9 Simple Secrets To Turning Your Bad Day Around

woman having a bad day with face down on her laptop

Bad days happen to all of us. They creep up on you and before you know it, you are in the middle of a totally crap-tastic day. And you are feeling really low, low down. Is there any way to fix it? Can you salvage your day? Of course, you can. I firmly believe that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. You are fully in control of your reaction to everything. So, I’m giving you the 9 simple secrets to turning your bad day around.

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#1 – Get outside and get some air and sunshine.

Going outside helps you in so many ways. First off, the sunshine has Vitamin D, which we all need and don’t get enough of in our diet. But you can get it from sunlight! (I don’t know how, I’m definitely not a scientist. But here’s an article that explains why…)

Plus, just being outdoors can boost your mood and your energy. And just taking a break, changing your scenery and getting fresh air in your lungs can be invaluable.

#2 – Move your body

Go for a walk. Take a run. Try a Zumba class. Go for a swim. Power clean your house. Whatever suits your fancy. But get your heart pumping some blood. Firstly, because it’s really good for you. And secondly, because exercise produces endorphins in your body and endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body. Here are two articles from CNN and Mayo Clinic on why exercise is so great for you.

And I get it. Exercise isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But don’t skip it. No one is ever sorry they got their exercise in after the do it. And if you have little kids and think you don’t have time, throw those guys in the stroller and take them with you. Or jump on the treadmill at nap time. Or get up an hour earlier. Whatever you need to do to fit it in, do it. It’s crazy important for your mood. Not to mention your health!

#3 – Get a shower, fix your hair and put on some makeup

Get a shower, fix your hair and put on some make up. Even if you have no where to go but the car pick-up line. I always feel better if I know I look better and put some effort into my appearance.

Make-Up

I look at the time I spend putting my make-up on as me time. I feel like I look better and I’m certainly more confident when I have make-up on. It’s also fun to watch makeup tutorials online and try new tactics all the time. If you aren’t sure where to start, try this article by Laura Geller on Parents.com.

Make Up Essentials:

Fix Your Hair

And when I say fix your hair – that is not a bun of wet hair on top of your head. I’m looking at my own self in the mirror on that one. I’m as guilty as they come in this department. But I’m working on it. If the hair looks good, you just feel good! Figure out an easy style you can manage that looks nice and put together. Here’s help from The Mother Huddle if you need tutorials and easy styles.

Put on Real Clothes

DITCH the yoga pants and eyeglasses and go get yourself dolled up for the day. I love a good yoga pants and dang-it, they are so comfy. But I’m not sure they make you feel super good or confident. If they do, go for it. They don’t make me feel just super, even though they might be the comfiest thing on earth.

Find a few outfit combinations that make you feel both comfy and confident. I love to look at outfits on Pinterest and pull together those looks from my own closet. And if I don’t have those pieces, it gives you an idea of what to look for if you want to go shopping. Here’s a few cute and practical outfits for a busy mom.

It’s so important to get up and show up for yourself. I’m working on this myself each day. I struggle just as much as the next mommy!

#4 – Try to drink as much water as you can.

First and foremost, water just is good for you. There’s really not anything it doesn’t help. Sure, you will have to pee more often, but is that really enough to slow you down and does it outweigh the benefits that water consumption brings?

Ummmm…No! This article from The Huffington Post gives some helpful suggestions for getting the water in during the day and why it’s so important.

The more water, the better your mood. (Don’t go nuts. Aim for 64-100 ounces a day.) Drink your effing water. Get a fun bottle. Whatever you need to do. Just do it.

Water Bottles To Carry With You:

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#5 – Listen to your favorite music

I always find that listening to some of my favorite music is always a pick me up. Put some music on in the background while you clean up in the house and watch how fast your mood can change! Or put some music on while you can sit back and relax for a few minutes and just listen and rest for a while.

#6 – Make a List

If being overwhelmed is one of the big things stressing you out, sit down and make a list of everything that comes to mind that’s worrying you. Then go back and decide what you can fix and what you can’t AND then decide how to handle your list. Lots of times I feel better just getting it all out on paper where I can look at it all. It helps me put a name to it and get my mind around it. Here’s a Supermom article on beating overwhelm that includes some mind mapping techniques.

#7 – Make a balanced meal for yourself

Obviously, your reflex might be to order a bunch of junk food if you are having a bad day. And sometimes there’s a time and a place for that. But usually, after I eat that kind of food I only feel worse, not better. Now I’m just stressed, having a bad day, and my stomach feels gross.

What if, instead, you made yourself a nice and balanced meal? I’m not saying it needs to be a 300 calorie tiny dinner to watch your weight. I’m just saying make a meal that’s balanced with proteins and vegetables and carbohydrates and maybe even dessert.

Here’s some ideas for meals that always make me feel the most comfort AND like I took care of myself at the same time:

Spaghetti with bread and salad
Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans
Crock Pot pot roast with potatoes and carrots and gravy
Grilled pork tenderloin with rice and grilled vegetables

All of these meals are crazy simple to make, and always make me feel like I’ve taken the time to nourish myself a little better. I look at making a nice meal for my family as self-care for me AND them.

#8 – Do something nice for someone else

It’s amazing how doing something nice for someone else can pick your day right up. This can be as simple as making cookies and sharing them with a friend who is also having a bad day. Maybe you cook a meal for your friend with a newborn baby. Or maybe you pick up the sticks in your elderly neighbor’s yard while you are picking up your own. You might pay for the person behind you in the fast-food drive through’s food too. Or the person behind you in the parking garage. Helping others and brightening someone else’s day always makes me feel better!

#9 – Call or visit someone you love and connect with them

If you can, go visit in person. If not, take the time to call someone on the actual phone. Not text. Call. You need the voice connection. Make a connection with someone that always makes you feel more bright and light. You don’t have to even talk about your bad day. Sometimes just getting caught up with someone will make you feel so much better.

If you want to talk about your terrible day, do it, of course! But, I’m just saying, you don’t even have to mention you are having a bad day. You can just connect for the sake of connecting and watch how much it can turn your mood around.

If you need to cry, go for it.

There is not a number 10 on my list. But if there were it would be to allow yourself the time to sit down and have the ugly cry you need. If you feel yourself on the verge of tears all day, find a time when you can give yourself a minute and just let it all out. Sometimes that’s just the only way. Get it out and MOVE ON. Give yourself 15 minutes to board the struggle bus, ride it to the next stop, and then jump right back off it. Pick yourself up, wash that face, fix that mascara and move on. Don’t wallow. It’s not cute, nor is it a good look for anyone.

Wrap Up – 9 simple secrets to turn your bad day around

I hope these suggestions will help you the next time you find yourself in the middle of a bad day. Because bad days will happen. To all of us. The only thing you can plan on is that they WILL come. Hopefully these tips give you the ammunition you need to be able to combat your next bad day and turn it right around for yourself. Remember, you are the one that gets to decide how you react to anything that happens. And your reaction is everything. I wish you luck on your next bad day, and in the meantime… just keep shuffling.