The 9 Best Things to Text or Say to Help Jump-Start Someone’s Day

It’s common to think of our loved ones and friends throughout the day. But we don’t always reach out, even if they’re standing right in front of us or a click away on our phones. We might think they already know that we think they’re awesome. And that we believe in them. We might think if we don’t have time for a full conversation or meet up that we should just wait to connect with them. Or we might assume they are busy and won’t want to hear our thoughts. 

But that’s usually not right, at all. Most often, people would be thrilled to hear from you, especially if you are sharing an encouraging sentiment. Even if it’s something they’re sure to already know, such as I love you, you are an inspiration, or you can do this. Just reaching out is meaningful.

The bottom line is to never underestimate how much a few kind words can do for someone else. With that in mind, here are the 9 best things to text or say to jump-start someone’s day.

What to Say or Text to Brighten Someone’s Day

Taking the time to send that text or social media message or have a brief conversation can truly transform someone’s day. A few words (or even an image) can put a smile on their face, help them revive their spirit, and feel less alone, more seen, and more loved. Regardless of the specific situation or what you say or text, just letting them know they’re on our minds, can be powerful. 

State the obvious

This all depends on the intended recipient, but stating the obvious can be very affirming. This might mean simply saying or texting, “I love you,” “I believe in you,” “You’re a great friend,” “You make my day brighter,” “You’re an inspiration,” “You are funny,” “You’re a great mom,” “You’re the best dad,” or whatever else makes sense for your relationship. 

Typing out these words or saying them out loud can be very heartwarming, even if the person already knows how you feel. On the other hand, as obvious as it may seem to you, they might not really know for sure. So, texting or saying the words erases any doubt of your true feelings. You can also send emojis, gifs, or photos that capture the sentiment you want to share. 

Pass on wishes

Share your wishes for them. Again, this may seem obvious but that doesn’t mean it won’t put an extra skip in their steps. Possible examples include more general sentiments, like “I wish you a beautiful day” and “Have a productive day,” or more specific statements like “I wish you good luck on your exam,” “best of luck on your presentation,” or “I hope your date goes well.”

The more specific you can be the better, but general well wishes also tend to be uplifting as well. Consider context, though, so that what you say is appropriate for your recipient and the level of relationship you have with them. If you have second thoughts about sending something, particularly if you worry it could be offensive or taken the wrong way, then choose something else to say. 

Give compliments

Almost universally, compliments make people feel great. Examples include “Your hair looks great,” “You have a beautiful smile”, “I love your top,” “You are so funny,” “You’re super smart,” “You smell great,” or “You have great energy.” The key is to match the praise to something that makes sense for this person.

Just be sure that you have the type of relationship where the specific compliment you give will come off as supportive, rather than creepy. Use caution as when said inappropriately these comments may be unwanted or upsetting, even if you have good intentions. So, if it’s your best friend, cousin, hook-up, or childhood friend, then praising someone’s looks or physical self is great, but if it’s an acquaintance, work colleague, or someone you don’t know intimately, steer clear of comments relating to the person’s physical appearance. 

Ask open-ended questions

Instead of asking about specific achievements or results, ask open-ended questions. That way you allow room for someone to be struggling. These types of questions also focus more on emotional well-being, reality, and experience rather than on just the end result. Let humor in as well.

Instead of “Did your job interview go well,” ask “How was your job interview?” More examples include “How is your day going?” “What's on your mind lately?” “What are you interested in exploring?” “How is everything going?” “How's your work going?” “What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?” 

Focus on intentions 

Inspire by reminding your friend what they want focus on today. Help them see the bigger picture and the goals they want to go after. Ask questions like, “What are you hoping to achieve today?” “What are you focusing on right now?” “What makes you happy?” “What inspires you?” or “What have you learned lately?” You can also include yourself, such as asking “What fun thing could we learn or explore together?”

Offer help or support or simply to listen

Be a listening ear. Offer help in anyway you can. This type of comment is especially appreciated if someone is enduring hardship or struggling in some way. You can ask, “Is there anything I can help you with?” or “Do you want to meet up to talk?” You can also say affirming statements like “Know that I'm always in your corner” or “You will get through this and I am here whenever you need me.” Generally, asking “How is everything going” or saying something like “Let me know if I can do anything to support you” lets the person know you care and can be called on, if needed.

Make plans 

Sometimes, just having a plan to meet up with a friend or family member is enough to boost someone’s spirits. Having something to look forward to makes the drudgery of life much more bearable. Also, not everyone is good at making plans and they very well might be waiting for you to set something up. So, take the initiative and say “Let’s meet for coffee,” “Want to go out for drinks, a hike, dinner, lunch, or to a movie,” or “Tell them to pick an activity and tell you where and when to meet them.”

Share your thoughts

When they cross your mind let them know. This can be as simple as texting, “Thinking about you.” You can also be more specific, such as “I was listening to a song that reminded me of you,” “I had a dream about you,” “I am reading a book or watching a show I think you'd like,” or “You're on my mind because…” 

We might see, hear, smell, or think of something that reminds us of them. We might come across something applicable to their life, such as a podcast that they’ll think is hilarious, an event they might like to attend, a cafe they would love, a job opening that they’d be perfect for, or a cute bartender they might like to meet. Just knowing that someone we care about is thinking of us can feel really good. 

Emphasize the positives

We might know that someone we care about is working toward a goal, studying for an exam, vying for a promotion, or struggling with their mental health. Offer a text or comment that helps them feel more positive or motivated. Doing so can help remind them of what is going well in their life or simply that they have someone out there who is cheering them on. 

You could text something like “What’s one thing you want to accomplish today?” “What’s something you did yesterday you feel good about?” Or “It was really cool the way you made everyone feel so welcome when we had dinner the other night.” Or “I’m really inspired by what a creative thinker you are.” Whatever comes up for you when you think of this person’s strengths or a specific example of what they do well is a good place to start.

Key Takeaways on Lifting Someone’s Spirits With a Text

It’s easy to feel that we can’t do much to help others, but in truth it’s pretty easy to lift someone else up, even just a little bit. Texting or telling someone in person a few thoughtful words can work wonders—and is the hallmark of being a great friend, coworker, and loved one.

Sharing encouraging words, taking the time to text or spend time in person, and noticing if someone in your life may benefit from a kind word or two can have a huge impact on someone else—and it makes you feel good, too.