| How to Pack a Pencil Case for School Posted: 02 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT Packing and organizing your pencil case for school is the best way to make sure your year will be as stress free as possible. Finding the right pencil case can make packing your supplies even easier. Throughout the year, you will always know where to find anything you need at a moments notice. Bring your best to each class and succeed! [Edit]Packing Your Pencil Case - Start with the necessities. Each school year, students are responsible to bring the same types of supplies with them to class everyday. Though certain classes can call for some variety in supplies, downsize what to pack in your pencil case initially to optimize organization. Here are some necessities you could start with:[1]
- Two lead pencils
- One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen
- Sharpener
- Protractor
- Scissors (5")
- Eraser
- Glue stick
- Highlighter
- Calculator
- Ruler (doesn't have to be full-sized!)
- Pack supplies in order of largest to smallest. Put the items that will take up the most room first at the bottom of your case, such as calculators, scissors, or protractors. This will provide a base for your smaller items, such as pencils, pens, or sharpeners. Your case will be neater and easier to maneuver when looking for a certain item.
- If using a case with a zipper, put the pencil case on its side with the zipper facing left or right. It will be easier to pack your supplies, and will help you to utilize the space inside the case.
- Add or remove supplies when needed. Since you already started with the necessities, adding in supplies based by grade or course should not be too difficult. If you are adding in any loose supplies, keep them contained before packing.
- Elementary school supply lists usually call for colored pencils, crayons, and magic markers. To save space, choose the colors you use most for each, remove them from their box, and wrap each group together with rubber bands.
- Middle or high school supply lists may call for post-it notes. Put the post-it notes in a small zip lock bag. This will make sure none of the notes rip off or get bent in the pencil case.
- Clean out and repack your pencil case periodically. Every month, clean out your pencil case to make it as accessible as possible throughout the year. As the school year progresses, it's easy to let all of those pencil shavings and notes take over your case. Instead, throw out what you don't need and replenish.
- Get rid of any broken pencils or crayons.
- Replace dulling highlighters.
- Replenish glue sticks and erasers
[Edit]Choosing Your Pencil Case - Get a case with compartments. A pencil case with multiple compartments of different size will help you effectively pack your supplies. Try to get a case with stackable layers, in order to fit in as many supplies as needed.[2]
- Organize each compartment with supplies of the same category and/or size.
- Put the compass, protractor, and calculator together.
- Pick one with a durable fabric. Carrying a pencil case between classes as well as back and forth from home will definitely cause some wear and tear on the fabric. Choose a fabric that will be less likely to rip in between classes, so none of your supplies fall into your backpack or on the floor.
- Try to get a pencil case made with nylon fabric. Not only is it easier to clean, it is strong enough to stay intact if you fill your pencil case to maximum capacity.[3]
- Hard plastic pencil cases are durable, but make sure to keep track of how much supplies you try to pack. If you pack too much, you will be less likely to close the case because it has a lid instead of a zipper.
- Decide on the size. A medium sized pencil case would be the best size for everyday classes. You may have a class where you may need more room for a ruler or a notepad, so a larger case would be suitable.
- If after a few months of your school routine, you notice that you are not utilizing many of your supplies, scale down to a smaller pencil case. This will fit in any backpack, and could even be left out on your desk since it wouldn't take up much space.
- Some people find it best to only carry the necessities and keep a bigger pencil case in their locker for things that are specific to one class (geometry kit, watercolours, coloured pencils etc.)
- Write your name on your pencil case, so it can be returned to you if lost.
- Buy a separate clear pencil case for exams. The see-through material will allow you to have it on the desk while you take your exams.
- Keep your reinforcements in a zip lock bag, so that they won't peel off the sheets and end up sticking on your pencil case, calculator, etc.
- Girls can use a cosmetics bag instead of getting a pencil pouch.
- Try tying similar things together, so when you're looking for something, it's easier to find individual pieces.
- Get some colored pens to make your notes colorful!
- Keep another pencil case to put things that you don't need everyday at school like crayons, colored pencils, stickers, and lots more.
- Every couple of weeks, take out all of your pencils and sharpen them, take out all of your pens and highlighters to check that they still work and check any electronics like calculators in case you need to change the battery. This means that you won't have that horrifying moment when your pencil's snapped, your pen's run out and you have absolutely nothing to write with.
