8 QUICK AND EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY

When I'm feeling down, there are a few things I can count on for a quick fix. Long runs, talks with my mom and endless chocolate always ease the pain momentarily, but theres one thing that always does the trick. That thing? Helping others. The quote, "We rise by lifting others" couldn't be more true. Sometimes we give to help others and sometimes we give to help ourselves. Regardless of the motive, the action itself is rooted in goodness.

Recently, I've been a little overwhelmed with things going on in my life. Typically I'm calm, cool, and collected when things in my life start to overwhelm me. I'm quick to recognize no situation is permanent and with patience and a positive outlook, I can weed myself out of a sticky situation.

It occurred to me that while I was feeling a bit like I was drowning, I probably wasn't the only one. Life can be a bit too much for everyone at times and its the littles things in life that can turn a bad day into a better one. I decided to sit down at my desk one day after to work to write people little 'just because' postcards. It didn't take long; just a quick 'Hello! Just popping in to say I love you and I hope your day is full of love and laughter" or something like that. I wrote to my girlfriends, grandparents, sister, sister's friends, parents, and even my guy friends.

I didn't expect much out of it, just a text back from friends that they received my card and a thank you. The positive response I got from friends and family was positively overwhelming. Nearly every single person that received my postcard told me they needed that. They went into detail stating how the card brought them to tears because life is kind of rough right now. I was so happy that something so little had the ability to turn someone's day around.

Because of this, I decided to make more of an effort to do little things for friends, family, and strangers on a weekly basis. It's so easy to make someone smile. Don't ever underestimate your ability to change someones day for the better. Below are a few things you can do in just 5 minutes to make someone's day a whole lot brighter.

1. Send letters to loved ones

Even something as simple as "Thinking of you, hope your day is full of infectious laughter!"

2. Write posted notes on your co-workers desks

Go with fun, quirky quotes like, "Why be moody when you can shake that booty" (I'm really close to my co-workers so quotes like this are totally normal).

3. Send a friend a $5 Starbucks gift card just because

My best friend has done this numerous times for me and every time, it makes my day.

4. Buy a bundle of flowers

And drop them off at friend's place nearby.

5. Buy someones coffee in line next to you

This has happened to me a couple of times and while it takes me off guard, I always appreciate it.

6. SMILE

Just smile at strangers, people. Its not that hard.

7. Compliment everyone

Strangers, co-workers, friends, even the person you dislike most.

8. Bring in treats to work just because

It could be cupcakes or some veggies and hummus, just a little something to change up routine.