Okay, so maybe watching TV and movies isn't the most educational or beneficial hobby. But when you're stressed beyond belief, stuck in bed on a sick day or you just want to curl up on the couch at the end of a long day, it's nice to immerse yourself in a different world for a little while. And sure, it might sound ridiculous to take advice from fictional characters, but if the shoe fits, it fits. Without further adieu, here are 10 TV shows and movies that have taught me some surprisingly valuable life lessons.

1. "Friends"

This is the first TV show that I remember watching on a weekly basis, and boy has it taught me a lot. Maybe no one told you life was going to be this way, and maybe your love life's D.O.A. But the point is, you have to find your people. The people who will always be there to support you, love you and laugh with you, even when life just sucks.

2. "Harry Potter"

Eight glorious movies filled with the most magical characters ever ... how can you go wrong? Whether you're brilliant like Hermione, clumsy like Neville or chess-savvy like Ron, you have the power to decide who you are. At the end of the day, it's our choices that matter, not where we come from or what we're good at.

3. "The Office"

Sure, Dwight probably wouldn't approve this sappy message, but I'm going to say it anyway. Life is full of changes, ups and downs and heartbreaks. Sometimes you'll find love where you least expect it, and that's okay. A fairly intelligent individual recently told me that Jim and Pam set us up with some pretty unrealistic expectations, and I hate to say it, but I think they might be right. The way I see it, as long as you don't get your foot stuck in a George Foreman grill, you're doing just fine.

4. "The Devil Wears Prada"

Say what you will about Miranda Priestly, but you can't deny that she knows what she wants. She knows her strengths, and she won't settle until she's proud of her work. So whether you're working on a project for school, work or a personal hobby, use your strengths and show the world what you're made of (except maybe channel Andy a little more than Miranda).

5. "Grey's Anatomy"

Ugh, the feels! First of all, "Grey's Anatomy" definitely taught us how to mourn for our favorite characters. Secondly, it gave us an uncanny ability for nicknames (McDreamy, McSteamy, McVet, etc.). But most importantly, it taught us that in the end, the most important person is you. It's nice to have a great job and a dreamy boyfriend, but don't forget to take care of yourself first.

6. "The Wedding Singer"

Sometimes love stinks. Sometimes you meet a wedding singer who completely turns your life around and makes you see love in a way that definitely doesn't stink. The point is, when you're looking for your other half, you can't focus on things like fancy cars and security. You have to focus on finding someone you can see yourself growing old with. Also, don't get in a fight with Billy Idol on an airplane, and definitely don't marry a guy named Glenn Gulia if your first name is Julia.

7. "Parks and Recreation"

This show is full of inspirational quotes and Andy-related injuries, but I think Ron Swanson offers the best advice. He's always straightforward, and he doesn't care what people think of him. And even though he hates the government, he is completely dedicated to doing the right thing. Sometimes it's nice to be optimistic like Leslie Knope, but sometimes you just have to be realistic like Ron Swanson.

8. "M*A*S*H*"

Okay, so this show might not be the most recent thing you've seen on TV, but it's on Netflix now, so that has to count for something. I grew up watching this show with my dad, and although it was downright depressing at times, it taught me a lot about coping with unavoidable challenges. I might not be stuck in Korea with Frank Burns and Hot Lips Houlihan, but I know that when life gets tough, sometimes you just have to take it with a grain of salt and find the humor in things. After all, it's better to laugh than cry (especially if you're laughing at Klinger in a dress and heels).

9. "Hook"

This list just wouldn't be complete without a Robin Williams movie. "Hook" was one of my favorite movies growing up, partly because of the magic, and partly because of the lost boys (especially Rufio ... Jess and Amanda, you know what I'm talking about). Peter Pan taught me that it's nice to have a job and support your family, but it's even better if you can manage to stay young at heart. So let your inner child thrive, and always believe in fairies.

10. "How I Met Your Mother"

The last life lesson comes from the show with the most emotional series finale ever. Over nine amazing seasons, Ted Mosby taught me that mistakes are unavoidable, and they're also important. Maybe you fall in love with the wrong person, maybe you steal a blue French horn and maybe you get a butterfly tramp stamp after a night out on the town. Ted is a believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and I definitely agree. So go out into the world, make mistakes, learn from them and keep on living.