We all have bad days. It’s inevitable. Sometimes it’s just waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Sometimes it’s a fight with a friend or loved one. Sometimes it’s feeling overworked and underpaid. Whatever the reason, bad days happen to the best of us.
But there are also times when someone else is having a bad day. For one of the reasons listed above, or something entirely different. And when it’s someone else’s bad day, we have a few choices. We can avoid that person at all costs. We can take their negative energy and make it our own. Or we can find ways to lift them up.
Whether this happens at work or at home, one person’s blues can soon spiral into an entire office or house feeling completely unhinged. In the workplace setting, we usually refer to this as “office morale.” The overall atmosphere of the office because of the positive or negative energies of the collective personalities.
Once in awhile, it’s acceptable to embrace your bad day. Throw a pity party, sulk in your office, avoid human contact. But when this becomes a habit, something isn’t right. I’m not going to get into office politics or the idea of changing up your situation in this article, but instead focus on what you can do when you notice someone else is feeling down.
These tips aren’t rocket science, but sometimes it’s difficult to remember these small gestures that can mean so much to someone else. In the moment, it’s important to take the high road, to choose positivity when it would be much easier to avoid or join in the downward spiral.
Here are my top 8 tips on how to make someone else’s day:
- Send them a nice note. Whether it’s a short and simple email, a lengthy letter or a handwritten note card, the expression of gratitude will definitely brighten someone’s day. I’m a huge fan of handwritten note cards and I keep packs of them in my desk at work and home. (I also love to send thank you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts– apparently it’s a lost art). I realized recently how nice it is to receive recognition from a coworker with a simple note, so I’ve made more of an effort to reach out to others. Even when someone’s not having a bad day, if they helped you with something or brightened your day in some way, it’s always nice to tell they how great they made you feel. Positivity is contagious!
- Call them on the phone. I’ve heard that millennials don’t like to talk on the phone, but I still love hearing someone else’s voice. Picking up the phone, even for a quick conversation, can lift anyone’s spirit. Talk about the weather, let them vent or say a verbal thank you, just let them know you’re thinking about them and it will definitely reinvigorate their day.
- Take them out for coffee (or make them tea). A warm hot beverage always helps me relax and feel better. There are times when you just need to get out of the office and take a break. Use that time to buy someone a cup of joe and talk about anything other than work. I’m sure it will make you both feel a whole lot better about your day.
- Take them out for lunch. Sometimes a coffee break isn’t enough. Sitting down for a nice meal is another way to perk someone up. Maybe because I was raised in an Italian-American household, but I’ve always connected food with comfort. I’m not necessarily promoting “comfort food,” a healthy salad would do just as well. But the idea of sitting down for a meal to catch up is a surefire way to brighten someone’s day.
- Tell a joke (or two). I love to laugh. It’s just something that takes stress right out of me, and, I’m told, is also good for the abs. All kidding aside (well, not really for this one- ha!), a corny joke will likely crack a smile. And if you’re really funny, you can get out one of those deep belly laughs that makes everyone forget their troubles, at least for the moment.
- Plan a weekend trip or small outing. This is more for people you are close with (unless you enjoy going out with random coworkers). I don’t know about you, but the work week always seems easier when I have something exciting to look forward to on the weekends. So if a friend or loved one is have a bad day (AKA a Monday), plan something for them to get excited about. Perhaps dinner and a movie Friday night or a winery tour on Saturday. Something that gets their gears going so that they can make it to the weekend.
- Send them flowers or a fruit bouquet. Now this is a little more involved, so again, probably for someone you are close to. But, come on, who would be upset by receiving some pretty daisies or delicious chocolate dipped strawberries?! If you have a friend or loved one going through a busy or tough time at work, it’s always a good idea to surprise them with a small gift of flowers or fruit. Day made.
- Ask how you can help. If someone is having a bad day at work because they are overloaded with work, see if there is some way you can pitch in. You might be busy, too, but teamwork is a great cure for low morale. And people will remember how you helped them, and will likely return the favor when you need it most. If it’s a friend or loved one at home, help them with chores, cook them dinner or offer to spend the evening relaxing on the couch. Again, small, simple gestures that will make a big difference in their day.
So there you have it. Don’t forget that helping someone else have a better day will help make your day better, too. Positive energy is infectious. Just remember that even when it seems easier to spread negative feelings, it’s just as simple to turn that around. And when you’re having a bad day, these same folks will likely remember how you helped them and will return the favor.
I hope these tips help you help others. What other ways have you made someone’s day? Let me know in the comments below.