Bad days happen to the best of us. And whether it’s Murphy’s Law at play, your hormones, or a lack of sleep, it’s easy for bad days to get worse and worse. But you don’t have to get stuck in a downward spiral, or put off feeling good until tomorrow. It’s not too late to turn this bad day into a good day, and these 15 ideas can help you feel infinitely better.
- Try one yoga pose, like child’s pose or lion’s breath to let it all go.
- Do something that makes you laugh, like watching Ellen DeGeneres reruns, or your favorite Friends episode.
- Get moving: exercise can uplift your mood in a matter of minutes.
- Go outside and change your surroundings – even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
- Cook something yummy just for you because on bad days, you deserve something special.
- Journal – even if you don’t journal
- Take a warm – then cold – shower. Cold water boost circulation to the brain and internal organs, and can help to uplift negative emotions.
- Get yourself some fresh flowers because they’re beautiful and instantly cheer up your office or home.
- Try a facial massage. When we’re stressed, it shows in our face, but facial massages help boost circulation to keep us looking and feeling fresh. Plus, it’s like giving yourself your own special spa treatment.
- Connect with a friend to vent, unload and gain a new perspective – sometimes, that’s all you need.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and try herbal teas like lavender, chamomile, peppermint and kava to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Have your own dance party to shake it off. It can even double as a form of exercise.
- Remind yourself of everything you’re great at and praise yourself for that – especially on days when it feels like you’re doing everything wrong. You’re not!
- Drink water because the signs of dehydration are similar to anxiety. So, if you’re dehydrated, a simple glass of water can help you feel better.
- Build yourself up with positive affirmations. You may not be able to change what’s happening on the outside, but if you can change your inner attitude, you can change a lot!
