By Life Coach Dan W. Ingram
Many of you know the song by Daniel Powter, Bad Day. The first part of the chorus says, “Because you had a bad day, You're taking one down, You sing a sad song just to turn it around…”
WHAT A GOOD IDEA! You do something to turn it around. You only have two choices, ride it out or turn it around. Granted sometimes we’re in a position where we can’t do some of the things I mention here, immediately, but, even mentally we can turn it around by thinking positive! Hope and good thoughts do wonders for our attitude! Even if some of these sounds “laughable” pick what you can try to do and then…do it.
For some of you, some of these may sound “cheesy” but for others, it’s just the RX the Dr. ordered. So, here it is, a simple 12 ways to help turn bad days into good days:
1. Take a shower or bath. A hot tub might be even better. It doesn’t matter if the
water is hot or cold. Just the sensation of the water on your skin can change
your mood and perspective. It will certainly snap you out of any negative
thinking.
2. Take a nap. A short nap can give you a chance to start your day over with a
fresh attitude.
3. Speak with a friend. You know that friend that can always cheer you up? Give
her a call and allow her to work her magic. She’s probably dying to hear from
you anyway.
4. Eliminate something from your schedule. Determine the least significant thing
on your schedule and drop it. Once your day gets started on the wrong foot,
oh, my, accomplishing everything on your to-do list can seem hopeless. Give yourself
some hope. Drop something, even if it’s JUST FOR TODAY. Believe me, it’ll be there tomorrow!
5. Spend time with a pet. You might feel better after watching your fish or hermit
crab wander around, but petting a dog or cat might be more effective.
6.Make yourself laugh. Watch a funny movie. Read a few jokes. Make good use of
YouTube.
7. Listen to music that makes you feel better. You already know which song
always makes you smile. Listen to it. In fact, create a playlist of songs that you
can listen to at a moment’s notice. Keep them handy. Your cell phone might be
the perfect storage location.
8. Go for a run or walk. Any sort of exercise will do. Lift some weights or Just get outside and get your blood pumping and your lungs working. As long as you don’t overdo it, you’re bound to have a more positive perspective on your day.
9.Create a gratitude list. When you’re feeling down, there’s a good chance
you’re too focused on the parts of your life you perceive negatively. Put your
attention on something positive. Make a list of the good things and think about those things.
10. Look at some photographs. Pull out your high school yearbook or check out
your friends’ photos on Facebook. Remind yourself of what you and your
siblings looked like 30 years ago. Keep a few photos on your phone that always
make you smile.
11.Have some chocolate. Chocolate is an effective way to enhance your mood.
Dark chocolate is even good for you! A bad day isn’t an excuse to eat a pound of
chocolate, but a little bit might be the solution to your bad day.
12.Meditate. Meditation has become a popular stress solution. Many large
companies are even adding meditation rooms to the workplace. Regular
meditation can greatly uplift your mood and strengthen your focus.
Remember that what seems like a bad day might only be a bad minute that has
soured your perspective. Bad days can seem to occur at random, but that doesn’t
mean you have to suffer through it. You can turn your day around. Take a deep
breath and make the best of it. You know plenty of tactics to fight back! Now start turning those day around!
Dan W. Ingram in a Life Coach with an encouraging Podcast called Calm Seas Podcast where he talks about encouragement, hope, help, and healing. Tune into his podcast at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CalmSeas and experience calm seas in your life!