- If you put in around 3 or 4 pencils or pens, then you will be able to take home and sharpen the blunt ones or the ones that don't work while still being able to have working pens or pencils in your pencil case.
- Getting a clear pencil case is expensive so you can use a food bag or a file pouch and fold it up!
- Keep a couple of pens on you in case one breaks or someone needs to borrow one!
- If you have a locker, keep any specialized or expensive equipment in it.
- If you use a fountain pen, put the ink refill bottles in a mini bag before putting it in your pencil case. This way, the is less likely to leak and stain your pencil case.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Pencil case
- Two lead pencils
- One red pen, one blue pen, one black pen
- Sharpener
- Scissors (5")
- Eraser
- Glue stick
- Highlighter(x2)
- Ruler
- Ink eraser/Correction pen
- Geometry Set
- Gel Pens
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Remove Ink from Carpet Posted: 02 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT Did you spill some ink all over your beautiful carpet? An ink stain may feel like the end of the world for your carpet, but don't worry—we've done the research and this is actually a super easy problem to solve. In this article, we'll walk you through all of the best options and explain how to get your carpet back in tiptop shape. [Edit]Rubbing Alcohol - For any ink, rubbing alcohol will get the stain out no problem. Grab a clean sponge and load it up with a spoonful of rubbing alcohol. Gently blot the stain repeatedly until the ink lifts. Then, rinse the area with water.[1]
- Isopropyl alcohol will work if you don't have any rubbing alcohol around.
- Denatured alcohol may work if the ink is extremely stubborn. This may leave some discoloration behind, so spot test it first!
- If the stain is from a washable or child-safe ink, just use water. Did your child got a little too excited with their art supplies? Good news—this one is a breeze. Simply load up a rag or sponge with clear water and blot the area repeatedly. This kind of ink is designed to be easy to clean up.[2]
- If it leaves any residue or stain behind, use a small drop of dish soap and warm water to blot the remaining ink out.
[Edit]Dish Soap - For water-based inks, you don't need anything tougher than soap. Mix 1-part dish soap with 1-part water and load up a sponge or rag. Pat the inky spill or stain repeatedly with your sponge or rag until the ink starts lifting out. Repeat this process until the ink is gone and pat the area dry with paper towels.[3]
- You can use shampoo or laundry detergent instead of dish soap if you prefer.[4]
- If the ink won't come out all the way, scrub the soaped-up area with a clean toothbrush to work it out of the fibers.
[Edit]Shaving Cream - For permanent inks, the emulsifiers in shaving cream will do the job. Grab a can of shaving cream and spray the ink directly with a thick bead. Grab a sponge, load it up with water, and wring the excess water out. Dab the cream into the carpet with the sponge and wipe the excess foam up. Repeat this process as needed until the ink is gone and use a vacuum to clean the carpet thoroughly.[5]
- Dry the carpet with a clean rag or paper towel when you're done.
[Edit]Cornstarch and Milk - For stubborn permanent ink, cornstarch and milk are a safe bet. Mix a few spoonfuls of cornstarch with enough milk to form a thick paste. Lay the paste on top of the ink stain, and leave it for a few hours. Then, use a dry toothbrush to scrub the cornstarch off of the carpet. The ink should be totally gone. Vacuum the area when you're done to lift up any crumbs.[6]
[Edit]Hair Spray - For ballpoint ink, alcohol-based hair spray is perfect. Lay a paper towel down flat over the ink to absorb the ink, and spray the paper towel liberally with your hair spray. Wait a minute or so and the ink should transfer to the paper towel. Discard the towel and blot the area with a wet sponge. Once the hair spray is gone, wipe up any residue with warm water a towel.[7]
- This may not work if there's no alcohol in the active ingredient for the product you're using.[8]
- The oil and solvent in WD-40 will strip ink without staining the carpet. Spray the ink directly with a quick spritz of WD-40 and wait 30-45 seconds. Then, load up a sponge with warm, soapy water and wring the excess out. Blot the WD-40 with your soapy sponge until the ink comes out, and lift the excess water and soap out with a clean paper towel.[9]
- The WD-40 won't leave a stain behind, but it might leave a residue or texture. Warm water and a rag should soak it up no problem if it bothers you.
