Sometimes bad days are unavoidable. No matter what you do to prepare, bad things can happen at anytime and you can be given bad news at any time, and when it rains, it pours. They can bring you down, crush your spirits, and cause you to separate yourself from others into a vortex of self pity, sadness and isolation. But this isn’t always the best way to tackle a bad day. The best way to tackle a bad day is to bring some positivity to it!
Here’s a list of the top 10 ways you can make a bad day better:
1. Call An Old Friend
This helps for many reasons. With social media and texting being the social norm, we often forget to simply reach out and call our friends for that special, and heartfelt, one-on-one time.
Not only will it give you a chance to vent out about whatever has troubled you today, it will also lift your spirits and help you forget your troubles simply because you’re lost in a great conversation, catching up with an old friend.
2. Go To The Gym, For A Run Or Something Physical
No better way to get rid of the bad then by sweating it out and releasing those endorphins into your system. Not only does working out, playing a sport or being active make you feel good and is fun, it actually improves your mood and it will help get your frustration or aggression out.
3. Take A Bath In Epsom Salt & Lavender
Hot baths are great. They help to relax a person, as well as relieve inflammation and tension as well as lactic acid build up. Lavender and other scents are believed to be calming and soothing. So go home, turn on the tub, and let your worries dissolve in the bathwater.
4. Get Some Fresh Air & Vitamin D
Sometimes people don’t realize how good it feels just to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, get their blood circulating and to soak in a few moments of the sun’s rays and that valuable vitamin D that is so beneficial in improving your mood.
Cabin fever can make you stressed, confined and miserable. Clear your head by taking a 15 minute walk around the block. Feel free to bring your dog with you! They will enjoy the quality time and exercise just as much!
5. Get To Bed Early
Sometimes bad days are caused by stress and exhaustion. Take notice if your body simply just needs a recharge. Get to bed early so you can wake up tomorrow relaxed and refreshed and ready to start the new day with a positive attitude and a full battery.
6. Get A Massage
Stress can cause a definite build up in tension and lactic acid in your body, creating soreness and fatigue. On a bad day, these things make it even worse. Don’t be afraid to unwind and alleviate all the stress by going for a professional massage.
An hour of complete relaxation and tension releasing is a great way to put a smile back on your face and calm your mind and body after a really tough day.
7. Read A Book
Sometimes taking a step away from conversation will help. Forget about other people for awhile and get lost in the magical, fantastic or adventurous life of your favorite fictional or real hero, character or story! Reading a book can be a great way to take your mind off of what’s going on in your life and relax you.
8. Engage In A Hobby Or Activity That You Love
Taking some time to do the things you enjoy after a bad day can be really enjoyable. Sometimes you really need to set aside time that is yours for the things you love. They are relaxing, rewarding, and entertaining and a great way to pass the time, forget about the bad day and focus on the positive.
9. Regroup, Learn, Plan & Prepare
Depending on what went wrong today, what is bothering you and whether you had control over your bad day or not, you can actually actively make changes in your life to prepare and make a difference so that you have a better outcome next time.
If you failed a test, figure out where you need more work and study. If you lost a soccer game, take some time to practice and improve your skills. If you got in a fight with a friend, write them a nice letter apologizing and telling them how you feel.
If you had a terrible day at work, figure out what went wrong and plan for tomorrow better by getting to bed earlier, getting to work earlier and working on whatever skills you need to do a better job. Learn from your mistakes & grow as a person. Bad days may really be self-improvement blessings in disguise.
10. Make Someone Else’s Day Better
I know it sounds odd, but for some people, helping cheer up or doing nice things for those in need is one of the most enjoyable and heartwarming things they can do.
It can be a friend, family member, or stranger – but take the time to do a little something nice to brighten up their day and you’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel when they notice and appreciate it. Don’t let your bad day ruin THE WHOLE DAY. Find ways to make it better for everyone!
Bonus: Play with or pet an animal. I don’t know about you but nothing warms up my heart more than a hug and a kiss from a loving fuzzy pet. Probably why I surround myself with a horse, two dogs and a cat! They are my bad day buffers.
