When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to turn your mood around. Whether you’re stressed, dealing with professional or personal problems, or just plain in a rut, simple pick-me-ups can make all the difference. Just take a deep breath, and let our favourite smile worthy topics ease the negativity from your mind. No matter why you’re feeling down, these 22 rays of sunshine will help you pick yourself back up.
Anjana The Chimpanzee Raises Tiger Cubs
At The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS) in South Carolina, a two year old chimpanzee is inseparable from her human caretakers. Named Anjana, this adorable chimp has learned how to care for others. Most notably acting as surrogate mother for two white tiger cubs, Anjana’s selfless love will make any day brighter.
This Genius Artist
Never underestimate the power of laughter when you’re feeling down.
COMACO Helps People And Animals
At Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO), conservationists struggled to fight poaching in Zambia. However, in 2001, the group changed tactics. Instead of focusing on how to beat poachers, they tried to understand why people need to poach. What the organization uncovered was villages deeply struggling with poverty. The group changed their approach and started looking at how to employ poachers in other markets. Since 2001, COMACO has helped over 650 poachers train in other industries, mainly farming. This has increased employment and income for the villagers, while drastically decreasing the number of slain endangered animals. A small start, that’s making big waves, towards a brighter future for everyone.
This Guy’s Jig
Though it’s short, this little dance gets funnier the longer you watch.
This Dog’s Jig
Don’t forget to do a little dance when you’re feeling down. It’s seems silly, but sometimes silliness is the best antidote for the blues.
This Pig Adopted Tiger Cubs
At the Chimelong Xiangjiang Safari Park in China, this pig adopted three tiger cubs abandoned by their biological mother. There is nothing like a tiger cub cuddling up to it’s baby pig sibling to make you go “Aww”.
Stylish Matrix Moves
This guy’s endless Matrix ollie is one of the better internet edits. Focus on his smug head nod for an instant chuckle.
Neighbors Really Do Care
In Chesterfield, Virginia, a community rallied together after a local young man delivering pizza was robbed. Stopped at gunpoint, he lost a little over $100 dollars. After hearing about the incident, some neighbors pitched in and ordered a pizza. When he arrived, they gave him a mega tip, more than doubling the amount he lost. More simple proof that humanity shouldn’t always get you feeling down.
Even When You’re Feeling Down, Little Miracles Happen
A young girl in San Francisco is a hero after she remembered an important rule during a house fire. When a fire broke out in the kitchen, Galaxy Kong was the only one who woke up. Only 9 years old, Galaxy calmly woke up her dad and led him to safety. The two escaped out of a second story window before the blaze spread upstairs. Most importantly, Galaxy remembered to block the bottom of the door with a towel. This stops smoke from pouring into a room, saving crucial oxygen. In this case, this rule likely allowed Galaxy and her dad enough time to escape.
You’ve Never Been Pranked Like This
…Or This
…unless you’re the ones in the GIFs, in which case, our condolences.
Internet On The Moon
Not only are we now in an age where you can get internet on the moon via a giant laser, this leap in innovation will have important applications. The new means of transmitting data is much faster than our current ways of communicating in space. This means our weather monitoring, storm prediction, and wild fire data will soon reach us much quicker, and be much more advanced. At the very least, giant moon lasers should help you feel better.
333 People In A Row Pay It Forward
When you’re feeling down, remember that at a Florida Starbucks, 333 customers in a row paid for a stranger’s coffee. The chain of generosity started when one customer in the Drive-Thru opted to pay their bill, as well as the car’s behind them. The next car received their order for free, so decided to pay for the car behind theirs too. The kindness continued for around nine hours, all between total strangers. No word yet on how the 334th person managed to miss the memo.
The World’s Smoothest Goat
A little proof we can ride out our mistakes.
#JewsAndArabsRefuseToBeEnemies
No matter how bad things get, it’s an instant mood boost to see unconditional love. Despite conflicts in the Middle East, Jews and Arabs around the world have taken to Twitter to express their love for everyone. The hashtag #JewsAndArabsRefuseToBeEnemies became popular in July this year, showcasing beautiful sentiments and understanding. Watching others come together during troubling times can turn even the toughest day around.
Sometimes, The Timing Is Perfect
Even though you’re feeling low now, things in the future might align better.
Sometimes, Everything Works Out
Despite huge odds, this minor league baseball player’s dad caught his first home run. What is the likelihood the ball would be anywhere near his dad’s side of the field? When feeling down, don’t forget that incredible things do happen.
Sometimes, The Stars Do Align
Similarly, don’t forget that lucky breaks do happen.
Karma Can Come For The Jerks In Life
When other people have you feeling down, try to remember that what goes around, comes around.
Hard Work Pays Off For Formerly Homeless Valedictorian
If the challenges you’re facing have you feeling down, don’t forget that your potential is infinite. A high school student in Florida recently showcased this when he overcame homelessness and personal tragedy to graduate top of his class. Not only is he valedictorian, the student gained enough money to attend college debt free through online fund raising efforts. Proof we can all overcome the challenges we face, even if it looks impossible.
Selfless People Still Exist
When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to paint everything the same negative color. Keep in mind that lovely people just like you are still out there, making the world go round.
Selfless Cities Still Exist
Last year, tens of thousands of people showed up to make a San Francisco cancer patient’s wish come true. With the help of Batman, the little tyke rescued the city several times over as Batkid. The police, local sports teams and everyday citizens all got involved to make this dream come true. When you’re feeling down, remember that society still has plenty of bright spots.
Featured photo credit: fauxto_digit via flickr.com
