“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn
Do you ever have those days where things just aren’t adding up? Where the water in the shower is too cold? When you get bad news first thing in the morning? I’ve had days like this and they aren’t fun. No one enjoys having a bad day, but they happen. Bad days are out of our control, and we can never predict them. One thing I know for sure is that when we are having bad days, it is entirely possible to turn it around.
Next time you are having a bad day try these tips below to get some good vibes flowing.
Talk To A Good Friend
Isolating yourself is the last thing to do when you’re having a tough day. There’s an Irish proverb that says “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” Friends can be the best turnaround on a rough day. Our friends make us happy, they make us laugh and they are people we experience some of our best moments with. Next time you aren’t in the best mood, call one of your friends. Simply catch up and reminisce on good times. Nothing can make a good day like a good conversation. Try it with an old friend next time you’re having a bad day.
Meditation
In a study conducted at five middle schools in Belgium, involving about 400 students (13 ~ 20 years old), Professor Filip Raes concludes that “students who follow an in-class mindfulness program report reduced indications of depression, anxiety and stress up to six months later. Moreover, these students were less likely to develop pronounced depression-like symptoms.” If you are having a bad day, watch some Guided Meditation videos on Youtube. One of my favorite meditation apps is one called, “Headspace.” Headspace provides guided meditation audios you can listen to on your smartphone. Meditation allows for you to get centered, relax and ultimately boost your mood.
Get Active
“There’s good epidemiological data to suggest that active people are less depressed than inactive people. And individuals who were active and stopped tend to be more depressed than those who maintain or initiate an exercise program,” says James Blumenthal, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Duke University. It is so important to run, walk or even dance. Breaking a sweat can break that cycle of depression you are feeling on your worst day. Whenever you are feeling down jump up and get moving. I promise that doing so will enhance your mood significantly.
Listen to a Good Song
Music can be a lifesaver. We all have songs that we instantly go to that make us happy. Whether it’s “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls or “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled. Music is an effective antidote that can help you turn your bad day upside down. Valorie Salimpoor, a neuroscientist at McGill University, injected eight music-lovers with a radioactive substance that binds to dopamine receptors after they listened to their favorite music. A PET scan showed that large amounts of dopamine were released, which biologically caused the participants to feel emotions like happiness, excitement, and joy.
These are just a few tips to switch your day up and boost your mood. What helps you when you’ve had a bad day?