This is How We Are Finding Comfort in Difficult Times
From protest songs and political action to vintage Sesame Street and tap dancing, this is what brings us comfort–and even joy–when life feels heavy.
Wherever you live, whether in the northern hemisphere where it’s cold and snowy, or in warmer climates, February can be a tough month. Add to that, the constant barrage of upsetting news, what sometimes seems like the crumbling of democracy and the departure of that inherent sense of decency that we once took for granted. It’s enough to leave us all in a state of grief.
That’s why, for this week’s You Might Like, we asked The Persistent contributors to name activities, books and other distractions that get us through dark times. When the news, the grey weather or life itself feels a bit too much, try one yourself—or simply read about them for an instant lift.
I turn to the TV series "My Life is Murder" [available for streaming on Prime video] Xena Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless is now a modern-day retired detective poking into cases on behalf of her police colleagues. Set in sun-saturated New Zealand, with beautiful, sharp colors; charming locales; and a merry band of pals helping her out, it’s light-hearted and warm—just what dark winter nights call for. – Liza Boyd, contributing writer
When life gets to be a bit too much, I make a list. I like to keep two to four notebooks going at all times, using my favorite red gel pen to brain dump in bullet points of thoughts, worries and ideas at least once a day. Some favorite prompts include: What do you want to do today/tomorrow/this month? What are some favorite outfits you've worn lately? What are you looking forward to?
When life gets to be a bit too much, making a list always helps.
– Han Goldstein, social media editor
My go-to comfort mode is making a big bowl of very salty and buttery popcorn; picking up a simple craft project that keeps my hands busy; then turning on any episode of “Gilmore Girls.” For a much more challenging escape, my weekly tap dance and zumba classes at the YMCA keep my mind and body too engaged to spiral down in the long list of things to feel anxious about.
– Kathleen Davis, executive editor
One thing that helps me survive these bleak political times is to do things that make me feel like I'm fighting back. I volunteer for a grass roots political group that fights authoritarianism and protects voting rights, among other things.Through the group, I've met like-minded people who help me stay optimistic. I like to remind friends who say: "The world is so terrible and no one is doing anything about it!" that plenty of people are doing things, and that taking action not only helps change the world but can also make a big difference in mood.— Paula Derrow, features editor
The official Sesame Street YouTube channel has a ’90s playlist I'll put on when I'm feeling down. You can't beat Elmo for comfort.
– Phoebe Gavin, contributing writer
When things get chaotic, I long for order. One thing that’s been bringing things back into focus for me lately is Vox’s magnificent podcast “Today Explained.” Topics include “The healthiest president of all time;” “Trump's model UN;” and “Surviving online cringe.” You might think listening to these episodes makes me a glutton for punishment, but the unexpectedly refreshing, upbeat, clear-eyed, ever-entertaining, always-on approach wakes up my brain like a jet of icy air. To maintain your equilibrium, listen to these back-to-back (as I do) while preparing a vat of Cuban black beans—a single bay leaf does wonders to calm one’s nerves, too.
– Francesca Donner, editor-in-chief
I've built a playlist of contemporary protest songs that I can rage-sing along to in the car. My current favorites are "Pray the Snow Melts" by Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark and BASTA YA by Cain Culto and Xiuhtezcatl.
– Daniella Zalcman, photographer
“Heartburn” by Nora Ephron was my comfort book when I was in the depths of despair following both the collapse of my marriage and the collapse of the four-year relationship that followed. I love how Ephron a took the sad and horrific story of her own marital implosion and turned it into a masterpiece of wit and pathos.
– Deborah Copaken, contributing writer
What's getting you through these dark days? Send your recommendations to hello@thepersistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!
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