10 Non-News Stories to Ease Your Mind

Because as scary as the world seems, there's still plenty of good out there.

Author:: Kelsie Schrader
Publish date:: Mar 20, 2020

There's no doubt things are tough right now. The world feels scary and everything's uncertain. You're worried about your health, your loved ones, small businesses, the economy. But it's important to take a breather and remember that there's good in the world. A lot of it.

We pulled together 10 stories—some old, some new, some uplifting, some purely escapist—to help take your mind off the virus. Pour some tea, silence your phone, and take time to revel in the good. Your mind will thank you!

1. This designer's home will remind you to relish the people around you

portrait of jade joyner in colorful living room — Photography by Matthew Williams

Read: Designer Jade Joyner's Home Was Made for Family Hangs

2. This story of a shelter dog and bullied teen saving each other will inspire you to practice kindness—always

Twinkie and Naomi on a paddle board — Photo Courtesy Gosdin Family

Read: How a Shelter Dog and Bullied Teen Saved Each Other

3. This story of a couple's Airstream adventures will teach you that you don't need much to live large

married couple and dogs in airstream — Photography by Chris Mottalini

Read: How to Live Large in a Tiny House

4. David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris' game night tips will make your nights in so much better

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka host a fiesta party — Danielle Levitt

Read: David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris Take Game Night Seriously—and So Should You

5. This story of a kid-focused cooking school will inspire you to turn downtime into kitchen time with your little ones

kids-in-aprons-in-front-of-shop-97564bb7 — Photography by Jessica Antola

Read: The Dynamite Shop Teaches Kids How to Cook Global Cuisine

6. This story of a bakery that hires people with criminal records will make you value second chances

Sheila Young-Eberhart Rubicon Bakers — Clara Rice/Rubicon Bakers

Read: At Rubicon Bakers, Empathy Breeds Success

7. This story of dinner at a New York firehouse will remind you to appreciate first responders

firefighters cutting and peeling vegetables — Photography by Paola + Murray

Read: Cooking with Fire(fighters)

8. This look back on Rachael Ray's convo with Michelle Obama during the Becoming book tour will make you laugh—and maybe cry

Michelle Obama and Rachael Ray talk food and family in Austin — Photography by Isaac Palmisano

Read: Rachael Ray and Michelle Obama Talk Food and Family in Austin

9. This story of a Brooklyn restaurant that trains refugees to be chefs will inspire you to support those in need

emmas torch culinary training program graduates — Photography by Brad Ogbonna

Read: This Brooklyn Restaurant Is Training Refugees to be Chefs

10. These profiles of eight women redefining the food industry will empower you to make a difference in the world, too

female chefs — Photography by Peggy Sirota, Winnie Au, & Amanda Marsalis

Read: 8 Women Who Are Taking Over the Food World