20 Practical Tips on How to Encourage Someone to Lift Their Spirits

Whenever you see a loved one dealing with a difficult situation, you undoubtedly just want to somehow unleash your superpower much like a ninja warrior navigating an obstacle path. You might as well simply try to figure out how to encourage someone whenever they are feeling down. However, we are here to remind you that there are countless possibilities to encourage someone. Whether it is during a tough test or a nerve-wracking performance, encouragement in a tough situation can act like a constant flow of positive energy. It is like having a pocketful of sunshine ready to brighten someone's day. So get ready to put on your encouraging cape and embark on a fun-filled journey as you unlock the power of pep talks and uplifting gestures!

How to Encourage Someone

 

Encouraging someone is like being their personal hype squad, showering them with bursts of positivity and good vibes. Whenever they are feeling blue, you just want to turn on and channel your inner cheerleader and cheer them on like there is no tomorrow. But how can you spread joy and uplift someone's spirits?

According to Bayu Prihandito, Founder at Life Architekture, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, “Encouragement is more than just cheering someone on; it's about recognizing their potential and reminding them of their worth, especially during times when they might doubt themselves. From a psychological perspective, consistent encouragement can boost one's self-esteem and foster a sense of resilience and strength. When we encourage someone, we're essentially telling them, "I believe in you, and I see your potential". This affirmation alone can be the motivation that drives someone to persevere through challenges, explore new opportunities, and, in the end, thrive!”

Here, we bring you numerous ways to cheer someone up who is going through a hard time in different contexts and situations.

How to Encourage Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One

 

Losing a loved one can entirely feel like a plane crash in the middle of your smooth flight, and it is natural to feel the weight of the loss and grief. While we can't instantly make someone's pain go away, we can offer them encouraging words and act as an umbrella to protect them from the harshest downpours of sadness.

Check out these ways to encourage someone who is grieving the loss of their loved one.

1. Listen with an Open Heart

Listening with an open heart means creating a safe space for the person to share their emotions, validating their feelings, and offering your support without trying to fix their pain. It is about being present and letting them know they're not alone in their grief. For example, if one of your friends is grieving the loss of their close family member, as they begin to open up in front of you about their feelings, you can just allow them to express themselves without judgment or interruption. You can provide gentle nods, supportive words, and a compassionate presence throughout the conversation.

2. Remember And Celebrate Their Loved One

Honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away and offering consolation to the bereaved can be done beautifully by remembering and celebrating their life. For example, if you see that your friend is distressed as the anniversary of her father's demise is near, you could encourage her to make a memory box filled with things that would help her remember her father.

3. Keep in Touch

Checking on someone grieving the loss of a close one is important to provide encouragement and ongoing support. And by staying connected through different means, you can continue to offer your condolences, empathy, and presence during their grieving process. For example, you can maintain consistent contact via regular phone calls or video chats that can provide an opportunity to offer support and lend a listening ear to that person who is grieving.

4. Provide Practical Help

Grief can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience, and simple tasks can become challenging for those who are grieving. So by offering practical assistance, you can alleviate some of the burdens they may be facing and allow them to focus on their emotional healing. For example, if your loved one is mourning, you can offer them practical help that might include tasks like running errands, preparing meals, helping with household chores, or assisting with logistical arrangements. By offering your support in these practical ways, you can show your care and understanding, providing valuable relief during a difficult time.

5. Tell Them You Are Thinking of Them in Prayers

Some individuals find comfort in knowing that others are keeping them in their thoughts and prayers, as it can provide a sense of support and spiritual connection. For those who are religious or have a strong faith, knowing that others are praying for them can be a source of encouragement and solace too. But before you do it, it is equally important to respect their beliefs and preferences as well. For instance, before mentioning prayer for the departed soul and the grieving family, you can ask if they would be comfortable with you praying for them or if there are any specific ways they would appreciate your support.

6. Validate Their Feelings

Recognizing and acknowledging the bereaved person's sentiments is important when figuring out how to encourage someone who is feeling down. For example, if your friend has been grieving the loss of a loved one, you can acknowledge the depth of their emotions and let them know that their feelings are valid and understandable. You can say, "I can understand how incredibly difficult it is for you, and it's completely normal to feel lost and overwhelmed after losing someone so dear to you. It's okay to take the time you need to grieve and process your emotions." By expressing your understanding and support, you encourage them to validate their own feelings.

7. Offer to Seek Professional Help

Grief can sometimes make individuals feel isolated or as if their emotions are abnormal. Counseling offers a safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment. So if your friend is finding it hard to cope with the sadness even after a long time, you can offer support by saying, "I can see how difficult this is for you, and I want you to know that you don't have to face it alone. Have you considered seeking counseling? A counselor can provide you with valuable support and guidance during this challenging time." However, just remember to approach the topic of counseling with the person grieving, with empathy and sensitivity.

How to Encourage Someone Who Is Going Through Work Stress

Work stress can take a toll on a person's emotional well-being. By offering encouragement, you provide emotional support and let them know they are not alone in their struggles.

Check out these ways to help stressed-out people and give a problem-solving perspective with your words of encouragement.

8. Offer Reassurance

Offering reassurance to a person who is worked up and stressed involves providing comfort, understanding, and reminding them of their capabilities. For example, if your friend is overwhelmed with work, you can say, "I understand that you're feeling overwhelmed right now, but I want you to know that you are capable of handling this. Remember when we faced a similar situation last year? You were able to successfully manage the workload and produce excellent results." By expressing your confidence in their strengths and encouraging them to approach the workload gradually, you can instill a sense of belief in their capacity to handle the situation.

