2020 is officially going to be remembered as the year we wish we hadn't bothered to show up to. Our work lives and social lives have been changed forever, the political landscape has been an emotional rollercoaster and there's been more bad news than there has good.
As we're now in 2022, rather than dwelling on the negatives though (and there are a lot of them), we thought we'd spread a little much-needed positivity.
Sometimes, all you need is one good thing to completely turn your day around. A call from your mate, a walk in the park, a winning lottery ticket (lol, we wish).
While we can't telepathically ask your best pal to give you a bell, move you from your sofa or make you a millionaire, we do have a few things that could help to give you that little moment of happiness in a day.
We asked the What's The Best team to let us know something in their life that has brought them happiness in recent months. Whether it's a new hobby, a kitchen gadget or a delicious treat, here are 14 products we think you should buy if you're in need of a pick-me-up.
Things that will bring you joy
1 of 14Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed.: The Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller
"I love listening to the Sh**gged. Married. Annoyed. podcast, but I'd usually listen to it in the car when travelling to work. Obviously, that's not happening anymore, so finding five minutes in the day to sit and read has been a great way to switch off. The couple's comedy translates well into book form, although it's not the same as listening to them, it's a good way to relax." - Clare
£16.59
2 of 14Rio Roller Script Roller Skates
"When the last lockdown came into play, I decided to get myself a pair of roller skates and (attempt) to live out my dream of becoming one of those totally cool girls on Instagram. While I still have a way to go, it's been a really great outlet for me to blow off some steam, get good exercise and learn something new. If you put the time in (even half an hour on your lunch break each day), you start to see progress really quickly, which is really rewarding. It's definitely become a form of therapy for me. These skates are great for a beginner and aren't too pricey." - JadeCheck out Jade's guide to roller skating for beginners to find out what she's learned.
3 of 14Spacemasks Self Heating Eye Mask 5 Pack
"I have three kids, and finding five minutes to myself during lockdown has been almost impossible, but also vital. I have to make the time for some self-care, and slapping on an eye mask means I make the most of the time. These are self-heating and really relaxing, giving you time to relax your eyes and really recharge. They're ideal when you go to bed." - Lindsey
4 of 14This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
"This Works reminds me of the One Direction song, 'Best Song Ever'. This Works stuff really does work (I'm not passing commentary on how good that song is, just that they named it cleverly). If you're having trouble sleeping (aren't we all, at the moment?) then a spritz of this before bedtime will help you drift off. It features chamomile, lavender and vetiver." - Sophie
5 of 14Mylee Black Convex Curing Lamp Kit w/ Gel Nail Polish Essentials
"If ever in doubt, go for the Mylee. Known to be one of the best on the market (which we can confirm), this device is as theopoetic as it gets. With video guides and everything you need to get started on a gel machine, you'll end up with not only the most classy nails, but a new skill and the most tranquil vibe." - Emily
6 of 14“Storm Surge” Tea-for-One Teapot
"This beautiful Quinn the Fox teapot will not only encourage you to take time for yourself during a busy day but just looking at it will fill you with joy." - Jade
7 of 14Megan Rose Lane Self-Care Kit
"Tapping into meditation and my mindset has been really powerful in getting me through lockdown. This self-care kit from blogger Megan Rose Lane has all the products I need to add a moment of calm into my routine each day." - Lily
8 of 14The Morning After the Night Before Faace Kit
"You can never go wrong with a bit of Faace as a fuss-free, super flexible pick-me-up. Whether it's applied before bed, first thing in the morning, on-the-go or travelling, this kit has got you completely covered and something I can't seem to get enough of." - Emily
9 of 14LSW Mind Cards
"For a daily dose of positivity, grab this cute box of cards and pick one at random. Each of the 45 cards aims to bring more calm, happiness and perspective into your life, and we all need this at the moment. Themes include Ritual, Journal, Kindness, Gratitude, and Reflection, and each card gives you something to think about or do for the day. Just follow the instructions and pretend the world isn't imploding for at least five minutes. I like using these cards - they help me get out of my own worries for a few moments each day." - Sophie Favourite quote from the cards: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters" - Epictetus.
10 of 14Hanging Storage with 6 Shelves
"I've been on a mission to get my house organised during lockdown. Now that I'm spending so much time indoors, I need it to be a zen place and for that to happen, it needs to be tidy. As well as donating a load of stuff to charity and decluttering, I purchased these wardrobe organisers which have totally changed the game. Is it weird that seeing a tidy wardrobe makes me happy every time I go to find something? Maybe, but it works for me!" - Jade
11 of 14OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
Sometimes, all it takes it a nifty gadget to bring you a little joy during your lunch hour."This genuinely brings me joy every time I have an avocado ud83dude02" - Lindsey
12 of 14Multicolor Aluminum Crochet Hooks
"For Lockdown 2.0 I am determined to learn a new craft. I've been wanting to try crochet for AGES but just haven't got around to it - now, I have the time to invest. Plus, it means everyone will be getting crocheted cr*p for their Christmas presents." - Sophie
£5.97
13 of 14The Little Calm and Happy Company Happy Friendship Quotes Jar
"I was gifted this cute jar from a friend, and it reminds me to take at least one moment for myself each day. With 30 slips of paper that feature sweet, motivational messages, you can pass on the joy or even gift it to yourself. Why not?" - Lily
14 of 14THE COMFY Original
"Cosy hoodies always make me feel better when it's cold out, or when I feel a little bit down. The Comfy is the ultimate snuggly hoodie that I could basically live in. Like a combination of a blanket and a hoodie, it's soft, warm and I don't think I'll ever take it off, to be honest." - Jade
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Jade Moscrop is the Deputy Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.
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