much you care.

Josh Amishav · Answer

If a friend is feeling down, it's helpful to take their mind off things by planning a special activity or surprise for them. This could be anything from a movie night or game night at home to a small outing, like a hike or a visit to a local attraction. By planning something enjoyable, you can help your friend shift their focus and give them something to look forward to. By showing your support and care in this way, you can help them feel less alone and more connected. Remember, it's important to give them space to talk about their feelings if they need to, but sometimes a little fun and distraction can go a long way in lifting their mood.

Basana Saha · Answer

“Laughter is the best medicine” is something that we hear so much, but we often overlook having a good time as a "remedy" for those gloomy and depressing days. What I've found is a great way to cheer up a friend is to take them out somewhere—even if it's just for a milkshake or coffee. Pick a place with a magnificent view. The idea here is to just chat—don't ask your friend about their day, you already know it was "gloomy". Rather, find random things to talk about—this is a relaxing conversation option that's sure to bring up some funny memories.

Dr. Willy Portier · Answer

Acknowledge them. Remind them what a gift they are to the world. “You are…”. (resourceful, strong, capable, worthy, loved, inspiring, courageous, limitless). Your acknowledgment is a recognition of who they are, just as they are. Its impact is powerful because it brings them back to parts of themselves they may have forgotten, diminished, or simply been unaware of.

Jennifer Lee · Answer

It's completely normal to have days where we feel down and unmotivated. When my friends feel this way, I always encourage them by reminding them of their strengths and talents. For instance, I have a friend who is a writer and sometimes doubts their ability to write when they experience writer's block. During those times, I remind them of their exceptional talent for conveying their thoughts into words and how their writing has positively affected many individuals. I let them know their words are powerful and that they have the potential to inspire and make a difference in people's lives through their writing. It's essential to remind our friends of their unique qualities and strengths because sometimes they forget their potential when things get challenging. So, whenever you see your friends feeling down, take some time to remind them of their abilities and what makes them unique.

Saneem Ahearn · Answer

Being present and attentively listening without judging the person or their situation is an incredibly effective approach to supporting someone on their gloomy days. It's not essential to offer advice or solutions unless, of course, they explicitly request it. Simply listening can often be the most genuine way to provide support. Empathizing with them is also crucial, as it validates their emotions and helps them feel understood. Express your affection to that person and reiterate how much their loved ones care for them.

Georgi Todorov · Answer

On those seemingly endless gloomy days, when your friends are feeling down and out, it's your time to step in and shine a little light into their lives. One surefire tip to cheer them up is to remind them of their strengths, achievements, and unique qualities.By focusing on the positive aspects of their life, you can help them shift their perspective from the darkness of their current state to the brightness of their potential future. So, gather some of their proudest moments, accomplishments, and heartfelt memories, and present them in a heartfelt, uplifting manner.This simple yet powerful act of affirmation will boost their morale and strengthen the bond of your friendship.

Michael Lazar · Answer

Encourage self-care: Remind your friends to take care of themselves by engaging in activities that bring them joy, such as practicing hobbies or indulging in self-care routines. Encouraging them to prioritize their well-being can help uplift their spirits and provide a sense of comfort during gloomy days. Self-care activities can include taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, reading a favorite book, listening to uplifting music, or practicing mindfulness exercises. By reminding your friends to take care of themselves and engaging in activities that promote self-care, you can help them find moments of happiness and rejuvenation during difficult times.

Onno Halsema · Answer

It might sound counterintuitive at first blush, but there is nothing quite like feeling like you've made a positive difference in someone's day to snap you out of a funk. In my experience, people love to be helpful and to do good deeds for others when given the opportunity. It makes us feel good and helps us look outside of ourselves, which makes maintaining a poor mood very difficult. Asking a friend to help you move a couch or to go with you on some sort of errand is a great way to help them recenter themselves.

Will Gill · Answer

One strategy I employ to cheer up my friends on their gloomy days is taking a Memory Lane Walk. This involves revisiting and reminiscing about shared happy memories. We might look at old photos, recall funny incidents, or discuss significant moments in our friendship. This method helps shift their focus from the present gloom to joyful times, effectively lifting their spirits. It's a reminder of our bond and the good times we've shared, which can be comforting and uplifting during difficult moments.

Rosemary Price · Answer

When a friend needs to be cheered up, it works well to set aside some time to be with them, take them out and treat them to a good meal, a listening ear, a smile, laughter, some hand-holding if needed, and make sure they realize I am there for them. They can come to me if they want to; I will support and understand and do my best for them in a non-judgmental, empathic, emotional, and practical way if they want, without interfering or being bossy, no matter what is bothering them. And I will keep whatever they say to me confidential. Very often, it cheers someone up to know that someone really cares, even if they can only listen and support.

Jeanne Eury · Answer

If you know a friend is down, reach out and tell them you were thinking of them because you woke up a little “off” and then remembered the funny story they told you a few weeks/months/years ago that made you smile. That serves two purposes. First, they take you back to a time they were useful and important to you. That helps remind them they're good people, which can instantly lift their mood. Second, the memory should make them laugh, which makes it almost impossible to be sad.

18 Simple Ways to Cheer Someone Up

Order Takeout for Friends

Encourage Social Physical Activities

Enjoy Outdoor Activities Together

Offer Practical Support

Listen and Validate Emotions

Send Encouraging Messages

Be Present and Send Gifts

Plan Enjoyable Activities

Share Laughter and Outings

Acknowledge Their Value

Highlight Unique Qualities

Listen and Empathize

Focus On Accomplishments

Promote Self-Care

Involve Friends in Helping Others

Revisit Happy Memories Together

Provide Emotional Support and Care

Lift Their Spirit With Humorous Memories

Submit Your Answer

Related Articles

Recent Posts