It's been pretty unanimous that 2016 sucked. Alan Rickman, Carrie Fisher, David Bowie, just to list off some of the people we lost this year, not to mention the international crises that have occurred. There are some people who have hopes that 2017 will not be quite as bad as 2016, but others have no hope of things looking up. While there is no way to control what is happening in the world, one can control how they view the world. A change in perspective can lift up the whole year. Here are some things you can do to make 2017 a but less trash than 2016.

1. Take part in a volunteer programs.

I have always found volunteer work brightens my mood more often than not. Your eyes are opened to how well-off you are and being able to give to those who do not have a good a lot as you makes me feel lighter and better about the world. The world may be falling apart but there are ways to help stitch it back together.

2. Spend time with people who make you happy.

Most people say that spending time with family and friends is the best way to live a happier life, but the real need is people who make you happy. I am lucky enough to have family and friends who support and love me, but that is not the case for everyone. Find people who care about you and you feel you can be yourself around. Having to hide a part of yourself or analyze what you say can be exhausting, but having people to let go with can relieve stress and make your time more enjoyable.

3. Go someplace new.

I am always a fan of travel, but I also understand the expenses involved. So even just going to a new restaurant or city could suffice. Exploring is something I have always found exciting and gives me something to look forward to. A new country or amusement park or museum or city is preferable to me, but even just a new restaurant or hiking trail is exciting enough. Discovery and adventure add spice to life and gives you something to look forward to even if things look bleak.

4. Read a book.

There are people who say that they hate reading, but more times than not, I have found, they have just not found the right book yet. Reading takes you out of real life and gives you a distraction in a way that TV cannot. There are books out in the world about everything, it just takes some looking to find the right one. You might even be able to learn something, like how the vikings built their boats. Even if you read just one book this year, that;s time that you spent away from your regular life, and submerged in something else.

5. Try to learn something everyday.

Whether it's about someone you've known for years or something you saw on TV, try to learn something. It may be entirely useless knowledge, but it's probably interesting, and it makes every day a mystery and an opportunity. It could be important for your future career, or it could be learning that your friend had a dog named Cerberus when they were little. You just do not know and that's the beauty of it.