National Cheer Up the Lonely Day
On July 11 each year, a special effort is made by people across the United States to give someone a lift on National Cheer up the Lonely Day. Cheer Up the Lonely Day was established to spread cheer and joy to those who may need extra love and kindness sprinkled into their lives.
A small act of kindness can have an enormous impact on someone feeling lonely, and on July 11, we encourage you to take a moment of your time to bring happiness and cheer into the lives of those who need it.
Loneliness can affect anyone from all walks of life, and a myriad of issues can contribute to the condition. Caregiving and the loss of a loved one can take a toll. Experts from Ohio’s Hospice have put together ways to help bring some cheer to those suffering from loneliness.
Helpful tips for scattering kindness and brightening somebody’s day:
- Give someone a call.
It never hurts to take a few moments to reach out and connect with a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker, that needs to hear a friendly voice. Think of people who need some cheer and contact them.
- Write someone.
A letter, email or cheerful card can brighten someone’s day. Sending photos of loved ones or old friends is a wonderful way to make someone feel happy.
- Perform an act of kindness.
Send a friend a gift, mow someone’s lawn, bake cookies, or send flowers. Even a surprise visit and a hug can spread the spirit of happiness.
- Volunteer.
Retirement homes need volunteers in order to keep residents company. Whether it is to talk, watch TV or participate in activities with them, it is a terrific way to make someone feel that they have somebody in their life that can spend time with them. There also are a variety of ways to volunteer with Ohio’s Hospice.
- Create acts that last.
Cheer up the Lonely Day is a one-day event but find a way to create daily cheer. Create a music playlist of inspirational music. Email funny jokes every day. Send subscriptions to magazines or videos. Listen to needs and help get them fulfilled.
