We’ve all been there. It’s like nothing during the day can go right and the feeling of frustration and overwhelm can feel so suffocating. I know I have been there for sure. In fact…I may have been there last week haha. Regardless though, no one likes being in a bad mood and feeling like crap all day. That is why, today I am giving you my tried and true tips (as always) on how to cheer yourself up when you are having a bad day.
If I were you I would bookmark this page in your notes section or pin it, so you can always refer to it quickly and efficiently as soon as you feel those negative vibes creeping in.
1. Move: First up is movement. We all know that movement or exercise gives us a release of endorphins (and as Elle Woods would put it: “Endorphins make you happy and happy people just don’t kill their husbands. They just don’t.”) which simply put, is our good mood boosting hormones. Because of that, exercise or simple movement in general can really help in turning a bad mood into a much better one. Sometimes, I even feel just releasing all of my energy (frustration, anger, sadness) into sweating and moving is all I even need, let alone the benefits of the endorphins. For this, I recommend any sort of movement – walking, hiking, running, workout class, yoga, dancing – anything that you enjoy, just get the body moving. Which brings me to number 2…
2. Music: Turn on one of your favorite songs and play on repeat. Or better yet, turn on an oldie but goodie (I’m thinking some Brittney Spears, Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child). Something that you can’t resist to get up and dance to. And if you can resist it, get up and dance. Just get up and start moving even if you don’t feel like dancing in the beginning, because by the end you will be rolling laughing. Hone your inner Meredith and Yang (Grey’s Anatomy anyone?) and just dance it out gurllll!
3. Gratitude Journal: I don’t know what it is about gratitude that seems to brighten the spirit. I think it is the fact that you really realize all that you have and all that you have and in turn, realize all that you really have to be grateful for. So what you lost that job, at least you have a really great man that loves you. Or so what that he dumped you, at least you have these girlfriends surrounding you letting you cry because nothing can replace good girlfriends. I know it’s hard sometimes to go through what we go through, but by writing out all the amazing things we do have, we realize that we might not have it as bad as we like to think.
4. Do something nice for someone else: Ever heard of that saying “Kill them with kindness”? If you have, then you understand exactly what I am talking about. Sometimes doing the exact opposite of what we feel inside, can help turn our minds. Not to mention the fact that by giving someone else a compliment, sending someone else a card, sending a text to a friend to let them know you are thinking of them, you are maybe helping to turn their day around. The world is full of grump-a-lumps, be different.
5. Journal of Compliments: This was something new I hadn’t heard before until going to a women’s conference. The discussion was about those ups and downs of entrepreneurship (man do I feel it sometimes), but I think it applies here as well. Take a journal and in that journal write down every compliment you receive. For example, if someone tells you your dress is pretty, write the date, time, person who said it, what was said, and what dress you were wearing. After a while you end up with a journal full of compliments that you can read any time you are feeling down. We are own worst enemies and a lot of times our imposter syndrome can make us feel inadequate. While reading this journal really feel and embrace those compliments and realize you are not nearly as bad as your brain is tricking you to believe.
6. Get Outdoors: Fresh air you guys does the body wonders. Nature is proven to be mood boosting and this is one that works really well for me. I like to go outside on my balcony, go on a hike, or sit at a park and just soak it all in. I slow down my breathing, take in the fresh air, and take some time for myself.
Okay guys, this last one is VERY SPECIFIC!
7. Shopping: Now, I am not saying this can be a solution for everyone, but for me, a good shopping trip with my mom and sisters or a bestie, always makes me feel better. I typically pick up a yummy coffee and whether I actually buy something or just window shop, it’s always a winner for me. I think I like the smell of the mall or something and everyone is happy there because I mean…they are shopping. I peruse for a little bit and pretty much just let my mind release. I just get clarity and perspective, which I like. If this is something that works for you, just make sure you put a budget on things because there have been times when my swipe gets the best of me!
BONUS: When in doubt, watch Real Housewives on Bravo! Haha. I swear this ALWAYS makes me feel better. I don’t know if its because their drama and lives can be so comlicated at times, or if I just enjoy their craziness. Regardless, my girls always know how to make me laugh.
I like to refer to all of these tips as tools that I keep in my toolbox. I know what works for me and what helps brighten my mood or recenter myself. I recommend taking some time to looks these over and try out each one. Then, do some self-reflection and find what you really need in these moments. Is it energy release, social interaction, or time alone? Whatever it may be, figure out what works best for you. We are all different and there is no one size fits all so the key is finding what tools you are able to use best and whether or not they might be good ones for your toolbox.
xxoo,
Melissa