- This will discolor your carpet, but if it's white, it may not matter. You can use chlorine- or oxygen-based bleach for this. Put on gloves and pour a tiny dollop of bleach on to a paper towel. Blot the stain over and over again until the ink comes out.[10] Rinse the area with clean water when you're done.
- Even if your carpet isn't white, the discoloration from the bleach may be preferable to the ink stain, and depending on the pattern of your carpet, the bleach may not stand out.[11]
[Edit]Commercial Carpet Cleaner - There are products designed specifically for this that will work. Swing by any home improvement or big box store and look for any commercial carpet cleaner that mentions inks on the label. Follow the instructions on the product to apply it to your carpet. Typically, you just spritz the area with the cleaner, wait a few minutes, and wipe the area with a rag or paper towel.[12]
[Edit]Hydrogen Peroxide - If you find an old permanent ink stain, hydrogen peroxide will fix it. Grab a clean cotton towel and pour a little hydrogen peroxide into it. Blot the ink stain thoroughly with your towel until the ink comes up. Clean the area with water to flush out the peroxide and let the carpet air out overnight.[13]
- This may strip dye out of your carpet, so spot test it first in an area you don't care about.
- For powder ink and pigments, just vacuum the mess up. Do not get powder or pigmented ink wet! That will only make the ink harder to lift out. Instead, simply vacuum the area multiple times to lift out as much of the pigment as you can. Once you've lifted out the pigment, you're done![14]
- Make sure that you spot test any cleaning solution you use in an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn't stain then carpet.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Rid of Muscle Cramps with Minerals Posted: 01 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT Muscle cramps occur when one or more of your muscles contracts involuntarily and does not relax.[1] There are numerous causes of muscle cramps, including strenuous activity and dehydration.[2] Many muscle cramps are in direct response to your body's potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium deficiencies, as these minerals help regulate the activity in your nerves and muscles.[3] Learning how to use minerals to relieve your muscle cramps can help you feel better and get back to your usual activities. [Edit]Ingesting Minerals to Relieve Cramps - Add sodium to your diet. Sodium plays an important role in preventing or treating muscle cramps.[4] That's because sodium helps regulate the body's muscle contraction and relaxation.[5]
- While sodium is an important part of your diet, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure.[6]
- Medical professionals typically recommend keeping your daily sodium intake under 2,300 mg each day, or 1,500 mg for individuals over age 50. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney problems should also lower their daily sodium intake.[7]
- Common dietary sources of sodium include all vegetables and dairy products, as well as meat and shellfish.[8]
- Get more magnesium. Magnesium is one of many minerals that your body needs to ensure proper muscle function.[9] The studies conducted on muscle cramps and magnesium are somewhat inconclusive, although one study did find a significant improvement in pregnant women experiencing muscle cramps.
- Dietary sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans/legumes, and cereal grains.[10]
- A diet that is too high in fat may reduce your body's ability to absorb magnesium.[11]
- Over-the-counter magnesium supplements are available at most pharmacies and drug stores.
- Increase your potassium intake. Low potassium, also called hypokalemia, can affect your muscles' ability to function properly.[12] Increasing your potassium intake may help alleviate muscle cramps naturally.[13]
- Some dietary sources of potassium include squash, potatoes, spinach, lentils/beans, bananas, and cantaloupe.[14]
- Over-the-counter potassium supplements are available at most pharmacies.[15]
- Ingest more calcium. Calcium is required for proper muscle function.[16] Finding ways to increase your calcium levels may help relieve muscle cramps.[17]
- Vitamin D is required to properly absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from foods like salmon and egg yokes, or through exposure to the sun.[18]
- Dietary sources of calcium include dark leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale, as well as milk, soy milk, and some fortified fruit juices.[19]
- Calcium supplements are also available at most pharmacies; however, some studies suggest that calcium supplements may cause kidney stones and other health risks that outweigh the potential benefits.[20] Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other supplement.
[Edit]Soaking in a Mineral Bath - Draw a warm bath. Studies have shown that soaking a cramped muscle can help improve blood flow and relax the muscle out of its tense, cramped state.[21] Be sure that the water is not too hot, to prevent burns and discomfort.
