3 ways to help people feel better

In today's world, there are countless opportunities to spread kindness and make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Whether it's through random acts of kindness, empathy exercises, or simply being there to listen, the benefits of practicing kindness are numerous - not just for those we help, but also for our own personal growth and mental health. In this article, we'll explore three ways to help people feel better, with a focus on listening, helping them focus on the good, and planning their day.

 1. Listen

One of the simplest but most effective ways to help someone feel better is to listen to them. Whether they're going through a difficult time or just need to vent, giving someone your undivided attention and really listening to what they have to say can make a world of difference. 

Here are a few tips for active listening:

• Be present: When someone is talking to you, put aside any distractions and focus on what they're saying. Make eye contact, nod, and use other nonverbal cues to show that you're engaged in the conversation.
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of just asking "yes" or "no" questions, try to ask questions that encourage the other person to share more about their experience. For example, instead of asking "Did you have a good day?" you could ask "What was the best part of your day?"
• Don't offer unsolicited advice: While it's natural to want to help someone by offering advice, sometimes people just need to be heard. Unless they specifically ask for your advice, focus on listening and validating their feelings.

2. Help them focus on the good

When someone is going through a tough time, it's easy for them to get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions. However, by helping them focus on the good in their life, you can help shift their perspective and boost their mood. 

Here are some ideas:

• Gratitude journaling: Encourage the person to write down three things they're grateful for each day. This can help them focus on the positive aspects of their life, no matter how small.
• Share inspiring quotes: There are countless quotes about kindness, gratitude, and positivity that can help lift someone's spirits. Share a few of your favorites with the person to help them stay motivated.
• Random acts of kindness: Not only can performing random acts of kindness help others feel better, but it can also boost your own mood. Encourage the person to perform a small act of kindness each day, such as buying a coffee for a stranger or leaving a kind note for a coworker.

3. Plan their day

Sometimes when someone is feeling overwhelmed or down, it can be helpful to break things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. By helping them plan out their day or week, you can provide a sense of structure and purpose. 

Here are some ideas:

• Make a to-do list: Encourage the person to write down everything they need to do, no matter how small. Seeing everything in one place can help them feel more organized and less stressed.
• Schedule self-care: It's important to prioritize self-care, especially during difficult times. Help the person schedule in activities that they enjoy, such as reading, going for a walk, or taking a relaxing bath.
• Set achievable goals: When someone is feeling down, it can be hard to feel motivated to accomplish anything. Help them set small, achievable goals for the day or week, such as doing one load of laundry or taking a 10-minute walk.

In conclusion, there are countless ways to spread kindness and help people feel better. By focusing on listening, helping them focus on the good, and planning their day, you can make a positive impact on the lives of those around you.