Feeling in a bit of a funk? I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there (perhaps even more this year). I know how frustrating it may feel when you just can’t seem to get out of your own head and everything feels so negative. Whether it’s the fact that the day started off on the wrong foot, or maybe it’s a funk that’s lasted a few days, it’s not a fun feeling. I will add a disclaimer though that if you’ve been feeling down for a long period of time, it’s worth looking into therapy. It may need a bit more attention and work than any blog post or article you read will give you. However, if you’ve just been feeling like any day that starts off on the wrong foot sets you up for a miserable day, keep on reading. I’m sharing 5 ways to turn your day around when it feels like nothing is going right.
The Only Thing You Can Control is Your Attitude
A few years ago I was having an awful day and someone asked me “will this matter in 5 years? If the answer is no, then don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it” and boy did that stick. I want you to think about that every time you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t put your precious energy into something that won’t matter in 5 years. Give it a minute or two to scream, cry, vent if you need to, and then move on. I know it is easier said than done but get yourself in that mindset that if it won’t have any relevance in 5 years, it does not deserve to live rent-free in your mind.
Most things that happen to us are out of our control. However, the one thing we can truly control is our attitude. One of the easiest ways to turn your day around is by turning your attitude around. Don’t ask “why is this happening to me?” Instead ask “what am I learning from it?” Change your attitude towards all situations to make it a learning and growth experience. And if it happens to be something that will matter in 5 years, it’s more important than ever to try to understand the lessons behind it all.
For example, you lost your job and it happened to be your dream job at your dream company where you saw yourself staying for 5+ years. It may feel devastating at first, but I want you to find the silver lining. Is there some other career you’ve been interested in but were too afraid to take the plunge? Is there another company you’ve been eyeing for a while but didn’t want to leave for fear the grass is not always greener? Was your job maybe not as dreamy as you told yourself it was? Look for the lessons and I promise you will find something. Perhaps this is the universe opening the door for you to move on to bigger and better things.
Tell Yourself a Positive Mantra
I’m a huge believer in the power of affirmations. Our minds are so powerful and can truly help change our perspective on life. If you’re having a tough day, set some affirmations or a positive mantra to change turn your day around. Maybe you woke up feeling negatively about your body. Write and tell yourself an affirmation about how strong you are, or how your body allows you to do so much. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit down about your financial situation. Tell yourself you are abundant and opportunities flow your way with ease. Now the hardest part, you need to repeat this many times because you need to genuinely believe it.
Write it in sticky notes and put it all over your place. Set yourself a reminder on your phone with that mantra to go off every hour. Do whatever will help you continuously repeat it so you genuinely believe it.
Get Your Body Moving
Elle Woods was not lying when she said exercise releases endorphins and well, you know the rest. Endorphins make you happy. If you’re looking for ways to turn your day around with an added health benefit, get that body moving! It doesn’t have to be an intense workout. It could be a walk, a yoga flow, or even kickboxing is great for a mood boost. Just get those endorphins going and I can assure you you’ll start feeling better.
I also recommend partnering a workout with a good playlist. Music can get you in a wonderful mood if you just let your body feel it. Let go, have a dance party at home and release any negative energy.
Stay Hydrated and Well Fed
Ever heard of the term hangry? Well it’s a real thing. If you’re hungry and don’t listen to your body by honoring that, you’re gonna get angry real quick. Works the same way if you’re feeling dehydrated. We start getting crabby and very tired. That only leads to a worse mood. Plus, there’s foods that are actually mood-boosting! Dark chocolate, bananas, oats, and berries are mood-boosting foods just to name a few. Fuel your body properly and you’ll have energy to get through the day in a much more positive light.
Smile
Sounds silly but if you’re having a rough day, smiling can help change that. I know it’s hard to smile when you’re not feeling like it, but give it a shot. Studies actually show that smiling sends signals to our brain that we’re happy. Those chemical reactions lead to you actually feeling genuinely happier. So if you’re feeling down, just stare at yourself in the mirror and smile. It may even feel so silly that you’ll start laughing. And guess what? Nothing better than genuine laughter to turn your day around completely. If forcing a smile in front of a mirror is too much, then google some jokes or call a friend that makes you laugh. Let them know you need some comedic relief and that will be sure to help.
There you have it: 5 ways to turn your day around. I hope you know having tough days is totally normal, but feeling that way for a prolonged time is not. Try any of the above or doing something that usually sparks joy, as Marie Kondo would say. Whether you’ve been feeling this way for a few hours or a few weeks, therapy can always help. I’m a huge proponent for it and firmly believe it makes us all better. However, if therapy is not something you can do at this time, find what works for you. It’s important to prioritize your mental health just as much as you prioritize your physical health.
