We all have days when we do not feel like doing anything. Days when things do not just align, when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction or things simply do not go as planned. Some people will say “you woke up on the wrong side of the bed” as if there is “a right side” lolz.
While all this occurrences can easily disrupt your day or disorganize your plan, it’s best we find the right strategies to cope with them. I understand that sometimes when we are having a bad day it might be difficult to find reasons to be cheerful or grateful. Sometimes, even jokes do not seem funny anymore but it helps to try to adjust.
Some Helpful Solutions
1. Call up your family members or catch up with a friend:
Most times, when we are in a bad mood, we really do not want to talk to anyone especially not when everything seems to be going south. Talking to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long while or chatting them up can help you feel better. You can share funny experiences/ memories and talk about life generally. They do not even need to know you have a problem. Just talking to someone can cheer you up a little bit.
Also, it’s important that you call people who always remind you of how awesome you are!
2. Practice deep breathing:
I always talk about deep breathing. It calms you down and and takes your mind away from the stressor. Research has shown that deep controlled breathing is one of our easiest, most convenient and natural means for stress and anxiety reduction, relaxation, and wellness. Another study showed that different emotions are associated with different forms of breathing, therefore, changing our breathing can change the way we feel. Example, if you feel anxious your breathing will be short, fast, and shallow.
3. Do something relaxing for your self:
It could be a massage, pedicure, facial, or even a warm bath to help calm your nerves.
4. Remind yourself that this is temporary:
You know most times when we are going through tough times or having a bad day, it’s so easy to forget that it’s just going to be for a brief moment. Both positive and negative events can be temporary. We get good news everyday and we still get annoyed by things happening especially when they do not go in our favor. It’s very important that we are conscious of the fact that all these are temporary. “This too shall pass”
5. Listen to your favorite music and dance away the bad mood:
I’m pretty sure we all have that song that makes us feel lively, happy and keep those feet moving. Research has shown that listening to these songs will cause your body to release dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and motivation.
6. Do something nice for someone:
Performing an act of kindness can make you feel a lot better. Studies have shown that a kind gesture such as helping or appreciating someone can cause the release of serotonin and dopamine. These are neurotransmitters responsible for the feelings of satisfaction and well-being, causing the pleasure and reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins (our body’s natural pain killer) also can be released.
7. Express how you feel:
You can talk to your friend, roommate, family member, or significant other who is willing to listen. If you do not have someone at the moment or you do not want to talk to someone, writing out the way you feel can help also. Finding someone willing to listen can help a great deal. They can help point out areas that may need improvement or they can just be there for you at that very moment even though they have nothing to say.
8. Look through old photos:
Looking at old pictures help us reminisce about all the great times. Yes, they might bring up sad memories too but it helps you see the progress you have made so far, and the changes also. Just like gratitude, it helps you realize that even in the past you overcame situations that seemed insurmountable so you will get through this.
9. Do something progressive:
One of the worst things about really tough days is that it feels like they never end. One thing that helps is the feeling that you are making progress. Just try to do some really small tasks that make you feel like you are making progress and can help cheer you up. This takes a lot of intentional effort. Cleaning, organizing, cooking, etc are some examples of small tasks. Research has shown that being productive makes us happier and more satisfied. I’m sure we have all experienced this.
“Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.”
Michael Jordan,
10. Other things that can help you get the bad-day feelings out of your system are:
Try not to suck it all up but let yourself feel the emotions. You can scream into a pillow, Punch something not someone, Cry if you have to, hug someone, etc. But don’t hurt yourself.
Prayer and meditation can also help you understand the reason why such things are occurring.
In conclusion, I want to point out that no day is bad. Just because things aren’t going as planned does not mean that things can’t turn around for the better.
Thank you.
I am glad it helped!