Happy Suggestions
Are you curled up in bed right now spiraling on social media constantly refreshing the internet looking for election updates? Well, I am here to hopefully break you out of that spiral.
This year has been challenging for everyone. Rather than providing you with my own thoughts today in the hopes to uplift you, I am suggesting a few different things that may help boost your mood.
*Please note: I am not paid by any of these organizations. These are just things that I am doing right now to try to decrease my anxiety so I wanted to share them in the hopes that they will help you too.
Entertainment
“This things that you’ve been searching for have been here all along.” – Chang’e
This is a delightful animated movie about a young girl who goes on an adventure searching for the Chinese goddess Change’e. Throughout the film, the idea of loss is addressed if all be it through musical numbers and adorable, colorful little creatures. The movie has a diverse and incredibly talented cast. The target market for this Netflix original animated movie is not a 23-year-old, but with how heavy the world feels right now, this movie was perfect.
“Best wishes. Warmest regards.” – David Rose and Stevie Budd
If you know anything about me, it’s Schitt’s Creek is my favorite sitcom and I am very guilty of overusing lines from the show including “OMG, love that journey for you” (And though I say it in a sarcastic tone, I usually mean it). The show won my heart over at the start of quarantine when my best friend, Jade, forced me to watch it. I will admit, I was not too fond of it at first because the characters are a tad ___ (much, dramatic, selfish, relevantly unlikeable). But, my dislike for the show quickly melted away as I became enamored with the characters and their lives. This is a feel-good show that everyone needs to watch that address societal problems but in a very subtle way. The comedy is hilarious, and even more so than that, are the moments in-between the comedic lines. Watch the other characters when a comedic line is delivered. You will often see them stifle a laugh, sometimes going so far as to cover their mouths. Not often do you see actors respond to humor in a scene, so it makes the comedic moments even more joyful. Fun fact: If you see one of the actors turn away or cover their mouths during funny moments, this is because they had such a small budget and couldn’t do a lot of takes. This show will age incredibly well, and I hope to see these incredible actors in movies and television shows in the future.
This is not a television show. Explore.org has the largest collection of live feeds of animals at nonprofit organizations, rescues, and rehabilitation locations across the world. If you need a little extra cuteness in your day, this is the website for you. Watch as panda bears fall off swings or puppies play with veterans.
Podcasts
Surprise! I love podcasts. Who knew?! Whether it’s in the car or on a walk, I am usually listening to a podcast. And though I am a nerd about political podcasts, I am trying very hard to take breaks from politics and clear my head. Here are some of my “happy suggestion” podcasts that are sure to lift your spirits.
A daily podcasts from Netflix that ranges from 3 minus to 15 minutes, picks a bit from one of the stand-up comedic’s featured on their platform and publishes it in podcast form. Simple and hilarious.
I have listened to just about every NPR podcast, and this is one of my favorites. Excitingly, this podcast just shifted from a two-day release schedule to a five-day format. The podcast is hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris and includes an exciting rotating cast of guest pop culture enthusiasts. The podcast covers the whole range of popular culture, from a recap of award ceremonies, to a review of The West Wing, and explanations of popular video games. This podcast has something for everyone and is sure to add some joy to your life.
The Popcast with Knox and Jamie
Suggested by my sister, this podcast (like the title states) is a weekly podcast all about pop culture. (Clearly, when I’m not listening to politics I reside in the world of popular culture.) I am a relatively new listener to the show, but it’s entranced me from the start. The hosts, Knox and Jamie, take a topic like Bridesmaids, Gingers, and Moms, and discuss that topic as it’s portrayed in popular culture. An additional format they do is called “The NOs” where they breakdown all the “nos” relating to any given topic including; ‘The NOs of Sickness’, ‘The NOs of Weddings 2019’, and their most recent, ‘The NOs of Work’. Light-hearted banter from nerdy movie fans is sure to bring a little laughter and pop culture insight to your day.
What’s darker than politics? Murder. But in all seriousness, this is an incredibly uplifting show. The hosts, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, started this podcast in 2016. Over the past year, I have started from their first shows and worked my way to their present releases. Apart from talking about murder in a way that isn’t too scary or gruesome, these two best friends shine a light on mental health and the important of therapy. I recommend this podcast to everyone. I will forever be a Murderino and fan of this show. SSDGM.
Instagram Accounts to follow
A former stray dog turned influencer? This account brings so much joy to my feed. If you love food and cute dogs, this is the account for you.
For an agency of the federal government, this account is a surprisingly hilarious page to follow. The incredible photos of animal, nature, and national parks, is usually accompanied by a witty caption that is sure to make you smile and provide you with insightful information into the National Parks Service.
Move Your Body
There are many activities that can help reduce anxiety and stress. Moving your body is one way to do that.
I highly recommend Alchemy Anywhere. It’s a digital platform that is based locally in Minnesota and has hundreds of workouts ranging from yoga, to strength based circuits, to cardio blasts. Working out from home isn’t always fun, but the coaches on Alchemy Anywhere not only make your at home workouts fun, but motivate and push you to work harder.
Another fantastic platform is called YogaPose. For just 99 cents per class, you can take a yoga class from instructors all over the world. A fellow yoga teacher and friend leads classes on this platform so you can check out some of her classes. She does an incredible job of incorporate the limbs and foundational aspects of yoga into her class which is calming and a fantastic stress reliever.
Let’s Feast
Cooking or baking is another way to relieve stress. I have loved using NYT Cooking for recipe suggestions and I love the recipe of the day feature that they have.
Ask for help
This year has been challenging and it’s important to acknowledge that. Please reach out to someone to discuss how you are feeling. Whether that’s scheduling an appointment with your therapist (or finding a therapist if you don’t have one yet), or calling a loved one, talk to someone about how you’re doing mentally.
Suicide prevention lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Trevor Project lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
Crisis textline: text “HOME” to 741-741
You are never alone. Your life matters. This world is infinitely times better because you are in it. Please reach out to someone if you need support. I am always here for you.
I hope some of my ‘happy suggestions’ help you and can bring some joy, laughter, and positivity to your day.
