The 6 happy news stories that are making us smile today

March 17, 2020 at 10:00PM by CWC

The news cycle during the time of COVID-19 is best described as bleak. Now, more than ever, it’s just as important to find moments of joy as it is to wash your hands, practice social distancing, or check in on your loved ones.

Yesterday, the Well+Good office (now completely digital since we’re all WFH) made it a point to share the internet memes and things that brought us genuine happiness in a time otherwise filled with uncertainty. We shared them all in Slack for laughs, chuckles, and “awwws.” If you, too, crave a little more lightness in your heart right now, keep scrolling for the most delightful things the internet has to offer. Remember: You’re still allowed to be happy.

The 6 happy news stories that are making us smile today

1. This VERY IMPORTANT VIDEO of a penguin on a ‘field trip’ at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

Penguins in the Amazon?!

Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD

— Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020

There’s something decidedly meta about a penguin taking a field trip at the aquarium—and we’re 100 percent here for it. Wellington, the star of this particular clip, took a particular interest in the schools of Amazonian fish in an inter-species meet-and-greet that’s sure to warm your heart.

2. Spanish citizens working out together—yet separately—on their balconies

 

View this post on Instagram

 

In Seville, Spain they are not accepting #quarantine as an excuse for not working out. This fitness instructor hosts a workout from a rooftop —and people join his class from their balconies. Basta con excusas —a mover el culo, tío!!

A post shared by www.beiruting.com (@beiruting) on Mar 15, 2020 at 9:24am PDT

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The work from home status much of the world is grappling with has us look for more—shall we say, creative?— ways to work out. The trainer in Seville who took to his rooftoop to lead a building-wide workout to other social-distancing exercise devotees on their balconies, and he just might be the real MVP. There were jumping jacks, squats, and other no-equipment-required movements. So is balcony bodyweight the next big thing in exercise? Only time will tell.

3. Harry styles’ tiny desk concert on npr

No one can lift our spirits (and our hair goals) quite like Harry Styles and his dulcet tones. Not only does this make splendid background music for all your WFH needs, but you can also almost imagine Harry Styles is quarantined with you. So that’s fun.

4. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his pet donkeys

 

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‪Stay at home as much as possible. Listen to the experts, ignore the morons (foreheads). We will get through this together.‬

A post shared by Arnold Schwarzenegger (@schwarzenegger) on Mar 15, 2020 at 7:57pm PDT

I mean, this one’s a bit random, but if you want to get the #facts on COVID-19 while watching Schwarzenegger pet a bunch of tiny horses, here you go. You’re welcome.

5. This SWEET 16 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION DRIVE-BY

Today’s my daughter’s 16th bday. School’s shut, 2 friends quarantined, we’re hunkered. She gamely canceled plans but we surprised her with a “joyride.” 8 pals stood outside their homes with signs, blew kisses. Her grandparents sang from their doorway. Val said it the best bday. pic.twitter.com/gj9ymZAo6J

— Lauren Tarshis (@laurenTarshis) March 16, 2020

Anyone who has their birthday during this time sadly won’t be celebrating with everyone they love, but Val (who turned 16 yesterday) has some seriously-creative friends who stood outside her house with “Happy Sweet 16” signs and blew kisses form afar.

6. This ITALIAN TENOR SINGING OPERA OFF HIS BALCONY

He did it again.

For the second night in a row, Italian tenor Maurizio Marchini went back out to his balcony and serenaded the entire town – all to raise spirits during the lockdown.

As he puts it:

“Same stage, different song.”pic.twitter.com/xqrVDFloOS

— Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) March 15, 2020

Has there ever been a better time to sing your heart out? I certainly can’t think of one, and neither can this lovely Italian man greeting nightfall with a soulful serenade. Surely your neighbors will understand any and all notes that you feel the need to belt from your apartment, so take a hint from this wonderful human, and croon.

Times are tricky: here’s how to self-soothe, according to your Zodiac sign and a psychologist’s case for limiting your exposure to the news. 

Author Kells McPhillips | Well and Good
Selected by CWC