I finally finished watching Jane the Virgin. All 100 episodes from 5 seasons. I started last November and completed the finale in January.

It was my go-to cheerer-upper. It made me smile, laugh and be happy. It helped me forget life’s bothers. It melted away anger and frustration. It made me think less about the incredulous thought processes of some people. I acquainted and immersed myself with the characters and the convoluted, changing by the minute, non-real-life situations in Jane the Virgin. I never imagined a series with a title like that would give me so many hours of entertainment and respite.  It did with its clever and unusual premise.

Jane Villanueva is the lead character of this American telenovela or soap-opera. A 23-year-old virgin, who is saving herself for marriage. She lives in a household of women. Her mum (Xiomara. I like the name) and grandmother (Alba). Jane finds herself pregnant when she is accidentally artificially inseminated with the frozen sperm/s of Rafael (whom Jane had a crush once and marries in the end, after many falling outs and obstacles), which are meant for his wife, Petra. The doctor who performed the procedure is none other than Rafael’s sister Luisa.

Then, there is Jane’s father, Rogelio del la Vega, a famous Telenovela star, whom Jane belatedly discovers in her twenties. I like Rogelio’s character because he makes me laugh out loud. He is very self-aware about his looks and fame but in an endearingly narcissistic way. I also like Michael, Jane’s husband. He is a good guy. Loving, caring and sensitive. Unfortunately, he dies. But returns after 4 years. With amnesia. Courtesy of Sinn-Rostro or the redhead Rose, who is Luisa’s girlfriend.

Every character, too many to name and describe, is a relevant cog in the many plots, sub-plots, subsidiary plots, mini-plots, and micro-mini-plots that the dramedy churns out in each episode. It is not a telenovela for nothing. That said, over the five seasons, contemporary topics like sexual orientation, breast cancer, immigration issues, the green card, learning disabilities and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are incorporated into the storyline realistically and expertly.

I was a little lost and a little sad after Jane. The series gave me many hours of enjoyment, albeit, temporarily. Actually, not temporarily and not only when I sat in front of the TV. Because thinking of Jane, some of the characters and plots still managed to make me smile. This made me wonder about other ways to be happy, happier and/or less stressed. That is, other than watching serials/movies that are feel-good and funny.

Smiling. Not a short, gone before you can catch it, kind of smile. But a long held upward trajectory of the lips/mouth. ‘Research suggests that you should try to maintain the expression for between fifteen and thirty seconds. To make the grin as convincing as possible, try to imagine a situation that would elicit a genuine smile[1]. 

Apparently smiling, even fake or forced ones, can stimulate the amygdala, the part of the brain that releases the feel-good transmitters. Thus, tricking the brain into thinking you're happy. Smile more. Smile for longer.  Enjoy the benefits of being happy/happier for free. 

Being grateful. For the people and things that make life happier and more comfortable. Naturally, I have my share of rants and moans. Practicing gratitude by writing down or by saying/reminding myself helps create a better frame of mind and attitude to what’s happening with me and around me. 

Hanging out with positive people.  "Research found that each additional happy friend increases a person's probability of being happy by about nine percent. If you're feeling down, reach out to a friend or colleague who generally has a more positive attitude. Our brains have mirror neurons that will literally mimic what the other person is expressing. So, when you need a bit of positive infusion, connect with those who share it[2].

Kindness and thoughtfulness. Doing something, anything, however big or small, to surprise and/or make someone’s life happier or a tad easier. For instance, ready small change for people who look like they could use it. Try not to bargain with petty traders. Give to charities. Acknowledge and say thank you. Be fair and do what’s right. It does feel good and its a win-win.

‘Inhala.’ ‘Exhala.’ I learnt the Spanish phrase from Jane the Virgin. Not a half-hearted inhale and exhale. But a real deep breath of oxygen via the nose and an equally big expulsion of toxic air through the mouth. I think the pause, the action and the cleaner air clears the head and calms the heart.

Desserts. All things sweet, chocolaty, and nutty make me smile. An upturned mouth. A huge grin from ear to ear. My belly is happy. I am in my happy place.  

Yay.