Did You Have a Bad Day? Here’s How to Unwind #advice

 

My grandmother used to say “Bad luck comes in threes.” What she didn’t mention is that it can also come in multiples of three! We all have those days when everything seems to go wrong.  Whether it’s a string of bad news or unfortunate events, a stressful experience, or simply feeling overwhelmed, bad days can be exhausting. Here are some positive and effective ways to decompress after a bad day.

Unplug:

These days a lot of stress comes from social media. My first suggestion is (at least for a little while) to disconnect from Technology: In today’s digital world, constant connectivity including FOMO (fear of missing out) and negative messages plus trolls and haters can make it very challenging to decompress. Consider disconnecting from technology for a while, especially after a bad day. Take a break from social media, turn off notifications, and engage in activities that do not involve screens. Disconnecting allows you to focus on the present moment, reduce mental clutter, and regain a sense of balance.

Move!

Whenever I need to clear my mind I take a walk. If you don’t have any place to walk, put on earbuds and walk around your home. think of affirming statements while you do it. This worked well for me after I had joint surgery and couldn’t go out for a couple of weeks. Gym fans will already know that exercise releases endorphins, known as the “feel-good” hormones, which elevate your mood and reduce stress. Physical activity not only provides a distraction from the negative events of the day but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and improved overall well-being.

Meditate:

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and into the present moment. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. Concentrate on your breath, allowing yourself to let go of the tension and worries of the day. I try to breathe in for 7 seconds and out for 7 seconds to keep my mind on what I am doing. If you are a yoga fan, that’s a good way to calm your mind and feed your spirit too. When you practice mindfulness and meditation, you can cultivate a sense of calmness and mental clarity, reducing the impact of a bad day.

Self-Care:

Self-care is a term that has been bandied about a lot. But it’s an important part of loving yourself no matter how bad the day has been. Forgie your mistakes and misgivings. Indulge yourself with activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Take a warm bath with soothing essential oils, read a book that transports you to another world, or listen to your favorite music. I like to talk to my cats because they always listen and never judge! Engaging in activities that promote self-care allows you to prioritize your well-being and provide yourself with much-needed comfort.

Talk it Out:

My pets provide a sympathetic ear, but they can’t offer positive feedback. Sometimes you just need to vent or talk out the issues with someone you trust. Just talking it out and sharing your feelings and experiences with trusted friends or family members can help alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective. Hopefully, they can help to help put the challenges of the day into perspective.

Let it Slide:

I know it can be difficult, but try to think about other things besides the huge mistake you made at work, the person who dumped you, or just anything that upsets you. Re-direct those thoughts to other things. Try checking your your gratitude jar (if you don’t have one, click here to learn how to make one). Remind yourself that no one is perfect and you are human. Humans make mistakes and have bad days for all sorts of reasons. You’re not alone. However, if you do feel so depressed that you can’t deal, call a hotline and let them help you. Do not go on social media and tell the world why you are upset. That just attracts all sorts of bad juju.

Do Something To Occupy Your Mind:

Some people find that playing online games captures their attention so they don’t think about anything else. Note that I did not say you should go on social media, read the news (usually depressing), or go on Reddit or Discord, etc. Just play the game you like and turn off your phone. Another good idea is to do something creative that is an outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and stress. Bake, cool something complicated, or anything that allows you to channel your feelings into something tangible and productive. 

The Bottom Line:

Life is full of ups and downs, and bad days are an inevitable part of living. However, how we choose to decompress and unwind after a difficult day can significantly impact our overall well-being. Note that I didn’t mention drugs, or alcohol because they will momentarily make you feel good, but then when you come down it’s worse than ever and the issues remain. the key is self-love however you define it and it works for you. Overall, taking care of yourself is essential, and prioritizing your mental well-being is a vital step toward leading a happier and healthier life

I hope that these positive suggestions work for you. But if you need a little more of a boost, the next story out on advicesisters.com on August 30th at 9AM will suggest some products that are great when you want to unwind and feel calm.  Watch for it!