We all have our bad days. Our rough moments. When self–empowerment feels impossible. And, sometimes, we get down in ye old dumpster. The question is, “what little things can we do to make those days just a tad better?” To help you navigate a bad day, I’ve compiled a list of easy-to-do things that will make a real difference in how you experience the world. Right now. In other words, ladies and gentlegerms, here’s how to be happy.
Watch a Sad Video. Yes, Really.
Yup! Your eyes are not deceiving you! It is a true fact that watching something sad can actually cheer you right up. Put a springerinio in your step. Light a happy-place-fire under your sad little tushie. In this spirit, I now offer you “Sad Cat Diary.” After you watch this, you’ll not only feel happier, but you’ll also be very grateful you’re a human bean. And not, well, um, a cat. Meow.
How to Be Happy? Fake It ‘Til You Make It
According to a recent study published in Experimental Psychology, researchers at the University at South Australia found smiling — even a fake smile —has a positive impact on mood. Triggering certain facial muscles by smiling “tricks” your brain into thinking you’re happy. “When your muscles say you’re happy, you’re more likely to see the world around you in a positive way,” said Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos, study author and human and artificial cognition expert at the university.
Watch the Talking Twin Babies
I know. I know. Watching baby videos is such a cliché-type thing to do. In all honesty, I agree. In fact, if I have to watch one more cute baby video, I’m gonna barf into my sneakers. But I did promise to show you how to be happy. Ergo, other than baby animals punching each other out in the jungle, there’s no greater natural high than a cute baby doing cute baby things. Wait! How about TWO babies doing cute baby things? At the same time!
Watch the Worst Commercial Ever Made By a Famous Brand
Still searching for how to be happy? Be happy at someone else’s expense, such as the writer, director and producer who brought you this incredibly, supremely, entirely embarrassing commercial. In fact, the last we heard they were enjoying careers in, respectively, medical billing, egg candling and cheese curd tasting.
See Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story
Having just seen this masterpiece in our local art house, I’m still on a high fueled by great music, visually stunning photography, a love story brought to us by the combined genius of Shakespeare, Bernstein, Sondheim, and Spielberg. And, hey, if you think you’ve got problems, at least you’re not a Shark or a Jet!
Take a Nap With Your Teddy Bear
It is okay to sleep with a lovey-dovey regardless of your age, socioeconomic status, number of master’s degrees (I have two and I sleep with a teddy bear), or self-constructed vision of yourself as a Master/ Mistress of the University. Or you can watch my favorite baby bear song!
And Now, the How to Be Happy Grand Finale: The Pillars of Creation
This breathtaking Hubble image reveals the towering tendrils of cosmic dust and gas at the heart of M16, or the Eagle Nebula. The aptly named Pillars of Creation are part of an active star-forming region within the nebula and hide newborn stars in their wispy columns. Experiencing the magnificent beauty of the universe: that’s how to be happy.
The sad cat is hilarious!
“Sad Cat Diary” is a classic investigation of feline existential angst.
“Sad Cat Diary” is my favorite. It definitely resonates with anyone who is owned by a cat.
Truer words were never spoken, my friend. Not even by a cat.
Of course, “Sad Cat Diary,” but the “Monalisa’s fake smile” is really funny too. Very funny!
“Sad Cat Diary” is definitely a fan favorite! Thanks for reading, Rani.