Sometimes it feels almost impossible to be happy and you’d almost rather just sit at home with the lights off wallowing in your own self pity. But the thing is, if you let yourself stay there too long, it becomes harder and harder to get out of it. And while for some, they need medical help to pull off of their heavy blanket that some call depression, the rest of us, can take action each and every day to get back to our happy place.

First things first, get your ass up. Get dressed – you don’t even have to shower if you don’t want to. I’ve read those articles, North Americans shower too much, so you’re golden.

Read things. Read the news. Read a book. Get your mind thinking about things other than your dark bedroom with the drapes closed. What’s that all about? You’re not a vampire. I know this because I saw you during the day and you didn’t sparkle, or burn up. Or sparkle while you burned.

Have one giant spoonful of ice cream. The thing about the spoonful is that it doesn’t count. It’s like free food. You get the satisfaction of comfort food without the guilt.

Play with your animal. Cuddle and snuggle and wrestle. Talk to them like they are a human. Then put on Stevie Wonder, pick up your cat, and dance away to the song that’s ‘your’ song.

Open the blinds. Let Mr. Sun shine on in.

Better yet, go outside. But don’t go today. It’s gross out. Or actually, go today. It’s amazing the adventures you can go on in the rain.

Play with a child. Try to know the child and their parents because otherwise the police may get called.

Go to songza and put on the happy pop playlist. Go ahead and try to tell me you don’t feel better about today. You may be a little dumber and brainwashed, but that’s ok, because you’re starting to feel better.

Call your funniest friend. I know you’re all lining up to call me, but I’m busy today, so call your other funny friend. Just kidding, I’m never too busy for you.

Find somewhere where you’re all alone, put the happy pop music back on, and then dance your little heart out. Do the moves that you wish you’d do in public and the ones you’d be embarrassed to do in public. Often those moves are one in the same.

Do something. Write something. Do some math. Do something.

Pull a Stewart Smalley, “I’m good enough, smart enough, and gosh dawgonnit people like me”. Repeat in mirror until you believe this.

Now go listen to Gloria Estefan “get on your feet, get up and make it happen.” You got this, you got this happy feeling.  There now, don’t you feel better? I know I do.