We all have times in our lives when we go from busy to stressed, to “I … just can’t manage all this anymore.” Life can be overwhelming, and often, a kind word or thoughtful gesture can make all the difference in someone’s day — even from afar. So, whether you want to cheer someone up or just bring a smile to their face, here are some things you can do to brighten someone’s day!  

Make them a playlist

You’ve been getting creative and putting together playlists for every single mood and occasion. While you’re at it, you can make one for each of your friends! It’s hard to think of a more thoughtful gesture than a playlist perfectly tailored to the songs they like, artists they love and qualities they embody. 

Tell them a joke

You’ve been sitting around the house, collecting dad jokes and browsing memes on social media. Something you saw managed to make you laugh for a solid five minutes, and you just can’t resist telling everyone. It could be a simple one-liner or an elaborate story — if it makes them laugh, you’re gold.

Lend a listening ear 

If you’ve had a tough day (or couple of weeks), sometimes you just need to let it all out. Check in on your people, ask how they’re doing and video call! Listen attentively as they share their troubles, thoughts, feelings or worries. Providing your support and showing that you care is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones. 

Tell them how they inspired you 

As surprising as it is, even those you look up to the most can have days when they don’t feel that great. Think of how they have encouraged you before, and tell them how they positively impacted your life. Maybe they inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new! People aren’t always aware of how they impacted your life, and letting them know can serve as a heartwarming reminder of the fantastic individuals they are. 

Deliver some home-baked goods

With our newfound free time, many of us have been busy baking up a storm. Cookies, scones, cakes, muffins — the list goes on. If you have loved ones nearby, put your freshly baked treats into little packages and go on a delivery trip! Leave the goodies in their mailbox, or drop them off on the porch. Run back to your car, call them up and smile and wave as they collect their items. Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies and getting to see their favorite people? (From a safe distance, of course.)

Let them know you’re thinking of them 

You’ve been reminiscing about all your good memories together at school. From playing basketball at the RSF with your roommates to procrastinating in Moffitt with your buds from class, sometimes you just really miss it. Shoot them a text to let them know you’re thinking of the fun times you spent together. Simply reach out and stay in touch — it’s the thought that counts. 

Send them photos of cute animals 

You just saw the most adorable video of little hedgehogs running around, and everyone needs to see it. This is also the perfect time to bust out that album of cute animals in your photo library. Science tells us that looking at images of animals can be quite stress-relieving. All that cuddly cuteness is sure to make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Offer to help them with homework 

With our busy schedules and tough classes, school wasn’t always the easiest prequarantine. Now with remote learning, technological difficulties and the stress of life can make staying on top of things even more difficult. If you know a pal that’s struggling and you’re able to help, offer your assistance! You just might be what they needed to make it through a rough day. 

Send them the TikTok you made today 

That sick new dance that’s been trending on TikTok? Thirty takes later, you’ve finally nailed it. You even got your whole family in on it too! The final product is a somewhat clumsy, but endearing collection of people just laughing and dancing their hearts out. Share the video with your friends and enjoy the silliness together — it’ll definitely bring a smile to all their faces!

There are many little things that one can do to make someone’s day, even in quarantine. Whether you put together the greatest playlist in existence or tell your favorite joke, it really doesn’t matter what you do, but rather the thought behind it. So, with this guide to get you started, we at the Clog challenge you to try out as many of these ideas as possible!