How to Make a Bad Day Better

How to Make a Bad Day Better

I try to avoid the phrase “bad day” as it means the feeling takes over the whole day, rather than just parts of the day, but some days can be quite bad. We all have them no matter what we do but there are a few techniques that I like to use to move on from them and turn them around before the whole day gets affected.

• Bad Moments, Not Bad Days

The first thing is to remind yourself that even if you have a bad thing happen or lots of things going or feeling wrong, the whole day does not have to be ruined. If you think of the bad parts as just parts of your day, you are much more likely to not feel too bad and to move on.

• Do Something Else

If I’m really struggling with something — maybe not feeling inspired to write or too sleep deprived to get my mind to do certain tasks, I do something else that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something even if it’s not the thing I planned or wanted to do in the first place. I might edit a bunch of photos instead or deal with practical tasks around the house like cleaning the kitchen, vacuum cleaning or getting a load of washing on just to feel that something useful has been done. Then I return to my other task later when I’m in a better frame of mind for it.

• Plan a Treat

If everything feels a bit crap, plan something fun. If you’re having a bad day, get something fun organised for the evening whether it’s a meal out or a cinema trip with a friend or just finally watching that film you’ve been wanting to see for ages and enjoying a bit of chocolate. A lovely bath with a luxurious bath product can be amazing  for my mood too if I’m feeling overwhelmed. If you have something to look forward to in the near future, everything seems brighter. A glass of red wine usually helps me, too!

• Go Outside

If you’re at work, head out on your lunch break for a stroll to get some fresh air (weather permitting) or have a look in a shop just to do and think of something else. I’m with the kids all day and if we’re having a difficult day, we just pop out for a walk to the shops for a small errand or to just have a look at books or toys to get us all in a happier mood.

• Shop!

This is not for everyone, but a bit of retail therapy works well for many people. I love a bit of online shopping but never buy anything expensive for this purpose. I buy some new books for the kids or myself or order some skincare products that I’ve been meaning to get for some time. I don’t suggest spending a fortune but ordering something small that you want or something that you need might make you feel better if you’re that way inclined.

• Have a Nap

I love this technique as when you wake up again it feels like a natural fresh start. I used to do this a lot but now, with two little ones, I rarely get the chance for a daytime snooze. If you can do it, definitely do as it makes you feel refreshed, rested, relaxed and almost lets you restart your day.

• 5 Minutes’ Peace

If you struggle to fit any of the above in, just make sure you take a few minutes out to gather your thoughts and feelings to see what’s really going on. Have a cup of coffee or tea or whatever you like and just sit down by yourself for five minutes, breathe and think. Or don’t think at all and just relax your body and brain. A few minutes can make a huge difference.

What do you do to improve a bad day?