Some days just don’t seem to go right. Maybe you get into an argument with your partner, or end up yelling at the kids. Or perhaps work goes badly — you make a silly mistake, or accidentally delete the file you were working on. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: you end up feeling fed up, stressed out, and unhappy.
It’s easy to let a few frustrating incidents turn into a thoroughly bad day, too; perhaps you come home from work in a bad mood and end up feeling sulky all evening. But there’s no need to feel miserable all day long.
Here are seven ways to improve a bad day:
#1: Do Something Just for You
It can be tough to find time for yourself — but on a bad day, it’s important that you get a bit of mental (and probably physical) space. That might mean going out for a coffee, or reading a few chapters of a novel, or playing a video game for an hour, or meditating … whatever works for you.
In fact, “me time” is a good idea on a regular basis: having the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate makes it easier to brush off any little things that go badly in the course of your day.
#2: Have Your Favorite Dinner
Okay, this one might seem a bit silly or childish … but sometimes that’s just what you need at the end of a long day! Something as simple as your favorite meal can really put a smile back on your face.
(Note, I’m not suggesting comfort eating here: sure, stuffing your face with a giant candy bar might make you feel a temporary sugar high, but it’s not going to make you feel any better after that.)
#3: Go For Some Easy Wins
A sense of achievement and progress can do a lot to cancel out a bad day. Maybe you’re frustrated because you don’t seem to be getting anywhere at work, or at home. Instead of tackling a huge big project, look for a few quick and easy wins.
Make that phone call you’ve been putting off. Book those tickets. Sort out that stack of papers. Deal with those emails. See how many five-minute tasks you can knock off your list. You’ll feel much better once you get them done.