How to make a bad day better

We all know what it is like to have a bad day. Sometimes our day can even start off badly right from the start. We might wake up aware of an overwhelming workload ahead of us weighing us down from the beginning. Other times, the day throws curveballs at us that we do not expect. Whether we meet unexpected traffic on the road, make a mistake, fail to meet a goal, run late to a meeting, or spill coffee on our clothes, these events can pop up at any moment and discourage just about anyone.

However, there are many ways we can do to turn a bad day around. One way is to remind ourselves of important life principles. First off, it is okay to make mistakes. It is a part of life, and you do not learn much without making mistakes. Two, try not to be so hard on yourself. It is easy to blame yourself when things go badly, but it will only hurt you in the long-run. Instead, try to forgive yourself. This can help you to move on during your day. Lastly, remember that nothing lasts forever; this too shall pass (Babauta 2015 and Goldsmith 2016).

Many times, we see people who lose their jobs fall into despair. However, there are certain individuals who do not let a job loss define them. They grieve a short while, but then see that loss as an opportunity to grow and take action. Which person would you like to be? Personally, I am inspired by those who do not let these types of circumstances define how they approach life. It may take some practice, but taking steps to see or do something positive each day may help us turn a bad day around more quickly. Who says that we have to be stuck feeling bad?

Here is a short list of actions we can take to make a bad day better: go for a walk, hug a friend, draw a picture, journal, tell someone you wronged “I am sorry,” exercise, get yourself a coffee or other beverage you enjoy, listen to some music, smell essential oils, take care of yourself in a way you have been putting off, write down what you are grateful for, watch a funny video, thank people, pray, meditate, talk to a friend or someone else about what you are feeling, or read a book (Barry 2015 and Jarrett 2019).

There are other positive actions that may have come to your mind as you read that list. The next time you are in need of some positivity, choose to do at least one of these as a form of self care. These small steps can help you clear your mind, re-energize, and broaden your perspective even in the worst of days.

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