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Sometimes catching up on daily news can be a daunting task. With a multitude of fear-inducing headlines, it’s enough to make anyone feel discouraged.

While staying informed on both local and international news can be necessary, it’s essential to remind ourselves that it’s not all bad in this world.

To prove that all is not doom and gloom, we’ve rounded up a few positive stories from around the world that put a smile on our faces and we’re sure they’ll do the same for you.

1. Ikea has released instructions for building your own home fort

Flat-pack furniture instructions are usually things of dread, but Ikea Russia has found a much better use for them while some of us are stuck indoors.

These manuals allow you to convert everyday pieces of furniture into playhouses for children – or those of us that just want somewhere to hide.

You can choose from a wigwam, castle, house, tent, cave, or fortress, all of which are designed to be straightforward to build.

Credits to Ikea Russia and Agency Instinct.

2. ‘Britain’s loneliest dog’ found a home.

A pooch dubbed ‘Britain’s loneliest dog’ finally found a home this week, having been at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, Kent, for more than 10 years.

Bess found her forever home after staff launched a viral campaign focussing on her, which soon led to offers from as far afield as the US.

A spokesperson from the shelter said: “It was very emotional for everyone as she set off to her new life, but also very rewarding, as a loving home is what we want for all our dogs, and finally we have one for our Bess. Thank you to everyone who offered Bess a home.”

You can find out more about her story at Kent Online here.

3. You can now experience the British Museum from home

When the British Museum first opened their doors in 1759, they proudly declared themselves as place for ‘all studious and curious persons’. And they are still dedicated to this same mission today, even if they can’t currently welcome visitors in person. 

You can now stay curious, keep learning, and experience over two million years of human history—all without stepping out your front door. Use the Google Virtual tour experience here.

4. Live streaming penguins – need I say anymore?

With Edinburgh Zoo currently closed to visitors, they decided to set up animal live streams in an effort to try and raise more funds for the animals in their care. From penguins to lions and pandas, you can view them all live and check out their latest antics on camera here.

5. The kindness continues

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and the theme for this year is based around kindness. Now, more than ever, it’s great to see complete strangers coming together a doing their part, such as fetching food for vulnerable neighbours, shop owners offering free supplies to the elderly, and creatives are coming up with new ways to connect communities—physically and digitally.

If you’re in need of a positivity boost during the day, simply look through the hashtags #RandomActsOfKindness, #KindnessIsContagious and #SpreadKindness on Twitter. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Doug Norman

Author Doug Norman

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