If today is one of those days when the universe seems to be responding to your best efforts with more and more crap, we feel you. We got you.
Before we dive into all the quick ways to make today a little better, let's get a palate cleanser to reset the brain.
1. Search for images of your favorite animal + the word "wearing" + whatever the search engine autofills with. Enjoy.
2. Leave your phone behind and go for a quick walk outside.
3. If you can't go outside, watch a nature video.
4. Watch video compilations of things that always make you smile.
5. Soothe your soul with some sandy ASMR videos.
6. Look away from your screen. Lock a soft gaze on an object for 15–30 seconds. Return to what you were doing.
7. Text a funny GIF to a friend without any context.
8. Or text a friend asking them to send you something funny.
9. Eat something that makes your tummy smile.
10. Eat something spicy.
11. Say the word "onomatopoeia" out loud. Now try it in an accent.
12. Bust a move to a song that makes you feel sexy.
13. Blast a song that makes you feel less alone.
14. If you got a car, blast your favorite song and sing it at the top of your lungs.
15. Watch the trailer for your favorite childhood movie.
16. Or read an excerpt from your favorite childhood book.
17. Say hello to a plant. Touch the plant. The plant is now your friend.
18. Make a bunch of funny faces in the mirror. The sillier the better.
19. Dive headfirst into your favorite sub-group online.
20. Think about the last thing that made you literally laugh out loud.
21. Do a small stretch wherever you are.
22. Watch an inspirational talk online.
23. If you got some spare $$$, send someone $5 with a message saying, "for coffee, candy, or whatever makes you smile."
24. Write yourself a compliment or something inspirational on a piece of paper and put it somewhere you'll see it daily.
25. Now write your negative feelings on a different piece of paper. Completely obliterate that piece of paper.
26. Browse recipes and pick one to make this week.
27. Plan a solo self-care day.
28. Look up optical illusions and feel like a kid again.
29. Draw the last thing you saw that made you smile.
30. Not a doodler? Write a poem about how you're feeling right now.
31. Give someone else a genuine compliment.
32. Think back to the last really bad day you had. Now think about the time that has passed since then. There were good moments between then and now. A better day is coming. Hang in there.
