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We all have bad days once in a while, but just because today hasn’t been your finest day, it doesn’t mean it has to be a complete write-off. The next time you’ve had a bad day at work or at home, consider doing one of these twelve activities, which will quickly and easily transform your mood.
1. Exercise and Breathing
If you are having a bad day, stamp out that frustration by working out. Whether you opt for a relaxing yoga class to clear your head or a high-intensity boxing class to release your frustrations, you’ll find any form of movement can help reduce stress from your body and mind. When you change the state of your body, you automatically change the state of your mind. By taking deep and conscious breaths, you can also relax your mind and body. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth to change your current state.
2. Enjoy Your Favorite Food
Food is one of the most comforting things in life for many of us. Why not treat yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal, or if you feel like you don’t want to lift a finger, order your favorite take-out. Food can completely transform your day, and if you live with your partner or family, you can enjoy talking about your day over your dinner.
3. Call Up a Friend
Keeping everything bottled up inside can often make things much worse, so call up one of your best friends or a family member and get how you feel off your chest. Just a short fifteen-minute chat on the phone can help you see your day from a different perspective and boost your mood.
4. Spend Time Outside
Nature is so relaxing and can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Getting outside for a short walk or even just sitting outdoors will help you reframe your thoughts and leave you feeling energized to tackle the rest of your day. Try walking on the grass with bare feet, or sitting on the ground outdoors. By paying attention to the look and feel of the natural beauty around you, you’ll find your body and mind feel much calmer.
5. Nap
If you are struggling to get through the day for whatever reason, sometimes you just need to take some rest. After a bad day at work, taking a short thirty-minute nap can completely transform your day, and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your evening. Alternatively, head to bed early, and hopefully, you’ll wake up in the morning feeling much better than you did the previous day.
6. Take a Relaxing Bath
Water is so healing for our body, and relaxing in the bath is one of the best ways to transform your mindset. Run a bath and add a scented bath soak or Epsom salts before settling in with your favorite book or a glass of wine to relax. You may also want to diffuse an essential oil or light a candle to add to the relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom.
7. Watch Something That Makes You Laugh
Laughing is one of life’s best medicines, so put on your favorite classic TV show or movie that you know will make you smile. A movie or show is the perfect form of escapism after a bad day. It can help to transport you somewhere else and take your mind off what’s been bothering you all day. Even funny online videos can bring a smile to your face and quickly transform your bad mood.
8. Write a Gratitude List
A gratitude list is a quick and easy practice that anyone can use during a bad day. By writing down ten things you are grateful for in your life, you’ll quickly see that you have a lot in your life to smile and be happy about.
9. Read a Book
Reading can take you away to another world, and it’s one of the most relaxing activities available to us. Most of us spend so much time on screens today, and reading allows you to put your phone down for a while and transport yourself to somewhere else for an hour or so.
10. Meditate
If you’ve never tried following a guided meditation before, it’s a great way to switch off your running thoughts. Try to find one that leads you through with suggestions, so you aren’t left thinking about your bad day the whole time.
11. Plan an Exciting Activity
Sometimes we struggle to make it through a bad day as we feel we have nothing to look forward to. By planning your next vacation or a fun day trip at the weekend, you can escape your current situation and have something to be excited about.
12. Have a Dance Party
Throw yourself an impromptu dance party in your room and shake off those negative feelings. Blast your favorite music and dance around like no one’s watching, and you’ll soon feel the rush of endorphins.
The next time you are having a bad day, give a few of these activities a go. You’ll soon find within just thirty minutes to an hour, your mood is completely transformed, and you’ll be ready to tackle anything else that comes your way that day.
