If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re having a bad day or have had some in the past and want to know how to fix it. Here’s the thing: You can’t cure sadness, and you shouldn’t try.
It’s normal to feel sad sometimes, or frustrated, disappointed, etc. You may even feel a bit of everything at once. As much as we’d like the opposite to be true, every day can’t be the best one of our lives. That being said, your bad days don’t have to be all bad, either.
Take some of these simple suggestions into consideration and give them a shot the next time your day doesn’t go according to plan.
Do Some Light Exercise to Release Endorphins
You might want to flop down on the couch or hide in bed after a bad day, but this may only stagnate your bad mood. Instead, get up and take a walk. If you’re up to it, go for a job, or try some yoga. Even light aerobic exercise releases endorphins, our body’s natural happiness triggers.
Even if you’re at work, a short walk on your lunch break can help you clear your head and give you the much-needed air you need to cool down and regroup.
Replenish Your Energy with a Satisfying Healthy Snack
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Although stress and depression can cause us to crave the salty, sugary relief of candy and processed snacks, take the high road and make something nutritious instead.
There are loads of healthy snacks out there that can satisfy a sweet tooth craving. For the crunch of potato chips, try noshing on some carrot sticks with a zesty aioli dipping sauce. An acai bowl with crunchy granola and shredded coconut is a decadent treat that will hit the spot when you want something sweet.
When you pick a healthy snack, you’ll skip the guilt and negative health effects that come from binging on junk food. (No thanks, Pringles.) Not only will you eat something lighter, your spirit will feel lighter as you choose something healthy for yourself. Your body will thank you!
Lift Your Spirits with Some Motivational Content
Seek out some positive podcasts, inspiring documentaries, or uplifting music. You can find exactly what you need depending on your mood or needs. Perhaps you need a reminder that you’re still worthy and valid despite your less-than-stellar performance at work today or a recent not-so-great interaction with a friend. Or maybe you just need some spiritual fuel to restore your sense of purpose and control.
The media we consume has a great effect on us. Steer yourself away from social media and the craziness of the news and toward some inspirational stories and experiences.
De-stress with Mindfulness Meditation
You don’t have to be an expert to meditate. In fact, you already know how to even if you’ve never done it before. All that’s required is your breath and a willingness to try. Don’t worry about following any ritual at first. Just close your eyes and count five deep, slow breaths as you inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
One of the simplest ways to build emotional intelligence is to frequently check-in with yourself and ask, “How do I feel?” Sometimes, we just need a moment to pause and process. Doing so can help us identify our feelings without identifying as our feelings. The next time you have a bad day, remind yourself that it’s okay to be sad. You aren’t any less valuable because of it.
