How to Encourage Someone: 20 Simple Ways to Lift Their Spirits

Published January 27, 2026

We all face seasons where the weight of the world feels a little too heavy. Whether it’s a friend going through a breakup, a family member dealing with job loss, or a coworker struggling with burnout, seeing someone you care about in pain is difficult.

As humans, our instinct is to help, but we often get stuck wondering exactly how to encourage someone without saying the wrong thing or overstepping boundaries.

At the OFH Soup Kitchen, we see people from all walks of life every single day. We’ve learned that encouragement isn’t always about grand gestures or solving someone’s problems instantly. Meaningful support is usually found in the small, consistent acts of kindness that say, “I see you, and you are not alone.”

If you are looking for practical ways to brighten someone’s day, here are 20 simple, effective methods to lift their spirits and provide the emotional fuel they need to keep going.

The Power of Presence and Listening

Often, the best way to encourage someone starts with simply showing up.

1. Practice Active Listening

When we want to cheer someone up, we often rush to offer advice. Instead, try listening to understand, not to fix. Maintain eye contact, put your phone away, and let them vent. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of healing.

2. Validate Their Feelings

Avoid toxic positivity phrases like “Look on the bright side.” Instead, validate their pain. Saying things like, “It makes sense that you’re upset,” or “That sounds really hard,” can be incredibly relieving. It tells them they aren’t crazy for feeling the way they do.

3. Just “Be There”

You don’t always need to fill the silence with words. Sitting with someone in their grief or stress offers a sense of solidarity. Your physical presence is a reminder that they have a safety net.

4. Ask: “Do You Want Comfort or Solutions?”

This is a game-changer in communication. Sometimes people want a strategy to fix their problem, but often, they just want a hug and a listening ear. Asking this question clarifies your role and prevents frustration on both sides.

5. Use Open and Warm Body Language

Your non-verbal cues speak volumes. Uncrossing your arms, leaning in slightly when they speak, and offering a warm smile can subconsciously signal safety and acceptance, making it easier for them to open up.

Words of Affirmation

Your words have the power to change the trajectory of someone’s day.

6. Send a “Thinking of You” Text

You don’t need a reason to reach out. A random text saying, “I was just thinking about you and hope you’re having a good day,” serves as a low-pressure reminder that they are loved.

7. Remind Them of Their Strengths

When people are down, they often suffer from temporary amnesia regarding their own capabilities. Remind them of a time they overcame a similar hurdle. Be specific: “I remember how you handled that project last year with such grace; you have that same strength now.”

8. Write a Handwritten Note

In our digital age, finding a physical card or letter in the mailbox is a rare treat. Taking the time to write out your thoughts shows a level of effort and care that an email simply can’t match. It’s a tangible reminder of your friendship they can keep.

9. Celebrate the Small Wins

When someone is depressed or overwhelmed, getting out of bed or washing the dishes can feel like a marathon. Notice these small steps. Acknowledging, “I’m proud of you for getting that done today,” reinforces their momentum.

10. Be Specific with Compliments

Generic praise often slides right off us. Instead of “You’re great,” try, “I really admire how patient you are with your children,” or “Your creativity always solves problems in unique ways.” Specificity makes the encouragement stick.

Acts of Service and Tangible Help

Sometimes, the best way to encourage someone is to lighten their load practically.

11. Cook Their Favorite Meal

Food is a universal language of care. Dropping off a lasagna, a batch of cookies, or their favorite takeout can provide comfort and remove the stress of meal planning for a night.

12. Help with “Life Admin”

When spirits are low, chores pile up. Offer to do something specific: “Can I pick up your groceries this week?” or “I’m heading to the post office, give me your packages.” Taking a mundane task off their plate can be a huge relief.

13. Get Them Outside

Fresh air and nature are natural mood boosters. Gently encourage a walk around the block or a sit in the park. You don’t even have to talk; just changing the environment can shift a mindset.

14. Create a Distraction

Sometimes, people need a break from their own thoughts. Invite them to a movie, send them a funny meme, or start a conversation about a shared hobby. Laughter releases endorphins that can temporarily alleviate stress.

15. Make a Customized Playlist

Music has a direct line to our emotions. Create a playlist of songs that are either soothing or upbeat (depending on what they need) and share it with them. It’s a modern mixtape that says you care.