- Add epsom salt. Epsom salt, which is made of magnesium sulfate, is a popular soaking solution for sore or cramped muscles.[22] Add approximately one to two cups of epsom salt per gallon of water in the bathtub.[23]
- Soak in the mineral bath. It's okay to completely submerge your body in the epsom salt bath if you want to. At the very least, though, you should completely submerge the part of your body experiencing muscle cramps. Soak for at least 12 minutes to experience the relaxing effects of a mineral bath.[24]
- Talk to your doctor about how long and how often it is safe to soak in an epsom salt bath.[25]
- Make an epsom salt compress. If you do not want to soak in the bath, you can also prepare a compress using the same measurements as you would for a bath. Simply soak a clean towel in the epsom salt bath and apply directly to the cramped muscle.[26]
- If you sweat a lot, consider a sports drink that can replenish your electrolyte balance.
- Cramps are often caused by dehydration. If you get cramps frequently, drink more water.
- If you get cramps during exercise, drink at least 2 cups of water before each workout. Continue to hydrate throughout your workout.
- When you have finished exercising make sure you warm down by going for a jog and doing stretches. If you get cramps rest and stretch them out
- If you get a little relief but not total control from eating more bananas, prunes, etc., talk to your physician or pharmacist. Supplements in tablet form can be purchased inexpensively at Walmart or your favorite drugstore or pharmacy. Your pharmacist can recommend a dosage for you, and you can try adding supplements one by one until you find a combination that works well.
[Edit]Warnings - Muscle cramps are usually temporary and don't cause permanent damage. But contact a doctor if the cramp or spasm lasts for more than a day, or if it continues to bother you despite trying these steps.
- If your leg cramps are severe and chronic, see your doctor. If you believe you are a sufferer of "restless leg syndrome," ask your doctor about new medications developed just for this painful and debilitating condition.
- Some cholesterol medications (like Lipitor or Simvastatin) have a serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis. This means that the medication is actually breaking down the muscle and can cause serious damage if it isn't caught. If you are experiencing muscle cramps for no apparent reason and you are taking a "statin" medication for your cholesterol, talk to your doctor immediately.[27]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Change Your Style Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT If you've had the same style for more than four or five years, it's time to shake things up. Changing up your style can be an important to keeping your look in tune with where you are in your life and to preventing you from looking older or (unflatteringly) younger than your true age. Fortunately, renovating your style isn't as intimidating as you may think. In fact, taken step by step, finding your new look can gratifying, and maybe even a little bit fun. [Edit]Deciding on a New Style - Inventory your current style needs. Before making a style change, you should first consider what works and doesn't work for you about your current style.
- In particular, consider why you have the current style that you have. For example, is your style primarily jeans and t-shirts because you don't like having to spend a lot of time thinking about outfits to put together? If so, the new style you choose will need to be simple and easy enough to work for you.
- Trying to impose a new style on yourself that doesn't mesh well with you, your habits, and your attitude will most often fail, so think carefully about what you need as well as want out of a style before committing.
- Choose your style goal. Once you know your style needs, start thinking about the kind of style that will both meet those needs and represent the new kind of appearance you want to adopt.
- To give your new style goal a clear direction, be as specific and descriptive as you can when envisioning the aesthetic you want. Some examples might include "laid-back hipster," "brightly colored retro," "modern punk," etc.
- Choosing a fashion muse can be a helpful tool in shaping your new style, so look for people (famous or otherwise) whose style inspires you and embodies how you'd like your new look to be. Write down how they style certain pieces that you like. For example, does she pair a skater skirt with that leather jacket? This can help when choosing your outfits.
- Think about practical considerations. In addition to thinking about how you want to look, think about how you need to look. Some questions to ask yourself:
- What's your work or school environment? Are there any particular practical constraints on what you can permissibly wear?
- What's your social environment? How will your style best complement your lifestyle?
- Where do you live? Do you want to fit in with or stand apart from your surroundings, and to what degree? Does one form of weather dominate, and will your style be workable in that weather?
- What's your budget? Make sure your new style goal is realistic, otherwise you may find yourself frustrated and unable to achieve what you had in mind.
- How much time do you want to spend getting ready? If you're a low-maintenance person by nature, choosing an elaborate style may not fit well with the kind of routine you're comfortable with.
