What you do when you’re having a bad day can help turn it around faster. Here are some of my favorite things to do to feel better when I’m having a bad day.
1. Workout: Going for a run or doing one of the SWEAT app workouts always makes me feel better. As Elle Woods says, “Endorphins make people happy!”
2. Talk to a friend or family member: I always feel better after talking to a friend or family member. It’s so helpful to talk through how I’m feeling either in person or on the phone.
3. Watch a favorite movie or television show: My go-to movie is You’ve Got Mail or any other rom-com and watching an episode or two of 30 Rock or Friends also makes me smile.
4. Get in bed an hour (or two) early and read: I have to read before bed to fall asleep. It helps me unwind and distracts me from thinking about my day and anything that’s upsetting me.
5. Write it down: I keep a list on the Notes app on my phone of things that are upsetting me. Once I write it down, I have an easier time moving past it.
6. Write a gratitude list: It’s also helpful to write a list of a few things that I’m grateful for and happy about.
7. Go for a walk: Taking a long walk in Central Park while listening to music lifts my mood.
8. Take a long shower: When one of my friends is having a bad day, she takes a shower when she gets home to “wash off the day.” I love that saying and I think it does help to come home, take a hot shower, make a healthy dinner, and watch television or a movie before getting in bed and reading.
9. Do something productive: I often feel better after doing something productive like crossing something non-work-related off my to-do list.
10. Go to sleep early: Tomorrow is another day.