9.  Provide Perspective

You can help them gain a broader perspective on their work stress by reminding them of their long-term goals and the value they bring to their work. You can even encourage them to focus on what is within their control and let go of what is not. For example, you might acknowledge their stress and encourage them by saying, “This current situation is tough, but it's temporary. We can break it down into smaller tasks and prioritize what needs to be done. By focusing on what's within our control and taking one step at a time, we can make progress.”

10. Offer Empathy

When someone is agitated and stressed out, showing empathy can make them feel better. You may accomplish this by paying close attention to the other person and giving them time and space to express their feelings. One can even mirror their emotions back to them to show that you understand and empathize with their feelings. Use phrases like, "It sounds like you're feeling really overwhelmed and frustrated right now" or "I can sense how stressed this situation is making you."

Bayu Prihandito also says, “If your attempts at encouragement aren't well received, it's important not to take it personally. Instead, see it as an opportunity to engage in active listening and understand their current emotional state. Sometimes, what a person needs isn't encouragement in the traditional sense but rather space, understanding, or just a listening ear. It's also worth noting that timing plays a role. There might be moments when they aren't ready to receive encouragement, especially during intense emotional distress. In that case, it's best to stay patient and give them the time they need. Keep in mind that encouragement is as much about understanding and empathy as it is about positivity.”

11. Be Supportive

If your friend is going through a tough phase at work, let them know that you are available to help in whatever way they need. Ask them directly if there is anything you can do to assist them. It could be offering practical help, brainstorming solutions together, or providing resources or information that may be beneficial. You might say, “If there's anything I can do to help, whether it's providing a second opinion or sharing some resources, please let me know.”

12. Encourage Self-Care

Encouraging self-care when a person is feeling stressed is important because it helps promote their overall well-being and resilience in dealing with stress. When someone is overwhelmed, they often neglect their own needs, which can further make them even more stressed. You can ask them to include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, journaling, listening to music, engaging in hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques. You can even share resources, such as recommended apps or websites, that provide guided meditation or relaxation exercises.

13. Celebrate Their Achievements

If a person is worked up, by celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, you provide a valuable reminder of their capabilities and resilience. It can motivate them to continue moving forward despite their stress. You can offer words of praise and encouragement for their hard work and dedication. For example, if you find your friend stressed due to a loss in their business, you might offer a small distraction to lighten their mood by treating them with a movie ticket.

How to Encourage Someone Who Is Going Through a Breakup

 

Breakups can often leave individuals feeling vulnerable, hurt, and confused. By offering encouragement, you provide emotional support and remind them that they are not alone. Your presence and understanding can help alleviate their pain and provide a sense of comfort.

Check out these ways in which you can allow them to heal and move forward positively.

14.  Breakup Survival Kit

For a friend who is going through a difficult time after their breakup, you can create a light-hearted breakup survival kit filled with humorous and helpful items. Include things like tissues for emotional moments, a box of chocolates for indulgence, a rubber band to bounce back, and a superhero mask to remind them of their inner strength.

15. Send an Encouraging Playlist

Music has the power to evoke and validate emotions. A carefully curated playlist can provide a safe space for your friend to express and process their feelings. It would allow them to connect with the lyrics and melodies that resonate with their breakup experience, giving them an outlet for emotional release. The playlist can include songs like, "Roar" by Katy Perry, "Unstoppable" by Sia, or "Confident" by Demi Lovato.

16.  Take Them Out

Going somewhere out will provide a change of scenery and help your friend shift their focus away from the breakup. It will give them an opportunity to engage in different activities, enjoy new experiences, and temporarily distract themselves from their stress and emotional pain. For instance, you may take them to a location that you both frequently visit and share tales about your past experiences while laughing and having fun together, which can help relieve stress.

17. Netflix And Ice Cream Marathon

Watching movies can provide a temporary escape from the thoughts and emotions associated with the breakup. It might give your mind something else to focus on, allowing you to take a break from the pain and sadness. So, you can plan a movie or TV show marathon featuring feel-good, comedic content with your friend to make them feel good. You might even pair it with a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, encouraging your friend to indulge in a little self-care while laughing away their blues.

18. Send Funny Breakup Memes on Social Media

Share a collection of funny breakup memes and GIFs with your friend who needs some encouragement after their heartbreak. Humor can be a powerful tool to lighten their mood and bring some smiles to their faces. It is a playful way to let them know that they are not alone in their experiences, and laughter is a great remedy.  

19. Help Them Maintain a Support System

It is important to remind them of the importance of reaching out to their friends and family for emotional support. Encourage them to open up about their feelings and concerns, and let them know that it's okay to lean on others during this time. For example, if your best friend is going through a tough breakup, you could say, "I know this breakup has been tough for you, and it's important to have a support system in place. How about we organize a get-together with our friends this weekend? "

20. Motivate Them to Focus on Personal Growth

Focusing on personal growth after a breakup involves embracing self-improvement and pursuing activities that promote self-discovery and development. To make them overcome the difficult phase, you can encourage your friend to set personal goals that align with their interests and aspirations. For instance, they could aim to learn a new skill, complete a project, or pursue a hobby they have always wanted to try. Setting achievable goals provides a sense of direction and accomplishment.

Knowing how to encourage someone is like having a secret superpower that can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary triumphs. Whether it is a high-five, a heartfelt compliment, or a cheerleader-worthy pep talk, your words have the power to turn frowns upside down and transform doubts into dazzling dreams. So keep spreading those good vibes, and let the magic of encouragement dance through our lives!

 

ALSO READ: 20 Ways On How to Console Someone Through Difficult Times