These last few weeks have been especially rough for me. I often get the winter blues, especially after returning to school after a much-too-short winter break. I've also been struggling to remain optimistic after the recent inauguration. When I get down, I try to think of things that make me happy and renew my excitement for life. If you're struggling with personal issues, if President Trump makes you upset, or if you're just feeling down, I have 50 reasons to bring back your smile.

1. Netflix

I'm grateful that I never run out of things to watch on Netflix. I'm also grateful that it serves as the perfect distraction when my homework gets to be too much.

2. Ice cream

No matter what the weather is like, I'm always in the mood for ice cream. There's nothing that a pint of Ben & Jerry's can't fix.

3. Pizza

Everyone loves pizza--even my lactose intolerant boyfriend. The first bite of a piece of pizza tastes like heaven.

4. Hugs

Whenever I'm feeling down, I hug my boyfriend or my mom. I feel better instantly.

5. Puppies

Let's be real: who doesn't love puppies? Even a cat person like me can appreciate how adorable puppies are.

6. Free stuff

The best thing to do when trying to attract college students is offer them free stuff. Whether it's free t-shirts, free goody bags or (our favorite) free food, we're in.

7. Freshly cut flowers

The fastest way to steal a girl's heart is by buying her a bouquet.

8. Obama and Biden’s bromance

I'm really going to miss the relationship between Obama and Biden. #FriendshipGoals

9. Good eyebrow days

When my eyebrows look good, I feel like I can conquer the world.

10. Caffeine buzz

I don't know how I would get by without caffeine. Thank you, coffee, for being there for me when I really need you.

11. Sunrises

Waking up early sucks, but seeing a beautiful sunrise doesn't.

12. Memes

I love a good meme. Look at memes if you get sad, how bout dat?

13. Fuzzy blankets

I use fuzzy blankets year-round. It's a lifestyle.

14. Slippers

It's like a hug for your feet.

15. Chocolate

White, dark, milk...or all of the above.

16. Snow days

Too bad snow days don't really exist in college...they were fun while they lasted.

17. Naps

I owe most of my success to the power naps that I take.

18. Warm showers

Taking a warm shower washes off the grime of a bad day. What's better than that?

19. Sweatpants

Sure jeans make you look good, but sweatpants are way more comfortable.

20. Freshly baked cookies

I'll take 150, please.

21. YouTube tutorials

Thank God for YouTube tutorials. I've learned so much from them, like how to apply water marbled nail polish. I have yet to use this knowledge, but I'm sure I will some day.

22. Sunshine

The feeling of sunshine soaking into your skin is an instant mood booster. This doesn't happen very often during winter, so cherish it.

23. Laundry fresh out of the dryer

When I was younger I would wrap myself in clean clothes and blankets to absorb the warmth. I still do.

24. Good books

The best books are the ones you want to reread again and again.

25. Sleeping in

Not setting an alarm is a rare joy in life.

26. Highlighters

I don't mean the kind that you put on your face, although those are great too. I function off of my highlighted, color-coded planner. Highlighters give the illusion that I have my life together.

27. Licking the beaters

Yes, chocolate cake is good, but have you tried the batter on the beaters?

28. Movie marathons

Why watch just the first Harry Potter movie when you could watch all eight?

29. Road trips

I love buckling in for a long ride with good music, good snacks and good company.

30. Thunderstorms

Rain, thunder and lightning are my favorite sounds to fall asleep to.

31. Birthday cake

I love birthday cake flavor, no matter what day it is. In fact, I have birthday cake ice cream in my freezer right now.

32. Long walks

Exercise boosts serotonin levels. Get out and get moving!

33. Ice cold water

Cold water is the best, especially after a workout.

34. Listening to music at full volume

That angsty teenager phase is long gone, but my love of loud music remains.

35. Slumber parties

In the words of Tina Belcher, "Slumber parties are the cat's pajamas, especially if I'm wearing my cat's pajamas." Just because we're older now doesn't mean we have to outgrow them.

36. Stretching

You know that feeling when you stretch and all your muscles and bones crack into place and your whole body feels like it's harmonizing? Heaven.

37. Snowball fights

Or, if you're really looking to stir up trouble, it's always fun to stick snow down the back of your friend's jacket.

38. Acing a test

Studying may not be pleasant, but it's so rewarding to see your hard work pay off.

39. Board games

I love disconnecting from technology and playing a board game with my family.

40. The ocean

Seeing the ocean is an indescribable feeling. It's so much better than a lake.

41. Pajamas

My idea of a perfect day is one where I don't have to take my pajamas off.

42. Stargazing

Sometimes at night I look up at the sky and it takes my breath away. I love trying to spot constellations.

43. Christmas lights

I keep Christmas lights up all year as decoration.

44. Breakfast for dinner

There's a reason diners are so popular. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, sausage and orange juice deserve to be enjoyed at night too.

45. Babies

When a baby smiles at me, I can't help but smile back.

46. Tanning

Almost everyone likes the way their skin looks with a little more color. (Especially if you're extra pasty like me.)

47. Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls are one of those foods that you truly cannot screw up. Delicious.

48. Fully charged battery

I feel like I can conquer the world when my phone has 100 percent battery.

49. Fresh air

I make an effort to leave my apartment every day just so I can get a breath of fresh air. It's invigorating.

50. Kittens

I'm ending this list with another cute baby animal. Gifs, photos and videos of kittens make me feel better, no matter what.

Whatever is getting you down right now is only temporary. Remember all of the reasons in life to be happy and turn that frown upside down!