- Don't be afraid to have an aspirational style--in other words, don't be afraid to start dressing like the person you want to be--but also be realistic and choose a style that's compatible with your personality.
- Clear out your wardrobe and makeup (if applicable). Once you have your new style goal lined up, you need to then clear out the old one.[1]
- Go through every item of clothing and donate the pieces that don't fit the new model you've chosen, that no longer fit, or that are simply unflattering. You may want to recruit a trusted friend to help you make judgment calls.
- If you wear makeup, similarly go through your supplies and eliminate any that are dated or won't enhance the style you're going for.
[Edit]Building Your New Wardrobe - Start with the basics to build your new wardrobe. The foundation of any style is versatile basics, and though the kinds of basics suited to your style will vary depending on the look you're aiming for, commonly needed basics include:
 - Shirts in solid colors. Depending on your style, your basic shirts might be t-shirts, button-ups, polos, or camisoles, etc., but whatever they may be, your basic shirts will be the essential layering staples of your style.
- Black pants. These are essential to most any wardrobe and are versatile enough that you can dress them up for formal occasions or down for more casual situations. Look for a cut of pant that is both modern and flattering to your specific shape.
- Flattering jeans. Darker wash jeans are often most flattering and versatile, but it will again depend on your particular style. Whatever jeans you choose, though, be sure they fit and flatter you. Don't be afraid to spend some time searching out the perfect pair.
- Sweaters or cardigans in solid colors. Like shirts, sweaters are an important layering component. Whether you prefer luxury sweaters or retro cardigans, you should have at least a few different ones on hand to build outfits with.
- A versatile skirt and dress. If skirts and dresses are part of your style, you want to be sure you have at least one of each in a versatile color and shape, like a black pencil skirt or a neutral wrap dress.
- Buy for both style AND fit. Clothes that fit well and flatter your body are essential to successful style.
 - For women's clothing, make sure that pants aren't too small for your waist or too short for your height and that they don't bunch or bulge anywhere. Be sure that tops fit so that the shoulder seams sit squarely on your shoulders, there isn't any gapping between buttons, sleeves come down just below your wrist, and the fabric doesn't bunch or bulge around your hips.[2]
- For men's clothing, be sure that shirts fit squarely on your shoulders, the sleeve hits just below your wrist without bunching, and that the shirt torso (particularly if it's a button-up shirt) lies flush with your waist and doesn't bunch or puff out at the sides. Pants should not be so loose that they billow out around your legs, but they should also not be so tight that they hug the leg--instead, they should be just loose enough to lie comfortably next to the leg without awkward bunching or puffing. Suit jackets should be able to button without stretching and should lie flush with the shoulder so that there's a smooth transition from shoulder to arm with no wrinkling or bunching.[3]
- When shopping online, be sure you have your most recent measurements. For men, you'll need your height, waist, and inseam. Having your hip measurement can also be helpful for finding a precise fit. For women. you'll need your height, bust, natural waist (the slimmest part of your torso), actual waist (where your pants sit), hips, and inseam. Always check your measurements against the retailer's sizing chart, don't just rely on size alone, which varies among brands.[4]
- Focus on your best colors. Decide which colors most flatter your skin tone and eyes and work within that palette.
- A new style that doesn't flatter you won't serve you any better than your old one.
- To determine your most flattering colors, bring a trusted friend shopping with you and then try on clothes in a wide range of colors and have that friend help you judge which are most flattering for you.
- Find your accessories. Accessories allow you to make a look specifically yours, so finding the right pieces for your style will help you fine-tune the tone and look of your personal style.
- Accessories allow you to add nuance to your outfits, so think about the subtle aspects you want to communicate with your style when buying them. For example, accessories can add understated elegance, bold confidence, or funky humor to your overall style.
- The basic accessory line-up includes belts, jewelry, hats, scarves, and glasses. Each of these, either singly or in combination, can change the focal point of an outfit, add a pop of color, or take an outfit from casual to office-appropriate to dressed-up, so shop strategically.[5].
- Diversify. Once you've gathered the basics of your look, begin building a balanced selection you can draw from to suit your most common needs, eg, office wear, casual wear, date wear, club wear, etc.[6]
- Avoid buying multiples of the same. Don't buy three black sweaters, for example, or four white t-shirts. Even if they aren't identical, you don't want to have too many of the same kind of piece--it will stifle your style and take up unnecessary closet space.
