Thinking positively helps a lot, but there’s nothing quite like actively doing something to combat a bad day to really make you feel better.
These “fixes” won’t really help you much if you’re SEVERELY depressed. However, if you’re having a Blah day or a Meh day or even a Bad day (not catastrophic/life-altering Bad, but unpleasant enough to be classified as Bad) then the following may lift your spirits enough to bring you back into the Good mood zone!
So, if you’re having one of those days when your brain feels full of static and you’re teetering on the edge between “I got this!” and “I think I’m just gonna sit in the corner and cry for ‘no reason’ until tomorrow…” then try one, some, or all of the following suggestions:
1. Listen to YOUR Mood Music
I’m not going to tell you to listen to “calming” music or “classical” music because, personally, that stuff bores the heck outta me and makes me feel worse.
If Beethoven is your jam, that’s cool; but, if not, don’t feel guilty or “less than.” My husband is a total metalhead (heavy metal music fan) and his “feel good” tunes are pretty rowdy! And I’m definitely more inclined to listen to Falco’s “Rock Me, Amadeus” than actual Amadeus Mozart compositions.
Your soothing “feel good” music can be anything YOU like. Your goal here is to make YOUR brain feel better, not impress outsiders with how mature your taste in music is. (Plus, if you’re wearing a nice pair of headphones, who’s gonna know you’re listening to the DuckTales theme song on repeat, right??).
Make a “feel good” playlist to have on hand for when you’re having a bad day.
2. Pet an Animal
There’s a reason therapy animals are so popular: They work! Petting an animal can turn a frown upside down with just a few strokes.
If you don’t have a pet of your own, try visiting a friend or family member who does (I’m optimistically assuming socializing will be allowed again someday). Or, if you’re really gung-ho about this idea and want to be around animals on a regular basis, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Hugging a fellow human who’s willing can also produce a similar therapeutic effect.
3. Take a Shower
When I’m feeling down, my brain often feels strangely “dirty” (not in a fun, sexy way) and, while I can’t give my mind a scrub down to wash away my negative thoughts, I can wash my physical body.
Showers — especially ones that alternate between hot and cold water — increase your blood circulation and get your energy up. And it’s hard to feel mentally down when your body is feeling so “up.”
If you have sensitive skin, like I do, try alternating between water that’s as cold as you can bear it (don’t shock yourself!) for about a minute and then switch to water that’s as hot as you can stand it (don’t scald yourself!!) for about 30 seconds, repeat once maaaaaaaaaaybe twice, and then do the bulk of your shower with lukewarm water. The pep-increasing mood benefits of the contrast shower won’t improve your day much if you cause an eczema flare-up, y’know?
The really nice thing is, once you finish with the shower, you can do all of the fun shower aftercare. Like doing your nails or testing out a new makeup look! When I’m feeling super grumbles, showering doesn’t always have a lot of appeal (“LET ME WALLOW IN MY STANK!”), but having fun things planned to do afterward usually gives me enough motivation to follow through (“I wouldn’t DARE use my favorite eyeshadow on a dirty eyelid!! I’d better shower!”).
4. Watch a Horror Movie
Horror movies can be very cathartic and are a great way to safely face your fears. The horror genre helps to build up your distress intolerance in a fantasy environment, making you more resilient to reality’s various frustrations.
Plus, chances are, whatever is happening to the characters on screen is way worse than whatever you’re going through right now. And just by seeing the heroes triumph over such harsh adversities, you’ll get a vicarious “oomph” to your own mood. That’s kind of the key to having a “cathartic” horror viewing experience — the thrill needs to outweigh the fear!
But, if horror isn’t your cup o’ tea, there’s another entertainment genre that can help you:
5. Watch a Comedy Movie
You know the old saying: “Laughter is the best medicine.” It’s stuck around because it’s basically true.
Much like exercise, laughing releases endorphins and gets your brain feeling “happy.” So watching a comedic movie/show, listening to a stand-up comedy album, or even browsing through your Memes folder can give you the giggle you need to get your overall mood back on track.
You can also try a bit of exercise to achieve a similar effect; however, I know first-hand exercise isn’t always an option. Many of my most bleh mood days were because I was unable to do physical activities! If/when you’re able/want to, feel free to do push-ups or rollerblade around your block or go on a hike but, if you can’t, know that watching a quip-filled favorite flick can do the trick too!
6. Get Some Sunshine
Step out of your home for a few minutes and let the sunshine hit the top of your head. That’s how you absorb Vitamin D. And Vitamin D is one of the things that makes your body happy.
Getting some fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood, if only because it’s a change of pace.
7. Breathe Deeply
Now that I’ve switched your breathing to manual mode because I mentioned breathing… why not take a few deep breaths?
Focusing on your breathing is a great way to lower your anxiety.
Breathe slowly and deeply. Focus on your breath and nothing but. Your troubles will still exist, but at least you’ll be calm enough to deal with them (or you can try one of the other things on this list!).
8. Write Out Your Troubles
You probably knew this was coming, didn’t you? As a writer, I love to write. Heck, writing is my primary form of communication in general! So, yep, of course writing was going to be on this list.
When I’m having a bad day, I find that writing out my woes really helps me to get things into perspective.
Often, I’ll find that what’s bothering me really isn’t so bad once it’s on paper and out of my head.
Writing down a few things that I’m grateful for/happy about in my entry helps me refocus my energies as well. I highly recommend it. Write down all your grumbles and then try to counter it with even just ONE good thing. (If you can’t think of anything, I usually start with “I drank clean water today”).
I hope these quick tips were helpful and that you’re feeling better soon! ♥
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