Ways To Delivering Happiness And Spread Happiness Everyday

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC
Updated November 4, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Whether you want to make your friends and family happier in general, or you're looking to make someone happy in a specific situation because they're feeling upset, there are plenty of ways to deliver happiness to others. Here are five suggestions for small but meaningful things you can do to spread love and lift someone's spirits.

Delivering happiness to others means caring for your own

Reach out

One of the first things you can do to cultivate happiness in others is to simply check-in. Remember things that are important to them, like doctors' appointments, children's birthdays, special events, and more. By calling, sending a card, writing an email, or even just sending a text message, you can make the people in your life feel cared for. It doesn't have to be a long message- just a little something to let them know that you remembered and care about how they feel.

Provide assistance

Whether they're a stranger on the street or your closest loved one, science says that helping others in need goes a long way toward spreading happiness. Research shows that helping others can benefit our well-being and mental health. Being altruistic can reduce stress, improve self-esteem, boost mood, and increase happiness. 

By helping others, we're effectively lessening their stress levels, even if only for a few minutes. But that few minutes can make a big difference, freeing the way for them to pay it forward and spread happiness to someone else.

Provide moral support

Difficult situations can sometimes make us feel isolated as if we're left to cope with our challenges alone. Providing support for someone going through a tumultuous time is a good way to create happiness for others. They may need a good listener, a shoulder to cry on, or even a hug. You don't have to do anything extravagant (unless it's within your means); any way you can provide support during hard times will make a difference for your loved ones and friends, no matter what they might be going through.

Delivering happiness through thoughtful gifts

They don't need to be large gifts or even gifts that cost you any money. Just sending a little something can be a great way to spread happiness and make others feel good. Take your mother some flowers. Bake some biscuits and take them to your best friend. Bring in coffee for your co-workers. Anything that lets people know you were thinking about them will make them feel great.

Sure, you can spend a lot of money on gifts if you want to, but it's not a necessity. Keep in mind that it's the thought that counts more than the cost of the item. Thoughtfulness is more important if you want to make someone feel happy.

Help yourself

Studies show that happiness is contagious, and when you feel good, you help others feel happier just by being around you. 

But it's virtually impossible to maintain a state of happiness all the time, and we all have periods of low mood. It's important in these circumstances to make space for and respect your feelings. Caring for your physical, mental, and emotional needs and maintaining a balance between serving others and serving yourself are all essential parts of self-care.

During these times, it may also help to practice gratitude and take stock of the things you're thankful for in your life. Once you've nurtured yourself back to good mental health, you'll be better prepared to deliver happiness to the people around you again. 

Delivering happiness to others means caring for your own

Help yourself find happiness with therapy

Making others happy may be an important part of your life, but it's not always easy. For people with mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, even self-care can seem overwhelming. It's normal to have difficult days, but if you experience consistent feelings of anxiety or depression for an extended period, it's essential to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your feelings. 

Online therapy

With the rise of online therapy, getting help has never been easier. Platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed mental health professional with experience treating anxiety, depressive disorders, trauma, and more. You can schedule appointments with your therapist at your convenience from the comfort of home- and if you need help in between sessions, your therapist is available to return your call. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Online therapy is just as effective and is often more affordable than in-person therapy minus insurance. 

Takeaway

Some days, you may struggle even to make yourself happy, let alone other people. During times like these, you may feel you have nothing positive to contribute. But even if you don't feel happy at the moment, small acts of kindness can spark happiness and eventually spread it to others around you. If you have difficulty finding happiness in your own life, consider online therapy.
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