Winnie the Pooh once said that “Sometimes the smallest things, take up the biggest room in your heart” and he really was onto something there. So here are 10 quick, easy and (most importantly!) free ideas for you to brighten someone’s day with:
1. Hold the door for someone.
Men, women, young and old; everyone appreciates the gesture of a door held open for them.
2. Call someone you care about, or maybe even, send a letter.
A throwback to times when long-distance communication wasn’t effortless; when receiving a message meant that someone was thinking about you, and cared about you, for longer than just a moment.
3. Provide feedback.
If you had good service at Boots or from Student Finance’s online chat person, or from anywhere in fact, let their manager know. Take a couple minutes and give them the credit they deserve.
4. Let someone go in front of you.
When you’re in a rush every second can mean the difference between making or missing the last hopper bus home, the deadline for an assignment or a job interview. If someone is in a hurry, let them in front of you. Even if they don’t thank you, be happy that you made their day a little better.
5. Ask if you can help.
Most people find it hard to ask for help even if they need it, so if you see someone struggling, just take a moment to check that they are okay.
6. Compliment someone.
“I really hate it when people flatter me” said no one ever. Make a stranger’s day by complimenting them on their obviously new shoes, or their on point eye makeup or whatever it is that made you notice them in the first place. Though I’d rein in the proposals of marriage (or anything else you might be thinking about!) if you happen to see this week’s Campus Cutie around…
7. Share your umbrella.
If you are cosy and dry underneath your brolly but see some poor soul who is getting soaked, share your umbrella with them. Aside from saving them from having their day ruined, you might make a friend.
8. Have a cup of tea.
Take the time out of your day to have a cup of tea with a friend. Just taking 10 minutes to catch up can help you feel more relaxed and more productive afterwards!
9. Introduce yourself.
To your neighbours, to a new classmate, to that person you always see in the cafe. You can get to know each other, help each other out and simply benefit from a little camaraderie. Plus they might be a wizard and you’d never know unless you go introduce yourself.
10. Smile.
The simple act of smiling at someone can make both the Smiler and the Smilee feel happier and more positive, so why not? Especially if one of you looks like Ryan Reynolds!
Edited by Caroline Chan.
Image sources:
http://www.playbuzz.com/alexandriar/which-winnie-the-pooh-character-are-you
http://giphy.com/gifs/tRMO3uXkVLMNa