"If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad"

The world is falling apart. Literally. There are constant disasters, protests and just general unrest and uneasiness across the globe. I decided to spread some joy, well at least for the course of this post to you, my audience. So I'm going to share with you, a list of ten various things (in no particular order) that usually do the trick in making me feel better, and definitely brightens up my day. Maybe it could help you too?

1. Switching off all media that allows me access to the world and it's miserable news, for anywhere between a few hours to a few days (unfortunately I am very addicted to various news websites - be it something geeky, political, health related or world news). In fact, one day a week I make it a point to switch off from all social/technological connections I may have, just to insure that my feet still touch the ground and my mind is still able to function in reality as opposed to virtually. You'll be surprised how wonderful this feels after you get the hang of it, and you realise how much more time you have on your hands instead of tweeting, facebooking, four-squaring, etc etc (Definitions which by the way have now been included in the dictionary. Awful!)

2. As the weather gets better (or even when it is gloomy) I try to explore a different place within the city as often as I can - be it a new cafe, sweet shop, market, area, anything and anywhere (for those of you who are employed and are not as useless as me, I'm pretty sure you can do this during your days off/weekends). I've done some exploring by myself and with others, but it never fails to make me feel excited and content, because you never know what you may stumble upon on your little adventure. I've come across some amazing old book shops which sell first editions of books that are worth unbelievable amounts, or sweet shops like those in the original Willy Wonka film. Even if you don't discover anything, it will just be a nice few hours away from the regular routine. And everyone needs to break their routine once in a while.

3. Watching this scene from the Wedding Singer always makes me smile. It's so cheesy! I love it. And of course this awesome song by Bill Bailey on one of his shows!

4. Discovering new music. Every time I find a new song, I am overwhelmed with excitement - as you all know from the last few ramblings! Sometimes a new song can just make your day better, or just motivate you to do something - like working out at the gym!

5. The gym! I have realised that I get very happy when I go to the gym. It's a place I can wear boxing gloves and beat my thoughts, frustrations, emotions, anger and sadness out whilst grunting like a man (and occasionally smelling like one too!)

6. Reading xkcd - Hilarious stuff.

7. Cleaning. Now when I say cleaning, I don't mean just hoovering or dusting the house, but instead just focusing on my things in my room. I find that about once every month I need to do a clear-out of things I know I have been holding on to forever, or just generally rearrange my cupboards/shelves. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and as I've said before - cleaning is a representation of rearranging your thoughts in your mind. So your room/space represents how your mind is, most of the time. It's a good way to just throw things way both mentally and physically. Plus it's always fun to clean and put on a good dvd or listen to some good music along with it. Never ever fails to make me feel better! And it takes a good few hours! Plus you come across some very funny things, which amuses you and makes you wonder what possessed you to keep (and laminate!) a 5 dirham note from Dubai (let's just say it involved a VERY (times infinity) good looking teacher!)

8. The sun - but obviously I don't have the power to make it appear everyday (that would be so awesome though. I would be the Sun-Woman). Although in cities like London that is gloomy pretty much all the time (where Winters seem never ending!) it is hard to wait for the sun in order to be happy. So, when the days are very grey and very bitterly cold, I make it a point to do something that makes me happy - like watch a very good movie (I usually choose something like - My best friends wedding, While you were sleeping, One fine day or the Anchorman) or read a good book. The rest just always seems to fall into place.

9. Having a lovely bath and unwinding with a trashy magazine (Okay I know this may be a little girlie for you more masculine (cough) readers, but don't pretend you don't want to do the same as well!)

10. Last but not least, chocolate. Anything made of chocolate makes me happy. It's like a comfort thing, but whenever I am upset or feeling a little down, there's nothing like a good hormonal pick-up as chocolate. Or coffee. Or both. I can't decide, there's too much pressure! It's like Joey (from Friends) says, "I want girls on bread!"

11. I know I said I'd give 10, but I'm sorry I had to include this - Watching Friends. I may have every single dialogue memorised, and every episode rehearsed, but I always seem to laugh out loud every time.

So minions, make a list of your own and cheer yourselves up and others around you.