As the presidential election looms closer and gets dirtier, the war in Syria escalates and gets bloodier, and natural disasters destroy already desolate regions, the world appears to be a depressing place. Since most media outlets only cover the most shocking and tragic events, we often lose our reason to celebrate life. In order to remedy this feeling of despair, I have created a list of different activities that make me happy, and hopefully that will inspire you to reflect and engage in what makes you happy.
1. Looking at Pictures of Very Tiny Animals
Baby animals and small animals in general make me instantly happy. I cannot help but squeal. After seeing a picture of a cute animal, I worry about nothing else besides their adorableness. If you don’t believe me, look up pictures of hedgehogs or baby foxes; somehow they make your day ten times better. If you need a daily dose of cuteness (and let’s face it, we all do), I recommend following Norbert the Dog on Instagram. You won’t regret it; I promise.
2. Eating Dessert
Eating dessert might technically be bad for you, but even JK Rowling acknowledges that sometimes only chocolate and dessert can handle what life throws at you. Of course, the option always exists to bring home some dessert from the grocery store, but I believe greater happiness lies in going to a dessert place. My especially enjoy Sprinkles Cupcakes (I mean, you can get your cupcake from an ATM!!!) and Nothing Bundt Cakes, which has the some of the best cakes ever.
3. The Approaching Holiday Season
This one only applies during certain parts of the year, but the nearness of the holidays provides much to get excited about. Simply the festive feeling in the air during this time of year brings joy to people. Not only does it bring plenty of occasions to eat good food, but it also serves as a reason for us to get together with friends and family, those we have seen recently and those with whom we have drifted apart.
4. Hanging Out with Friends
Spending time with friends is not limited to the holiday season. Relationships with other people offer some of the most powerful and rewarding moments in life. A group of people that encourages you and builds you up can be a great positive force in your life. Spending time with these people can fill you with happiness both now and later when you remember the great memories that you made while spending time with them.
5. Watching a Funny TV Show
Watching a good show on Netflix easily cheers up almost anyone. In my opinion, the best comedies are Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, and of course Friends. Honestly, can anyone finish an episode of Friends without feeling more optimistic about the world? These shows give us a temporary escape from reality and remind us of the good in life for when we come back to the real world.
6. Listening to Really Good Music
Music has always been my escape, and nothing boosts my mood more than a good playlist. We are so lucky to live in a time where we can listen to both “Cold Waters” by Major Lazer and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles (both of which have never failed to make me smile). A song with a positive message and a good beat can do wonders to get us pumped up to take on life. We can also use songs to remember good times and old memories.
When we think the world is falling apart, we must remember that we have so many reasons to be happy. Today someone had a birthday, someone got married and someone received a job promotion. We have to make our happiness in this world, and once we find it, we should share it. Tell us what makes you happy, and help make others happy too.
