I distinctly remember a book from my youth called “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Ever read it? It pretty much sums up one of those days when everything goes wrong and trust me, we all have them. Perhaps you’re feeling it with the current situation? Have no fear because today, I’m sharing 13 tips to brighten up a bad day! 🙂
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13 Tips to Brighten Up a Bad Day
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You know the days – you’re running late to work when suddenly your car gets a flat tire…then you realize your phone is dead and you forgot your wallet. But wait! You also have lipstick on your teeth, knots in your hair and you’re wearing two different shoes. It’s a bad day. But sometimes, there are a little more than simple annoyances. Maybe you were passed over for a job promotion…or you didn’t get the home of your dreams…or your brand new car was sideswiped while parked (true story)…or maybe things just didn’t go your way… or maybe you’re starting to feel the effects of social distancing. It’s a bad day, but not a bad life 😉 Sometimes… a lot of times actually, things are completely out of our control and no matter what, you just can’t change it. The one thing you can do is learn how to respond to certain situations because although this is something that comes with practice, we are ultimately in charge of our emotions. All of these brighten up my day (even if it’s just a little bit) so I hope it helps you too!
Cry It Out
Do it. Sit down, turn on the saddest song you’ve ever heard and have a good cry. Scream into a pillow if you need to. I don’t know why but it always makes me feel so much better just to get that out of my system.
Get Some Sunshine
Sunshine is my kryptonite and it always makes me feel 100 times better! Sit outside with a good book and just relax. Or better yet, go for a walk around the block, a picnic in the park or a hike outdoors!
Laugh A LOT
Laughter really is the best medicine! Meet up your comedian friend that makes you laugh until you cry, reminisce over funny memories with a loved one, look back on all the bad fashion from your parents’ youth or watch the funniest movie or tv show that you can find (The Office never fails to crack smile haha).
Pamper Yourself
I do at-home spa treatments weekly but when I have a realllllly bad day, I go all out. I’m talking a warm bath with bubbles, salts AND a glitter bath bomb (lol!), a sheet mask infused with lavender oil, a frozen eye mask, lip treatments, at-home micro needling and DIY facial, rose scented body lotion, full manicure and pedicure, etc.
Do Your Favorite Things
When you’re having a bad day, you should aim do things that make you feel GOOD! Immerse yourself in activities that you truly enjoy like watching your favorite classic movie, reading a good book, checking out fashion editorials in magazines, gardening, baking cookies, laying out by the pool, playing music, creating art, etc. Do what makes you smile and do a lot of it!! If all else fails, treat yourself to something special 🙂
Go for a Drive
Sometimes you just need to get away and I feel like this always rejuvenates me. I absolutely love driving aimlessly with no destination in mind. I usually have my windows cracked, music blaring and nine times out of ten, I’m having a dance/karaoke party in my car. I usually end up driving somewhere on the outskirts of town to rest my mind and really enjoy being in the moment.
Listen to Upbeat Music
When I’m in a slump, music is like a magic potion that re-energizes me. Aside from my car dance parties, I love listening to upbeat music when I’m cleaning, organizing or just when I need to get stuff done in general. I could be feeling super lazy and then suddenly, I put on some upbeat music and I’m dancing away while putting away my laundry! Works like a charm!
Talk to a Friend
Talking to others is a good way to not only make yourself feel better, but to also concentrate on other things aside from your problems. Sometimes talking things out with a good friend gives you perspective on a situation and reassures you that everything will be okay. Support and encouragement from others goes a long way in creating a positive outlook for yourself. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you don’t even have to talk to someone about your problems. It might be enough just to have a good, meaningful conversation with someone.
Listen to an Inspirational Podcast or Video
This is an instant mood lifter for me! If I’m ever feeling down on myself for not getting a certain job or feeling less than from comparing myself to other people, I kick those negative thoughts to curb by filling my mind with positivity and encouraging words. I highly recommend listening to inspirational podcasts or motivational videos (love Tony Robbins and Law of Attraction Coaching YouTube videos).
Do Yoga
If you just need a time out, I highly recommend doing some yoga or guided meditation. The yoga makes you feel so much better physically and mentally – I practically feel like a new person after an hour lol! And meditation not only calms you but forces you to look at things with a grateful heart.
Put on a Nice Outfit
We all know that when you look good, you feel good! So put that pity party to rest and get glammed up! Do your hair, makeup and put on your favorite confidence-inducing attire. And don’t forget to wear your SMILE 😀
Be Grateful for the Little Things
I think sometimes our lives get so busy that we forget about the little things and often times, those are the things that matter most. Be grateful for everything you have – and I don’t just mean material items but other things such as your health, your relationships, your talents and your successes. Slow down and be in the moment. Stop (!!!) and smell the roses… seriously, smell them.
Change Your Attitude
Realize that things don’t always go our way and that is okay. In fact, sometimes things don’t go our way so that better things can make an appearance in our lives. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but you have to trust the process. Will these problems matter next week? Next month? Next year? Most of the time, these things come and go and it’s not even worth all the anxiety, stress and worry we put ourselves through out of fear that something may not work in our favor. Replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts and believe that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. <3
What are your best tips to brighten a bad day?
xo
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