5 Great Things to Do to Make Someone Feel Better

Before I start, I have to warn you about a certain sort of people who like to feel sad. Believe it or not, they do exist and they use their “sadness” to draw attention. Do not fall for that. These tips are only for those people who really need to feel better. You can help them.

1. Should You Do It?

Before you gather all your strength and knowledge and try to do your best to make someone feel better, you need to find out if that is really something you should do. You can’t always rush in and try to make someone laugh, if they really feel like crying.

Be very careful. People sometimes need their sadness, and the only thing that will help them is time. Trying to make them laugh in those moments could be contra productive.

A person who is dealing with a loss of someone close is sad, and will be sad for a while. The only thing you can do is offer your sincere condolences and ask if there is anything you could do. On the other hand, if your friend is going through a bad breakup, there are a bunch of things you could do. And here they come.

2. A Hug

A hug carries a universal healing power. There are not a lot of things in this world that can be as soothing and comforting as a hug can. Hug anyone who feels bad.

No matter the reason for the person’s emotions, a hug will instantly make them feel better. It is not just a myth – there is actually some science involved. Psychologists say that the warmth of the hug makes you feel better because it creates the illusion of the warmth of the womb. Believe it or not, this triggers certain emotions in your brain and makes you feel safe and comforted. Ever wondered why scared people want a hug? Now you know.

3. Offer Drink or Food

“Social protocol states that when a friend is upset, you offer them a hot beverage, such as tea.” All the fans of The Big Bang Theory know what I’m talking about. Funny sitcom aside, there is really something to it.

Doing something nice, like offering a hot cocoa or something to eat to a friend feeling bad, could be really helpful. Hot drinks soothe and relax people while certain foods, such as chocolate, trigger the release of hormones called endorphins, also known as the happy hormones.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that someone who is feeling really bad, will start laughing like crazy, but it could help. If nothing else, it will show that you care about them and that they can rely on you. Still, try not to offer alcohol to someone who is feeling bummed, you may cause a completely opposite effect.

4. Remind Them of Good Things

We all have good things in our lives. Sometimes, during the moments when we are not feeling great, we need to be reminded of those.

Remind your sad friend about all the good stuff in their life. Remind them about other people that care, remind them of you – being there for them. Remind them of something good that happened to the two of you – you may even see a smile on their face.

5. Ask if There is Anything You Could Do

You know how people always say “I’m there for you” and “If there’s anything you need, just give me a call” when you’re feeling bad? Well, half of them is just saying it and believe me, they do not mean it.

Instead of throwing in those clichés, ask openly if there was anything your friend wanted you to do. Offer several options. Ask them if they need something from the store, if they need to dry clean their clothes. Don’t tell them to call you if they need anything; offer to help there and then.

Most people will probably say that they don’t need anything. Make your friend look you in the eye and ask again if there was something you could do. Let them know you really mean it.

Always remember that you can only help someone who wants help, no matter the reason why they need help in the first place. Now you have 5 great things to do, to make someone feel better. Use them wisely.