When I’m having a bad day everyone tells me to go on a walk, watch a movie, drink some water, or take a long shower. While those things help, I have come up with a few things that actually boost my mood.

1. The Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop

Nothing can beat Starbucks’ Birthday Cake Pop. Bad day at school? Don’t know what to eat for breakfast? Taking a mental health day? There is only one thing that can answer all those questions: the Starbucks Birthday Cake Pop.

2. Oranges

Now, this is where we start to get a little obscure. For some background, about six years ago I was scrolling through Pinterest, yes Pinterest, and I found a pin that if you eat an orange in a bathtub it is bound to make you feel happier. Eating an orange in a bathtub is a little too far for me, but every time I eat an orange or drink a glass of orange juice, I do feel at least a little happier.

3. Buying a Plant

I firmly believe that buying a new plant heals a lot because you have to take care of something other than yourself. Not only do you get a new plant, but you also get to pick out a cute pot to put it in. I have accumulated many plants over the past couple months and I can honestly say they’ve improved my mood.

4. My Polka Dot Pilot G-2 Pen

I am confident when I say that the Pilot G-2 pens are superior. They write the best and make me feel like I’m a genius. The Polka Dot Pilot G-2 Pen that I recently stole from Emma Fredman ‘23 is even better than the original. Something about the cute pattern and the classic nature of the pen really makes me feel excited to learn just because I get to write with it.

These are all very personal things that have made me feel slightly better over the years. Walks, music, and long showers are great, but I prefer my obscure ways.