The 5 Best Ways To Get Through A Bad Day
So things have been crazy lately. In the world around you, in your family, or your work life. In school, or at home. Everything in life gets hard doesn't it? We can struggle with our day to day lives just as much, with school, our job, or with the relationships we are in. Some of you are struggling with homework already, others are feeling the pressures of new work routines. Or maybe you are struggling to get through your week, when the days just seem to stack on top of each other -from one bad moment to the next. Maybe with everything going on in our world right now you feel like you need a break yes? It's at times like this, when you start asking yourself, "How can I balance this all? What can I do to make the days less draining, less stressful, less emotionally draining?" or "How can I let go of the things that I can't control, and handle the things I can?" I've put together this post for you. It's not a complete solution, and it might be not be everything that you need right now. But I pray this helps you in some way, even if it's small.
One thing I've been trying out (and have been loving more than anything right now) is the do not disturb feature on my iPhone. I've been feeling the need to make things quieter, not only for my own sanity and peace of mind, but simply for productivity levels too. I'm talking about shutting out the unnecessary incoming messages, news updates, distracting gossip, etc. The constant stream of notifications that light up your phone, that tells you something you need to do -read this news story, respond to this person, take action on this update, and dare I say- hold that phone call. Yes, I said it. You can call them back after you finish that task.
But what can we do to make our day better? How can we help the way we feel? Everyone has heard to sleep more, plan ahead, excercise and eat well (that actually does work, don't slap me). But while we ignore that or not, having other practical tips that are useful, is helpful too. And those are the ones I want to bring you today. These are ones that I go to. Although they are not complete solutions to whatever problem you may be facing, they most certainly can help you get through your bad day.
1. Drive it out
I've said this once before, and I'll say it again. Because this really does help. At least for me. There was one particular day recently, (a few months ago actually) where I was just not feeling like myself all day. I was feeling rather down, and I was quite upset about something going on earlier that day. Towards the end of the afternoon, and into the night, I became so heavy with feelings, and I needed to think. I ended up driving around my neighborhood, with a playlist on repeat and a cuppa tea in the center divider. I parked, and cried for an hour and a half. But that drive somehow unwinded whatever problems I thought were unsolvable. It's amazing what a long drive, and something on your mind can do. It can help loads when it comes to a bad day. Try this next time something is heavy on your heart, when you feel you can't make sense of something that happened, or a situation you don't know what to do with. You can even call a friend, while you drive down to the beach, into town, or to the mountains. (Just don't drive when you're overly emotional -and no texting. Don't be stupid okay?)
2. Make a quick list.
If you need to refocus, and you feel so upset you can't think straight. Maybe you've been crying for awhile, maybe you can't shake the feeling that things will never get better. In the midst of all the chaos, take a second. Grab a pen and paper, or open the notes on your phone, write down five things you are grateful for. Doesn't matter what they are, they can be big or small. I don't care if it's the shoes on your feet, or the mug of hot goodness in your hand. There is always something to be grateful for, and to be acknowledged. There is always a better side of things, a bigger picture we should try to focus on. Sometimes we need to be brought back to reality, away from our feelings -strong and true they may be, they are not always healthy to feel, for too long. This is a tip I was taught by Trish Blackwell, and damn, you better believe it works. I know it's not easy to bring yourself out of the dark hole you find yourself in when you have a bad day, week, or month. I won't sit here and tell you, "Just think about what you're thankful for, and your day will get better all at once." Because that's simply not true. But, to practice reminding yourself, of what you really do have, and what really matters, helps to wither away those feelings of distress, and replace them with truths. And over time, this will conquer those feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes it is hard work. Maybe the hardest thing you've had to do. But don't feel cliche about it, just think them to yourself in your head. Doing so, will bring you back down to a place of reality, and will help you to replace those doubts with truths. There is a reason people say, "Count your blessings" because often times, we need to be reminded.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
3. Brew it up.
Making yourself a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a latte, cappuccino, espresso, or even a pumpkin latte at home, add some whip cream and take a breath. There is something healing about making yourself a little cup of cozy, and cradling it, while you have a good cry. Sit on the couch, or while you watch a movie, or put it in a thermos, and take a walk. The hot steam, the sound of the kettle, is the sound of self care to me. Sometimes, it's best to drown your troubles in tea, and a deep chat.
4. Write out everything you feel.
When I was a little kid, and I was angry about something, or sad, I would run away to my room and scribble down in my notebooks to make sense of what I was feeling. I would write out what had happened, or what was happening. I'd write what I didn't understand, or what I wished I could change. As I wrote the words, I could feel the worries go from my mind, down my arm, and then into my pen, and onto the pages. I felt lighter. I could read my words back to myself in my head, and see everything all laid out, for what it was. I was able then, to look at it from a new perspective, because I was reading the facts -the details, without the mixture of my emotions overwhelming me. If you have a lot going on right now in your life, maybe writing out what you feel at the end of everyday would be a good thing to try. Even if it is two sentences. There is power putting your thoughts and feelings to paper. Getting it all out. It may be a good thing to practice at the end of each day, as a way to detox your mind.
5. Ask for help.
We all need help. This may be the most important thing to remember out of everything. Often times, we want ways to cope with things by ourselves, easy tips and tricks to help us deal with the problem. But sometimes what actually might help to break down the issue, and get to the root of the problem, is a friend. A listening ear, or some honest truth from someone else is sometimes all we need to turn our day around. Why don't we reach out to others more? I mean, I get it- I am probably the worst offender of this. But we were made for community, not to hide when things go wrong, and take care of it by ourselves. We want to say "I can handle this. I've got this. I don't want to bother you with this." We don't want to reach out to others, because we fear judgement, misunderstanding, or feeling like we are a burden. Dear, let me just say. There is people in your life that would be more than happy to listen to you, to offer support, to help, if we only let them. It is when we keep everything hidden inside, when we bury it so deep, that is when it becomes a problem. Not only for us, but for others who can no longer reach us. We were meant to be there for eachother. To help carry each other's burdens -to help us through our bad days. If you have the courage to ask for support or help, it will be hard, but it will not fail to make things better in the end, I promise you that.. Try with someone you trust, a friend, a sister. We need to be willing to ask for help, to ask for support. There is no shame in that. There is only the possibility of hope, and healing for you.
Here is some truths to remember as I leave you today.
"The pain you've been feeling cannot compare, to the joy that is coming." Romans 8:18
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
There is always another day, after this one. Just keep going darling. You will make it.
love,
toria