- Avoid fixating on the same color. Don't buy all of your clothes in the same color--it will quickly run your style into a monotone rut. It's fine to work within a flattering color palette, just don't fixate on a single color.
[Edit]Maintaining Your New Style - Stay focused on your style model. As you continue adding pieces to your wardrobe, keep your fashion model fresh in your mind.
- If you need a visual aid, design your own personal lookbook that includes images that embody your style model and can help guide you in your choices.
- Make a list of what you're looking for. Showing up at a store without a clear idea of which specific items you're looking for can leave you directionless and may lead you to making purchases you'll regret or to giving up in frustration. But with a clear sense of what you're after, you can consistently add items to your wardrobe with confidence and efficiency.
- Interrogate each addition carefully before making it. Before choosing an item, be sure that it fits into your style model and that it will be a useful part of a versatile wardrobe.
- Avoid super trendy items, which likely won't be useful to your wardrobe for more than a single season and afterward will only date your look. [7].
- Have a good mix of neutral and statement colors. Mixing neutral pieces with a bright pop of color is a great way to make a stylish impression.
- Make sure each new piece you buy could be part of at least several different outfits.
- Maintain wardrobe diversity. To get the most mileage out of your wardrobe, shop with versatility, not just style or color, in mind.
- The new pieces you add should fit your style, flatter your body, and add versatility to your wardrobe.
- If you're eyeing a piece of clothing that already resembles an item you have in your wardrobe, don't buy it. Look for something complementary but also different from your current pieces to ensure your wardrobe doesn't devolve into too much of the same.
- When buying tops, ask yourself whether a particular top can be worn in different ways as part of different outfits. For example, when selecting a top, ask questions like, can I wear it tucked in or loose? Can I layer it? etc. When choosing a skirt, ask questions like, can I wear it with different shoes (heels, boots, flats)? Can I wear it with both casual and fancier tops? Can I layer a jacket with it? etc. [8]
- If you want to test drive different styles before committing, consider borrowing some pieces from a fashionable friend first to see if you feel comfortable with that style.
- Remember that it's not about quantity, it's about versatility. Don't simply buy a pile of new clothes, buy strategic and versatile pieces that will give the illusion of a large wardrobe.
- If you don't want to spend too much on clothes consider going to some thrift stores.
- It's recommended that you re-evaluate your personal style at least every five years to reflect who you are and where you are in your life.[9]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Comfort Your Friend Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT Who do you turn to when things go wrong? Your friends can offer a great sense of comfort and support, especially when you're feeling down. Knowing exactly how to comfort your friend and what to say isn't always easy, and you might be feeling a little tongue-tied. Fortunately, it's possible to comfort a friend and help them feel better without things being awkward or uncomfortable. Keep reading to learn all kinds of different ways you can comfort a friend when they're feeling down. [Edit]Find out what the problem is. - If you aren't sure, ask your friend what's wrong. It's not always easy to figure out why your friend is upset, so it's best to just ask them what's wrong. If your friend is hesitant to tell you, let them know that you aren't going to judge, and that you'll be here to help them no matter what.[1]
- Try something like, "Hey, what's going on? I can tell you're upset. I promise I won't judge you; I just want to know how I can help."
[Edit]Ask your friend how they're feeling. - Try not to assume you know what's going through their head. If they just went through something upsetting, they might be feeling angry, sad, hurt, or even uncomfortable. Ask your friend to open up to you about their feelings so you can understand them a little better.[2]
- You might say, "That sounds really tough. How are you doing?"
- Or, "You're handling things really well. How are you feeling?"
[Edit]Listen to them talk. - Sometimes the best way to comfort someone is to be quiet. Let your friend talk as much (or as little) as they want to, and try not to interrupt. The more you let them spill their heart out to you, the better they'll feel.[3]
- Put away any distractions and give your friend your full attention while you two chat.
- Nod along and make eye contact to show that you're listening and encourage them to talk more.
[Edit]Validate their feelings. - Tell your friend that however they're feeling is okay. When you go through a tough time, you sometimes feel a wide range of emotions, which can be confusing. Let your friend know that you aren't judging them, and however they feel is totally valid.[4]
- Say something like, "It makes sense that you'd feel that way," or, "I totally understand where you're coming from."
