We all have at least one thing in common and that is we all have a bad day sometimes. Even the ones who always look happy or try to be happy. Having a bad day is totally okay and normal. It is good to feel those emotions too instead of pushing them away. But maybe you let someone or something ruin your whole day. We all do that sometimes when we are not in control of our own emotions. It happens. But getting out of that mood is not something easy. It is (almost) impossible to go from very angry to happy in one minute, but there are things you can do if you’re having a bad day.
Things you can do if you’re having a bad day
Clear schedule. If possible you can cancel all of your plans for the rest of the day. You don’t want to show up at your friends’ house being angry and annoy him/her if you don’t want to talk about it. In that case, it’s better to stay home.
Talk about it. But if you are willing to talk about it, call your friends and invite them. Maybe they can help.
Look at some old photos. Looking at photos can bring back good memories.
Cook something new. We do most things on autopilot, even making dinner. But we have to be present if we have to do something new, including trying out a new recipe. So instead of being focused on your problems, you focus on something else.
Take time for everything you do. When I am in a lower mood, I am very impatient and I want to do everything at the same time. But it is better for your stress levels to do one thing at a time and not rush it.
Organize/clean house. For some reason, cleaning can help with a bad day. Turn on some music and start cleaning. It is also very nice to have a clean house again.
Sing your heart out. Music can change your whole mood, so turn on your favorite songs.
Dance. And while you’re listening to your favorite songs and singing out loud, you can also dance!
Write it down. Writing down can help to put everything in perspective. Maybe you find a solution or maybe you realize it was not actually a bad day. You made it worse in your head.
Watch a movie. I would recommend something happy.
Take a nap. Sometimes when you did not get enough sleep, your mood will be lower. take a nap and you probably feel brand-new again.
Read a book. Maybe something happy and romantic, or maybe a self-help book.
Move your body. When you move your body, your brain releases feel-good hormones. Maybe you can get a cup of tea or coffee on your walk.
Do something fun. This can mean anything, depending on what YOU like to do. Maybe you have a hobby or maybe you want to cross something off your bucket list.
Eat your favorite food and really enjoy it. Sometimes we just eat because we have to. This time you eat your favorite food and really be present. Enjoy every single bite.
Cuddle with a pet. Pets are the best and if you don’t have one, go outside and find a cat or dog.
Meditation. Meditation is good for a lot of things, but it can also help you to let your thoughts go and just focus on your breath.
Things I don’t recommend doing if you are having a bad day
– Spending too much time online. It is just a waste of time and it will not make you feel better. Spending too much time on social media is linked to depression and anxiety. And I agree, but I have noticed that too.
– Using drugs, alcohol, or porn to feel better. This is also not going to work. Just like social media, it is very addictive but not healthy.
– Projecting your emotions onto someone else. They don’t deserve that. Nobody deserves that, no matter what.
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash