A Checklist for Restarting a Bad Day
Having a bad day doesn't have to last. You can fix it!
Maybe you didn't sleep well and you're feeling irritable. Or, something happened during the day to make you react and throw you off balance. Sometimes, all it takes is having a weird, random thought that bums you out. So many things can impact your day in an instant. This blog will show how to reverse a bad day quickly.
Here are several options to help re-start your day!
1. Move Your Body!
Getting some form of exercise boost your mood and release stress. Grab a quick workout, watch an exercise video, or dance it out! Even a brisk 15 minutes walk - preferably in the fresh air - can reset your mood. There is nothing more grounding to the psyche than being in nature.
2. Listen to Your Favorite Song
Have you ever noticed how quickly music can change your mood? Most of us have a few songs that really serve to pump us up. Music is amazing for this. Those ear buds make it easy to do anywhere. Create a playlist for when you need a boost.
3. Be of Service to Someone in Need
When you're having a bad day, it's tempting to fall into a little self-pity. Getting out of your own head by helping someone can be the perfect distraction. By the time you do a good deed, you'll likely feel better for having been of service. Think of someone that needs support. Sometimes helping others is the best way to help yourself.
4. Give or Get Some Affection
Physical affection releases Oxytocin, the feel good hormone, that calms the body down. Petting an animal has the same effect. When you get or give affection it promotes a sense of well-being and creates a deeper connection with the people in your life. Touch can be especially comforting during times of stress. Don't be afraid to ask for it!
5. Check Your Self-talk
Sometimes, your mood changes quickly without warning. When that happens, identify the thoughts you were having right before your mood changed. Whenever I do this I catch a negative thought. Click here to read What You Should Know About Self-talk.
Bring yourself back to the present moment and think back to when your mood changed. Fear is usually the culprit. In 12 step programs FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. What you fear rarely happens.
6. Acknowledge Something You Did Well
Another tip is to acknowledge yourself for something you did well. Seeing the good in yourself is not arrogant or self-centered, it's self-love. Everyone needs acknowledgement but waiting for someone else to do it gives them all the power. It's really okay to give it to yourself.
7. Connect with a Loved One
When you're having a bad day, you might want to avoid being around people, but isolation is the worst thing you could do. Isolation breeds depression and negative thinking.
Grab a cup of coffee with a friend and swap stories about your day. Hearing what someone else is going through can help you get out of yourself and focus on something more positive.
Final Thoughts
Having a bad day is normal every now and then but you don't have to let it linger. Shifting your mood doesn't have to take hours. Use these tips the next time you need a boost. Share it with a friend who is struggling. Even giving someone a smile can make you feel better. You can fake a smile but your heart usually follows. Try it, and see.