Open this if you need a smile today

We all need a break sometimes… consider today’s Tenderly newsletter our break to you.

Six easy steps for turning a bad day into a good day, explained in animal pictures

Step One: Take a long hot shower and sing (or just scream) along to your favorite song. Need musical inspiration? Laura’s Pet Sounds playlists contain multitudes.

Photo: Ramesh Letchmanan, from 37 Pictures of Majestic Animals Being Incorrigible Goofs

Step Two: Take a quick look at this cat who thinks he’s a dog (or, as one commenter suggests, all of these dogs who think they are cats) and reflect on how our families and communities shape our selves in beautiful and unpredictable ways.

Photos: saki.ibuki.hazuki, from Just 30 Photos of a Cat Who Thinks He’s a Dog

Step Three: I’m not dressing to impress anyone lately, but I’ve found that my mood is impacted if I never change out of my jammies or run a comb through my hair. The next time you’re feeling down, I challenge you to get up, put on your most colorful outfit and any makeup or accessories if that’s your thing, and get ready to take some cute-ass selfies

Photo: Arthur Telle Thiemenn, from 37 Pictures of Majestic Animals Being Incorrigible Goofs

If selfies aren’t really your thing (too much attention), maybe a front porch photoshoot with your family?

Photo: Asaf Sereth, from 37 Pictures of Majestic Animals Being Incorrigible Goofs

Step Four: Draw inspiration from this inspiring Shiba Inu who always stands out in every photo that’s taken of her 👑 . Hina is a great muse for not giving a heck about conforming to the expectations of others — do what feels good, babe.

Photos: Yokokikuchi_ks, from Let’s All Admire This Amazing Dog Who Keeps Ruining Photoshoots

Step Five: Take a walk with someone you love. Without long strolls with my pups, I’m not sure I’d have made it through the last six months. There is nothing like some ☀️☀️☀️ and some 🌱🌻🌳 and even more 💗💗💗 to heal a busted heart part.

Photo: Kunal Gupta, from 37 Pictures of Majestic Animals Being Incorrigible Goofs

Thanks for being here with us! You can always visit Tenderly for new stories daily. See you out there on Instagram with your bright selfies, on the sidewalks for your evening strolls, and next Tuesday when we’ll be right back here again.

— Summer Anne Burton, Editor-in-Chief of Tenderly