I just started studying for the bar exam this week. If you’re not familiar, studying for the bar exam essentially consists of spending two months trying to learn everything that law school didn’t teach you (or maybe what it did teach you, but that you already forgot). On the menu this week is constitutional law. I’m doing an online prep course, so I’ve spent the week set up at my kitchen table reviewing the nuances of judicial power, justiciability, legislative power, executive power, the federal system, and state taxation of interstate commerce. Needless to say, while studying these titillating topics I sometimes think I can almost feel the creative energy being sucked out of me. Fortunately, I’ve survived three years of law school so I’ve picked up a few tricks for keeping my mood up and staying cheerful even while learning the driest of topics.

My theory is that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to learn to be happy even in life’s most ordinary situations. Even while stuck at my kitchen table studying constitutional law, I make a point to stop, look around, and realize that there is so much to enjoy in everyday life. It’s just a matter of appreciating the little things. We don’t have to wait until work, school, or whatever else is done claiming our attention to enjoy ourselves and have a good time. Have a sense of humor. Laugh. Have fun. Feel joyful. Just enjoy life and watch as fear, worry, and all the other discouraging thoughts disappear from your brain. I have absolutely no scientific data to back my theory up, but I believe that staying cheerful keeps people at their best. Heck, why wouldn’t you do whatever refreshes you and puts you in a positive mood for whatever you have coming up? Do what makes you happy. It builds character.

For me, I don’t get to leave the house very often while studying so I really have to get creative with how to keep the joy alive everyday. Fortunately, I recently discovered a wonderful way to work humor into my day- The Office. Yes, I’m talking about the popular TV comedy series that I am almost ashamed to admit that I am just now starting to watch. In addition to being hilarious and instantly putting me in a good mood, each episode of the show is conveniently only 22 minutes long. Perfect for sneaking in an episode here and there over lunch or in the evening. Even if you don’t share The Office’s awkward brand of humor (but how could you not, that show is a gem!), the point is that something as simple as watching a comedy show can make you laugh and have a little fun.

Here’s another example- I enjoy writing (creatively that is, not law school exam-type writing). Even though I sit glued to my computer all day watching law lectures, I take time at the end of the day to write this blog. I do it because writing blog posts make me feel like I’m doing something creative, which makes me happy. Sometimes when I’m really crunched for time during the day, but feel the need to boost my mood, I go out and check the mail or just open a window. As insane as I know that sounds (I promise that all the studying hasn’t driven me mad just yet), getting out in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air is sometimes all I need to clear my head and help me regroup before getting back to studying. Feeling good and having fun, no matter what I have going on, are an indispensable part of my daily routine.

For some people this may feel like the most obvious concept, but for others it may not. I guess my challenge to everyone, wherever they are in life, is to make it a point to experience joy in life everyday. You deserve it.

On a side note- If you’re interested in reading a cute post on HelloGiggles (an online community founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer and Sophia Rossi) about life lessons that can be learned from The Office click here.