I have days when even a teapot seems too heavy. When even a favorite song doesn’t save you. When you don’t want to go out, talk, or be an adult at all.

On days like these, I have a list of little joys. They won’t solve your problems, they won’t erase your sadness. But they let you breathe.

The first is hot tea with honey. Does it sound simple? But when the mug warms up in your hands, something inside you starts to warm up, too.

The second is to change your bed linen. Clean fabric under your skin gives you the feeling that you can start over. With a clean slate, with a white sheet.

The third is to light a candle. Let it burn. Let it smell of something calm.

Fourth — get into the shower with your favorite gel and just stand under the water longer than usual.

Fifth — turn on an old cartoon. The one you watched when everything was simpler.

Sixth — cook something funny. Even if it's bread with butter and salt — let it look nice on a plate.

Seventh — open the window and let some fresh air in. Even if it's cold.

Eighth — write a message to a friend. One short one: "I feel bad." Sometimes that already helps.

Ninth — read a few pages of a book. Even if you know them by heart.

Tenth — go to bed early. Sometimes just sleep saves you. Sometimes the thought that tomorrow is a new chance saves you.

A bad day doesn't cancel out good days. And if you collect them bit by bit, you can learn to smile again. I checked.