The News is Depressing — What Makes You Happy?

The whole world screams bad news constantly. Whether it be your phone, the TV, the radio, the people in your life, or anything, really. There is no shortage of depressing headlines and reasons to hide in bed forever and forget the world isn’t perfect.

While we cannot alter reality, we can make ourselves feel at least a little better. Sometimes it helps to put things in perspective and look at what actually makes the world feel better and not what we believe is breaking the world apart. To illustrate this, I compiled my own list of what I love and why (and yes, I feel better for doing so).

Books

I make it no secret that I love to read just about everything. Libraries, bookstores, my own shelves at home, all full of old favorites or stories yet to be discovered, it doesn’t matter. Reading or being around books just makes me feel better.

Hitting the Gym

Any form of movement is beneficial, both physically and mentally, and for me, there is no better place to move than the NDSU Wallman Wellness Center.

If you have never been there, they have everything. From cardio to strength training, cycling and an indoor climbing wall, and everything in between, there is something for everyone. One of my favorite things to do is just go to the gym. It doesn’t matter what’s on my lifting plan or if I’m just here to run for as long as I want, throw in my earbuds with a good podcast or my current favorite music, and I’m in heaven.

On a similar note, long runs outside also make me happy when the weather permits. Otherwise, to the gym I shall go.

Long Walks

Three things I love all together: moving my body + being outside + good conversation = long walk. My sister and I regularly head outside in the evenings and take a (very long) walk through the neighborhood when the weather permits. This is ideal in the summer, when both of us work all day and want to enjoy the summer weather while also enjoying each other’s company.

Lunch Break

Does anyone else love lunch breaks at work?

I don’t necessarily just look forward to the food part (although that helps). I enjoy having a few-minute break in my day to be quiet and regroup. As an introvert, I like to be alone to process thoughts and clear my head without constant noise or anyone requiring something of me for even a few minutes. Lunch break gives all that plus food.

Chocolate

Basic, I know, but one of my favorite food groups. I am one of those strange people that prefers dark chocolate over light, and I have no hesitation in admitting that.

My favorite form of chocolate is straight-up chocolate chips in a bowl and is my go-to sweet treat at the end of the day.

Spotify

My ad-free, personalized music and all my favorite podcasts within a few taps on my phone? Heaven is real, ladies and gentlemen.

I am totally biased when I say that I have amazing taste in music. I have hours worth of personally-curated playlists ready for me to enjoy with all my favorite artists and songs whenever I feel the need. Not only that, but my podcasts are always there to keep me company during gym sessions or when I’m doing chores around the house. Podcasts are a way to learn while accomplishing other tasks, and let’s be real, who doesn’t enjoy good music?

You can say what you will about Pandora and YouTube and Apple Music; Spotify is my favorite way to consume music.

Conclusion

Life is about mindset. The world may crumble and fall apart, but there is always good if you look for it. Psychologically proven to improve mindset and mood, gratitude and giving your mind space to appreciate even the smallest joys can improve overall mental health. I encourage you to look for the good even in the midst of the bad. Whether it be big things like health, family, friends or living in a free country, or small things like favorite foods or a comforting hobby, you can still see joy somewhere.