This post was most recently updated on July 14th, 2018
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We’ve all been there, my friends. Some days you can’t seem to get past your feelings of irritation, frustration, or of being just plain mad. Instead of grinding your way through the day, turn your bad mood around. Use these tips to make your bad day better.
Clear Your Head
Dealing with financial stress, whining kids, work drama, or just a bad hair day can drag your mood down. And once you start getting upset, it’s hard to stop more negative thoughts from taking root in your mind. When you feel your disposition start to spiral downward, take a few minutes to just clear your head and gain some perspective. Try one of these brain-diverting distractions:
- Take a walk
- Go for a drive
- Do some kind of physical exercise
- Bake or cook
Taking a five-minute walk or engaging in other physical activity can help get you out of your funk and restore more positive thinking. Or a drive through your favorite park to give your mind the space it needs to reset.
For example, I find a sense of calm when I’m in my kitchen. I feel like I’m in control there. So the familiar tasks of cooking help shift my mind away from what’s frustrating me.
Take a Positive Action
What is that saying about an idle mind being the devil’s playground? Dwelling on problems and frustrations typically leads to thinking up more problems and frustrations. That’s why it’s important to give your mind something more positive and productive to concentrate on than being upset. Try channeling the energy from your negative emotions into positive actions. You’ll not only be giving your mind time to sort itself out, but you’ll have tackled a chore or two, as well!
- Clean
- Do a DIY project
- Organize a room, closet, cabinet, or drawer
- Do some laundry
Often, emotions like anger, fear, sadness, and frustration are hard for us to deal with in a positive way. Mostly, we feel out of control and helpless. So it makes total sense that doing something that we DO feel in control of can help dispel those emotions, and let our minds relax and think clearly again. I always feel calmer and less stressed after cleaning!
Pamper Yourself
Sometimes, the only thing that can make us feel better is a little self care. Am I right? When you’re feeling down or blue, take some time to recharge.
- Take a bubble bath
- Read a book
- Watch a movie or show you love
- Put on makeup & fix your hair
- Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
- Diffuse a calming essential oil blend
As Mamas, we become accustomed to putting others ahead of ourselves. But it’s totally okay to put ourselves first once in a while. In fact, it’s actually pretty important! When your emotional gas tank is running on empty, you have to refill it before you can continue to take care of your loved ones. So don’t be afraid to take that time for yourself.
Make a List
Believe it or not, the simple act of making a list can help you change your negative thinking into positive thinking. It’s all about perspective. And writing down positive actions, ideas, or accomplishments realigns your perspective so you’ll feel more positive, too.
- A To Do list
- A Gratitude list
- A ‘What I Like About Myself’ list
- A list of goals
I love a good list. In fact, every morning, I make a daily To Do list using a pretty notepad. And as I cross off a completed task, my motivation and sense of accomplishment skyrockets! It’s been shown that actually writing something down increases our brain’s ability to retain the information. And what better information to keep in your brain than positive, grateful, motivated thoughts?!
Strengthen Your Spirit
Feeling empowered, positive, and calm during stressful times can seem impossible. But the truth is, we can create our own inner strength. Take a few minutes each day to ‘power up’ your positive thinking.
- Pray
- Read Scripture
- Read an inspirational book
- Listen to an encouraging podcast
- Meditate, focusing on positive thoughts & ideas
- Visualize your goals
Sadly, no one is going to be your cheerleader 24/7. But by implementing one or more of these ideas into your daily routine, you can become your own champion!
The Hard Truth of Being an Adult
Let’s face it – life is not a daily parade of cupcakes and rainbows. And sometimes, we need a little help getting through the rough patches. I use so many of these tips myself, and I promise you – they work. Honestly, I’ve turned my bad days into better days through the power of a ‘To Do’ list or a pretty pedicure countless times.
Now, I’m not suggesting that all your problems will be solved by taking a bubble bath. Don’t we wish?! But I do hope you can find at least one or two methods to help you find the sunnier side when life gets cloudy.
And just in case you’re having a very bad day, here are some bonus ‘feel good’ tips, guaranteed to lift your spirits instantly. NO special equipment required.
- Give a hug
- Snuggle a pet
- Watch a sunset (ours in Kansas are spectacular!)
- Take a deep breath
And know that I am always, always, wishing you …
Love & Blessings,
Sharon
