National Say Something Nice Day: 44 Ideas To Brighten Someone’s Day

Words may have the power to change the world, and what better way to harness that power than by being kind? Kind words can lift a person up, giving them happiness, confidence, and encouragement. Plus, they can make the giver feel just as good as the receiver.

That’s why each year, on June 1, the United States celebrates National Say Something Nice Day – a day that encourages nice words and random acts of kindness. You might take this opportunity to say nice things to your family members, friends, coworkers, or strangers. If you struggle to be kind to yourself, consider working with a licensed therapist to encourage more positive self-talk.

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History of National Say Something Nice Day

National Say Something Nice Day was first observed in North Charleston, South Carolina, in recognition of the work of Mitchell Carnell, the Director, President, and CEO of Charleston Speech & Hearing Center. 

Throughout his life, Carnell was a communications advocate and teacher, later going on to write a book full of compliments titled Say Something Nice – Be a Lifter! and its sister book, Say Something Nice – Be a Lifter @ Work!

In 2006, the mayor of North Charleston officially declared June 1 “Say Something Nice Day” to honor Carnell’s impactful work in the community. Since then, numerous cities, organizations, and other groups have officially recognized and celebrated the holiday.

The science of happiness

Saying something nice may go beyond simply making someone smile. Research suggests that feelings of happiness and pleasure can affect several areas of the brain, although updated evidence may be needed. Let’s take a look at how saying something nice can impact a person’s overall happiness and health.

How happiness can affect health

Health and happiness can be closely related, as being healthy is often a core part of being happy. However, according to the American Heart Association, the inverse may be true as well. In order to be physically healthy, a person may have to maintain a level of happiness.

Happiness can lower a person’s risk of developing several physical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Additionally, being happy can make a person more likely to eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly, contributing to overall physical health. 

Being happy can also make an individual less likely to experience severe symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. 

As a result of all of these factors, some scientists have concluded that happy people tend to live longer.

Positive impacts of praise, gratitude, and compliments

Both giving and receiving praise, gratitude, and compliments can all positively contribute to a person’s happiness. Some research suggests that the brain processes verbal praise similarly to how it processes financial rewards. Compliments can also boost morale and reduce the negative effects of stress.

Performing random acts of kindness can decrease symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. One study analyzed a group of participants reporting medium levels of depression and anxiety. The participants who took part in random acts of kindness as part of the study typically reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress both during and after the study concluded. Additionally, they reported an increased sense of social support and higher life satisfaction.

Although praise and compliments may have a positive impact on both the giver and recipient, many people refrain from taking part in them. A day like National Say Something Nice Day can encourage people to engage in these positive behaviors, spreading kind words and happiness through their social circles and beyond.

44 ideas for celebrating National Say Something Nice Day

Celebrating National Say Something Nice Day can be as simple as expressing your appreciation for a friend or family member, complimenting a coworker, or showing kindness to a stranger.

Mitchell Carnell frequently emphasized the importance of sincerity when it comes to compliments. You might consider only giving genuine compliments and avoiding a “negative rider,” such as following a compliment with a “but” clause. Additionally, Carnell gives the advice of using a person’s name and explaining the reason for your compliment when possible. Finally, Carnell advises to be generous with praise without making it so routine that it’s perceived as filler. 

If you need some inspiration for nice things to say to the people around you, the following ideas might help you begin to spread happiness on this holiday.

Nice things to say to family members

You may spend a lot of time with your family, so it can be easy to forget to express how appreciative you are of them. When spending this holiday with your family, including your parents, grandparents, children, siblings, and other members of your household, some nice things you could say to them might include the following:

1. I’m so grateful for your hard work in keeping the house tidy.
2. I love the way you decorated your room.
3. Thank you for driving me to my appointment. I’m so grateful for your time!
4. The dinner you cooked was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
5. I’m so appreciative that you woke up early to mow the lawn today.
6. You did a great job re-organizing the garage.
7. You always remember to pick up my favorite snacks from the grocery store!
8. You played incredibly during your soccer game. I’m so proud of you!
9. You have such an incredible life story – I’d love to hear more of it.
10. I’m so grateful for the way you raised me.
11. You are so smart.

Nice things to say to friends

Being kind to your friends can help you develop or strengthen your bond with one another. On this holiday, you might take the time to recognize how much their friendship means to you or call attention to other personal qualities of theirs that you admire. Here are a few ideas:

1. You are a really great friend.
2. Thank you for always remembering the smallest things about me! Your memory is incredible.
3. That outfit looks great on you.
4. That picture you drew is beautiful. You are so talented!
5. You are such a good listener.
6. I loved the TV show you recommended. You have great taste and know me so well!
7. You always pick the best restaurants.
8. You are such a great storyteller. I could listen to you talk all day!
9. You have a beautiful home.
10. I know I can always confide in you – you give such great advice.
11. I’m so grateful that you always find time for me, despite your busy schedule.

Nice things to say to coworkers and peers

In a work environment or educational setting, complimenting a coworker or peer can make them feel appreciated and motivate them to continue to work hard. Additionally, it can boost their morale and overall confidence in their field. Some ideas of nice things to say to a coworker or peer might include those listed below:

1. Your work is always so well-researched.
2. I know I can always count on you!
3. You have a gift for this. I can tell you’re in the right profession.
4. I love it when you lead meetings!
5. Your presentation was both informative and enjoyable!
6. The document you put together was extremely helpful – thank you for your hard work!
7. I always do my best work when I partner with you.
8. You explained that topic so well. I learned so much!
9. I’m so appreciative of your organization skills.
10. Getting to work with you always makes my day more enjoyable.
11. You always work so hard.

Looking to improve your own happiness?

Learn how in online therapy

Nice things to say to strangers

Well-intentioned compliments can often make someone’s day. Even if you don’t know a person, showing admiration for their appearance, energy, or other aspects of their personality you notice can lift their spirits long after the interaction. Some examples of compliments you could give to strangers might include the following:

1. You are so funny!
2. You are definitely someone I’d want to be friends with.
3. Your laugh is contagious.
4. That color looks so good on you.
5. You look like a movie star!
6. You really light up a room.
7. You handled that situation so well.
8. I love your shoes!
9. I really admire your confidence.
10. Your hair is such a beautiful color!
11. I really enjoyed talking to you.

Boosting your own happiness with therapy

While it’s often beneficial to say nice things to others, the way you speak to yourself can also be important. If you struggle with negative self-talk, working with a licensed therapist may help you overcome this habit and learn to treat yourself with kindness.

If adding an in-person appointment to your busy schedule isn’t feasible, you might consider online therapy. The opportunity to personalize the therapy experience by attending sessions from the location of your choice, scheduling appointments at times that fit your schedule, and choosing between video call, phone call, and online chat can help you feel more comfortable with the process.

Research suggests that online therapy typically produces the same client outcomes as in-person therapy. It can effectively address a wide variety of mental health conditions and concerns.