5 Geeky Things Guaranteed To Cheer You Up (At Least A Bit)

It looks like despite the slightly longer days, winter has returned. For some of us, the dreary snow reflects our dreary moods. I, for one, am tempted to crawl back under the covers until at least spring. Sadly, that isn’t always possible. Don’t worry, though, there are still things you can do even if semi-annual hibernation isn’t possible. We’ve compiled a short list of geeky things guaranteed to cheer you up (at least for a little bit).

Binge Your Favourite Fantasy Show

There is absolutely nothing wrong with reality…most of the time. However, when life is getting you down, it’s best to escape to a whole different reality. Sure, some shows can be incredibly depressing (I’m looking at you Doctor Who and anything Joss Whedon has ever touched) but they can also be really fun and entertaining (again, see select episodes of Doctor Who and anything Joss Whedon has ever done). If you have a favourite series, this is the perfect time to pick out the episodes that will bring you a bit of cheer and binge those. If you run out from one show, move on to another. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are great sources for all your binge-watching needs.

Pick Up A Comic Book

Comic books are an amazing medium. You can find stories as diverse as those who create them. If you only pay attention to the big news coming out of the Big Two (Marvel and DC) you may think that modern comics are as gloomy and “gritty” as the DC cinematic universe. Thankfully, this could not be further from the truth. There are so many comics available today it would take a personal interview and about a week to list the best recommendations for your own specific tastes. However, I can recommend a few titles that never fail to cheer me up:

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl from the creative team of Ryan North, Erica Henderson, Rico Renzi, and Clayton Cowles

Squirrel Girl is far from the lame superhero she seems to be. In fact, many regard her to be the strongest character in the Marvel Universe. She has even taken down Thanos, a feat almost no one else has been able to complete on their own before. More than that, the story itself is really really good. North is a very clever writer, and under his pen, Squirrel Girl (aka Doreen Green), is as witty as she is strong.

Goldie Vance from the creative team of Hope Larson and Brittney Williams

Goldie Vance is a kid detective like none you have ever read before. She’s a valet at a holiday resort in Florida with a passion for crime solving. Her adventures are addictive, so you will definitely want to pick up more than one issue at a time.

Lumberjanes from the creative team of Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, and Brooke Allen

The Lumberjanes are a group of young girls at a summer camp who find themselves involved in supernatural adventures. It’s moving, fun, and a fantastic way to spend an evening escaping your troubles. I mean, how can you focus on what’s bringing you down when there are mysteries afoot at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types?!

Giant Days from the creative team of John Allison and Lissa Trieman

Giant Days is a lot more grown up than the other three recommendations. Adult situations, cursing, and even more adult situations abound as three friends try to navigate college life. It might sound like every other coming of age story out there, but the witty dialogue between Susan, Esther and Daisy makes you feel like you’ve gone back to school with your own two besties. Personally, I think I’m probably an Esther, as much as I wish I was a Susan. What about you?

Learn A New Thing

If you identify as a geek, there is definitely something interesting and involved that has absorbed your attention. Maybe it’s comic books, or Doctor Who lore, or network engineering, or songwriting, or literature, or food, or art, or pop culture. Whatever it is, there is always something more you can learn. Sometimes learning new things can help get us out of our own heads and teach us new things. Visit your local library or find a reputable online journal, and go to town! You will be surprised at how learning more about something you love can cheer you up quite quickly!

Play Pokemon Go

Yes, the fad has passed. That makes it an even better time to start playing. Pokespots won’t be crowded with *shudder* people, and the game is more fun than ever before (in my opinion). If catching cute pixels isn’t a big enough draw (and seriously, it should be), you can pair Pokemon hunting with some of your favourite music and turn your hunting into a walk. Getting outside and getting a bit of fresh air will always make you feel better. For added cheer, take a few moments and set a playlist before you head out. Pick only those songs that make you feel happy.

Become One With Your Fandom

If all else fails, lose yourself in the thing you love the most. Read that Hamilton song book while listening to the original Broadway cast on vinyl. Replay Mass Effect while tweeting your progress. Spend a few hours reading some Supernatural slash fic. Fandoms can make us feel loved, accepted, and welcomed, so find the one that makes you the happiest and get lost for a few hours. Sometimes finding your own fandom community can be just the thing to bring a spring back to your step.