6 Ways to Make a Bad Day Better

Bad Days.  Everyone has them.  Some days, it seems like the universe is plotting against you.  By the time you get to work, all you want to do is go home and crawl back into bed.  But there are ways to refocus your thinking and make your bad day better.  When I find myself having a bad day, here are a few of the things I do: 

Shake It Off 

When you’re in a bad mood, it’s hard to focus on anything.  Get up, get moving, and take a quick break.  Talk a walk- outside, around the block, down the hall.  Stand up and stretch.  Put your headphones in and listen to a quick meditation or some soothing music.  Whatever you are doing, it will help to stop for a few minutes and give your mind a chance to settle down.

Use Your Mind

You probably already realize that your thoughts have a great deal of control over how you see the world.  But they don’t always tell you the truth.  Sometimes you may imagine fears or threats that just aren't real.  Don't let yourself get dragged into negative thinking just because something didn't go the right way.   Ask yourself, "what is the worst that can happen?"   It’s probably not as bad as you thought, and soon you will realize things are going to be OK. 

Focus on the Good 

As just mentioned, your mind can have an immense effect over your daily life.  However, it's not the events in life that make or break us, it's how we react to them.  So, try to focus on the good.  Practice gratitude in the morning and start your day reminding yourself of all that you have.  Most of us are living a pretty great life.  We need to remember it's not about the things we think we should have.  It's about what we already have.   

Let Go 

If you can't change something, learn to let it go.  You can't dwell on things that have already happened- there's no way to change them.  If you try to chase the past, you won’t be able to move into the future that you deserve.  Perhaps things didn’t go as expected, but maybe it’s because there’s something better waiting for you ahead.   

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 

The only path to true happiness is growth.  Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back.  Try something new, and shake off your bad day.  Try a new workout, walk to work a different way, try the coffee drink of the month.  The only thing that’s constant in life is change, so why fight it?  Embrace it!  You can, and you will- whether you like it or not.  Wouldn’t you rather do it on your own terms? 

Create Good Habits 

One way to ensure every day starts the right way is by creating healthy habits.  Find a way to start your day with some positivity- get up for an early morning workout, sit in the park and drink your coffee, do some yoga stretches.  When you create a happy, healthy routine, it's easy to remind yourself that everyday can be a great day, no matter what's thrown at you. 

I hope this post gives you some ideas the next time you’re wanting to start your day over, or go back to bed.  Let me know if you have any other ideas to add in the comments!

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