When you’re feeling lost, disappointed, sad, and a plethora of other uncomfortable adjectives, remember how important self-care is. It is beyond fine to take the necessary time to make sure you’re okay. Pausing to enjoy some kitten gifs or a sheet mask and a nap doesn’t mean you don’t care about the world around you–it means you’re preparing yourself and getting in the best and healthiest state of mind to do what’s next.
To that end, how about some feel good pop culture? If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, these songs, films, and TV series and episodes are all about happiness, uplifting messages, and/or plain ol’ fun.
1. “My Shot”
Perhaps the most well-known song from HamiltonOpens in a new tab, “My Shot” will remind you the United States will always claim those with fight, spirit, and vision among its citizens. And remember: “The sun comes up. And the world still spins.”
2. Great British Bake-Off
Jolly hosts, friendly and positive competition, and beautiful baked goods. The Great British Bake-OffOpens in a new tab has everything. Go to the store and stock up on pastries before you watch because you’ll be craving them.
3. The Princess Bride
Escape into a world with adventure, romance, comedy, and delightful characters with 1987’s The Princess BrideOpens in a new tab. Have fun storming the castle.
4. “Bare Necessities”
The Jungle Book’sOpens in a new tab Baloo brings the grins. Period. Related: Much of the DisneyOpens in a new tab music catalog also brings the grins.
5. Stardust
If The Princess Bride didn’t have enough adventure and silliness for you, try Stardust. Based on the novel of the same name by Neil GaimanOpens in a new tab, the film goes on an adventure through a charming world filled with magic.
6. Gilmore Girls
Escape to a small town where the biggest problems are things like finding missing rotting Easter eggs because someone forgot to make an egg map. Seven seasons of Gilmore GirlsOpens in a new tab will keep you giggling for days.
7. Robin Hood: Men in Tights
Is borderline ridiculous comedy your thing? Get thee to watching Robin Hood: Men in TightsOpens in a new tab. See also: GalavantOpens in a new tab.
8. Lilo & Stitch
Disney’s animated film catalog is chock-full of selections to lift your spirits, but I find Lilo & StitchOpens in a new tab makes me laugh out loud repeatedly regardless of how many times I’ve seen it.
9. Doctor Who
Sci-fi stories are a fantastic way to get away from the real world, and Doctor WhoOpens in a new tab has a ton of episodes to keep you occupied. I specifically recommend “The Lodger” and “The Day of the Doctor.”
10. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
If The Knights who say “Ni!” doesn’t tickle your funny bone, I’m sure at least five other parts of Monty Python and the Holy GrailOpens in a new tab will.
11. “Once More with Feeling”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer’sOpens in a new tab musical episode and/or the soundtrack for it always make me sing out loud, and that action can relieve a whole lotta stress. Try it.
12. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Before we got knee-deep into Voldemort’s agenda, we entered a world of magic with wide eyes. Give yourself the gift of wonder by reading or re-reading the first Harry PotterOpens in a new tab book.
Which titles would you add to the list for those who want to take a break and smile? Tell me in the comments.
Featured Image: The CW
