Today was a bad day.
I’m not going to sugar coat or add a filter here. Today just…sucked. It actually had nothing to do with my circumstances (nothing “happened”), I was just in one of those moods where I felt bleh. Unmotivated, frustrated, questioning all of my life’s decisions…
Yeah. One of those days.
Don’t worry. My pity party is over, so I won’t be letting it out on you. Instead, I used this bad day to learn more about myself and how to make bad days less bad, and hopefully can pass a little something positive out of it along to you.
1. Realize (and accept) that you’re JUST having a bad day.
Seems obvious enough, right? Well, I don’t know about you, but I can far too easily NOT realize this, and that can often make a day go from bad to worse. The simple realization and admission that it’s a bad DAY, not a bad LIFE can help shift your perspective to get through the day. Remind yourself that it’s only 24 hours (or less). You can get through it. You WILL get through it.
2. Don’t let a bad day turn into a bad week.
This is very much related to #1. Just keep reminding yourself that the way you’re feeling isn’t going to last forever. It most likely isn’t even going to last until tomorrow. Focus on the day at hand - getting over it and getting through it - and do whatever it takes to keep it from rolling over into tomorrow.
3. Meditate - don’t medicate.
When you’re having a bad day or in a bad mood, it’s natural to want to numb those feelings or distract yourself with self-medication. Things like eating, drinking, shopping, etc. Most of the time you’ll probably regret doing any of those things to try to make yourself feel better. Those are just bandaids. Instead, it’s important to address the underlying reason(s) you might be having a bad day. If you have the time - even if it’s just 5 minutes - go somewhere alone to sit quietly and meditate. For me that looks like prayer and journaling. For you it might be listening to music, deep breathing, or going for a walk.
4. Write down the things you’re thankful for.
This is a habit that is always beneficial to have, but it’s especially important on the bad days and can really help put things into perspective.
5. Sweat it out and/or get outside.
Personally, exercise and just getting outside are two things that automatically alleviate stress + sadness. There’s just something about sweat and fresh air (especially together) that can totally re-set everything.
6. Try to put off making decisions, if possible.
This is something I’ve definitely learned the hard way, and also why it’s so important to first recognize that you’re having a bad day. When I’m not myself, I tend to make rash decisions that seem like great ideas, only to regret it the following day/week. A bad day or being in a bad mood is NOT the time to quit your job, bring up important conversations, make big purchases, etc. Trust me on that one 😉
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Hope that wasn’t too much of a debbie-downer post, ha! I just thought it might be of help to some of you who might be going through a bad day/rough week <3
How do you deal with bad days? Anything to add?
I;m sorry you had a bad day, Gracie! I think we all have those days where we are just mentally in a funk. I think you completely nailed it when you said we have to realize that just because we are having a bad day doesn’t mean we are having a bad life. Whenever I used to have bad days, I would turn to retail therapy to make me feel better. Yeah, I had to learn the hard way that I can’t do that all the time…
haha same, eek. Retail therapy is a dangerous one…!
Bad days are the worst! These are some awesome tips to help though, I especially love #2. If I’m having a bad day, I’ll usually take a nap or watch a comedy (Dumb and Dumber is my fave) and that can usually help turn things around.
Yes, naps are huge (sleep in general, actually). So often when I think I’m sad / in a bad mood I’m actually just sleepy!
Sweat it out…SUCH good advice!
i posted that “bad day not bad life” quote last year when i was having one (or like, several in a row) of those days, too. i definitely get that, girl — i think we all have those “what am i doing with my life that matters/who have i become / is this how i thought my life would turn out/ what the heck comes next” phases. praying for you & just remember how much you DO have to be thankful for and all the people who make your world so amazing.
that’s what pulls me through.
Thanks girl, that means a lot! Things definitely looking up
For once I practiced my own advice and it totally helped, ha!
such a great list to keep in mind when things suck! i loooooove getting outside and getting active, i listen to music and can either think everything out or let it slip from my mind!
experienced this yesterday as I made the decision to eliminate a favorite beverage from my diet. I was definitely having a pity party. My personal trainer Nicole told me of your blog. I’ve since survived the first 24 hours and your statements were a wonderful addition to my world. I’ve had to eliminate so many foods from my life so really what’s the big deal, right? I will adapt!