8 Tips for Squashing a Bad Mood
Have you ever had one of those “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” days? Those days where it just feels like every single tiny little thing is going wrong? Or maybe everything is fine, but you just didn’t get enough sleep and you’re being a grouch? We all have those days. We’re human. It happens. The trick is not to let it consume you. Here are my tips for kicking a bad day in the booty:
Focus on the present
A little bit of mindfulness goes a long way. Remind yourself that whatever got you down already happened. It’s in the past and you can’t undo it. Think about RIGHT NOW instead. Get really into whatever you’re doing in that moment and focus on it. Let yourself feel what you’re feeling and get through it instead of pushing it down. Stay in the moment that you’re in.
Choose thoughts carefully
This one seems like common sense, but it takes some practice. Take each negative thought and counteract it with a positive one. Tell yourself and the nasty thoughts NO and replace that thought with the way you want to feel. Try to reframe your situation to put a positive spin on it. Find the silver lining and make it your focal point.
Help someone in need
The best way, by far, to get distracted from your own negativity is to help someone else. Listen to a friend that needs to vent, or go out of your way to do something nice for a family member. Not only are you distracted from your own doldrums, but you’ve made someone else smile, too!
Call or text a positive person
You know that friend— the one who is always ready to gas you up. Shoot them a message and see if they have any words of encouragement for you. Even just venting to someone else can help you let all the negativity out to float away and help your mind work through whatever is getting you down. If you aren’t able to find positivity in your situation, maybe someone else can help guide you to that point!
Write a gratitude list
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Remembering everything good in your life makes the bad things seem so silly.
Read an inspiring story
If you love to read like I do, getting lost in a good book can always turn around a bad mood. You can go be enveloped in someone else’s story for a while and come back to your own with fresh eyes. If you don’t have time for a couple chapters of a book, picking a human interest story in the newspaper (bonus points for something with cute animals!) can be that little nudge to help you shift your mindset.
Listen to uplifting music
You’ve gotta have a playlist for every mood! It’s a game changer! Listen to the kind of songs that make you want to get up out of your chair and dance around the room. After a few good tunes, you won’t be able to resist cracking a smile. But for real, choose whatever music you tend to choose when you are in a good mood. For me, this is my “cleaning the house” playlist, because those are the songs that get my energy up!
Get outside
Nature is always a great way to hit the reset button. If it’s sunny, get some warmth on your skin. If it’s raining, find a covered spot where you can hear the pitter patter and smell that one really good particular rain smell. You know the smell I mean. If you have time, go for a walk— without your phone if you can manage it. Anything active and outdoors is the best, but even just going outside for fresh air or to check the mail will help. A momentary change of scenery can help you return to your situation with a renewed spirit.
Everyone has days where they wake up on the wrong side of the bed and just can’t seem to shake the Negative Nancy’s. What’s important is how you deal with those days. Only you can control your attitude and only you can decide to be happy. Whatever it is, it isn’t that bad! I promise. It won’t always be easy, but shaking the negative feelings will always make it easier to get through whatever it is that you’re going through. I love this list and I hope it helps you as much as it’s helped me!
Do you have anything special you do to cheer yourself up when you’re in a bad mood? Leave a comment and let me know!