[Edit]Express your concern for them. - Show your friend that you care by expressing your emotions. Let your friend know that you're sorry about their situation. Hearing someone's concern might make your friend feel better, and it will show that you want the best for them. Even a simple, "I'm sorry that you're going through this," can really bring them a sense of peace.[5]
- You could also try, "This sounds really hard—I'm sorry."
[Edit]Give an example of your own tough time. - It can be helpful to tell your friend that you relate. Try bringing up a tough time that you went through recently, and share just how hard it was for you. You don't want to spend a ton of time on your own story (since that can make it seem like you aren't listening to your friend), but bringing it up briefly can be comforting.[6]
- You might say, "I understand how you're feeling. When I broke up with my girlfriend, I was so sad that I barely got out of bed for a week."
[Edit]Ask your friend what you can do. - They might have a suggestion for how you can help. Maybe they want you to take care of a few chores around the house for them, or maybe they just need you to sit in silence with them. Check in with your friend before you do anything to make sure that you're doing the right thing.[7]
- You can ask by simply saying, "Is there anything I can do?" or, "What would make you feel better right now?"
[Edit]Make time to check in with them often. - Your friend might not feel better after one day. If you have to head home or you aren't going to see them again for a little while, make an effort to text, call, or hang out with them often. Remind them that you're there for them, and see if they need any help as they start to feel better.[8]
- You can send a quick text that says, "Hey, just checking in. How are you feeling today?"
- Or, "I'm in the neighborhood, wondering if I could stop by."
[Edit]Encourage them to practice self care. - Tell your friend to do one nice thing for themselves today. It can be something small, like drinking a cup of coffee or putting on a soothing face mask. Whatever it is, a little act of self care is sure to make them feel better, if only for a little while.[9]
- You could also tell your friend to take a walk, play with a pet, have food delivered, or read a good book.
[Edit]Offer practical help. - Ask your friend if they need help with groceries or chores. If your friend is super sad, they might not have the energy to go do things that they normally would, like shopping or cleaning the house. If you have time, ask your friend if they need any assistance, then run an errand or do some chores for them.[10]
- Bring it up by saying something like, "Hey, I'm heading to the store later. Is there anything I could grab for you while I'm there?"
- Or, "You're probably feeling pretty drained. Why don't you rest while I clean up a little?"
[Edit]Plan a fun night in. - Cheer your friend up with a game night or a movie. If your friend doesn't feel like going anywhere, head to their place and watch something on Netflix or play a few board games. Simply having your company might be enough to make them feel better![11]
- If you can't get together in person, try watching a movie "together" virtually via Netflix's or Hulu's Watch Party feature.
[Edit]Make them dinner. - Enjoy a nice meal with your friend to make sure they're eating. When you're sad, it's easy to forget basic things, like eating dinner. Head over to your friend's house and cook them up something delicious, like pasta, chicken, or steak. Then, enjoy each other's company and chat, or simply sit in silence as you eat.[12]
- You could also order your friend takeout and have it delivered to their home.
[Edit]Bring your friend a nice treat. - A coffee or a dessert might be just the pick-me-up they need. If you're on your way to your friend's house, stop by a local store and pick them up something fun, then bring it with you. Hopefully, a sweet surprise will cheer your friend up, if only a little bit.[13]
- If you live far away from your friend, Venmo them a couple of dollars and tell them to go buy a coffee or a fun pastry.
[Edit]Send them a sweet text. - Pick a message that will make them laugh or smile. If you can't see your friend in-person that day, try sending them a goofy meme or a cute animal photo. Or, shoot them a message telling them how much they mean to you and how good of a friend they are. Hopefully, it will help them feel just a little bit better.[14]
- You might say something like, "Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you, and I love you!"
[Edit]Encourage your friend to seek help. - Your friend might benefit from seeing a mental health professional. If you've comforted them as much as you can but they're still going through a tough time, tell them to talk to a counselor or therapist. A professional can help them utilize coping skills and come up with specific advice for their situation.[15]
- You can gently suggest this by saying something like, "Hey, I noticed you still seem pretty down. Have you ever considered counseling? I've done it before, and it really helped me when I was going through a tough time."
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