Having a day where nothing is going your way? Bad days happen to all of us, unfortunately. Learning ways to cope and keep moving forward can help keep a bad day from turning into a bad week or even longer. Here are a few small ways to take care of yourself on those not-so-great days.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys floral indulgence, a nice bunch of stems can be just the thing to brighten your mood on a bad day. Find a nearby flower shop or flea market to get your fragrant aura boost.
OR.. You might opt for a nice candle instead. Aromatherapy has long been a method of relieving anxiety. What’s more, there are all kinds of amazing options to fit your budget, ranging from luxury, e.g. Anthropologie or FORVR Mood, to affordable, e.g. Opalhouse at Target or WoodWick at Walmart.
Watching an old show that you’ve seen a hundred times has a different effect on your mood and emotions than watching something new. When you’re watching a new show, you may often feel anxious not knowing what will come next. You probably also feel pressed to pay close attention to more details so that you can accurately pick up on cues and follow the storyline.
Rewatching an old show you enjoy can be therapeutic. Since you already know what is going to happen, your feelings of anxiety are usually much lower or non-existent. It can be a way to regain control of your emotions when other things in your day feel out of control.
Read a novel for pleasure
Reading self-development books are a great way to learn something new and grow as a person. However, when you’re dealing with a stressful day, the thought of learning something new may feel like a burden and cause feelings of anxiety creep up.
Instead, you may want to reach for a light-hearted mystery or romance novel. Reading these types of books doesn’t carry the expectation of learning or becoming somehow ‘better’ by the last page. Take it easy and wrap yourself up in a fictional character’s life for a couple of hours.
Keep a notebook at your desk or a virtual journal on your computer for easy access when you start to feel overwhelmed. Reserve a moment out of your day (especially a bad one) to intentionally think about and write about some of the good things and great people you already have in your life. Doing this can immediately bring a sense of calm, reducing anxiety.
Many times a bad day can feel much bigger than it actually is. Writing down things you’re grateful for will help you reframe your thoughts and recall the bigger picture for your life and purpose. The roadblocks and snags you’ve hit will feel much smaller in comparison. As the saying goes, it’s only a bad day— not a bad life.
Especially for the past year, most of us have been spending more time alone or at least disconnected physically from loved ones not living in our household. Hearing a familiar voice over the phone or seeing their friendly face via Zoom or FaceTime instantly lifts your spirits.
We all have a fundamental need for human connection and belonging. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with a good friend when you’re in a bad place can be the release you need to push through. Uplifting friends will always remind you how far you’ve come and help you to see the light ahead.