You know the deal. You had a bad day. A bad week. Your car didn't start. You lost your ID. You ripped a hole in your favorite article of clothing. You broke your key. Whatever happened, you're having a bad time and you just don't feel up to being your usual self. In times like this, the best thing you can do is to take care of yourself.

Taking care of yourself can mean a variety of things. It can mean splurging on that new pair of shoes you've been eyeing up. It can mean getting yourself that chocolate bar just to cheer yourself up. It can mean taking a nap, even if you're stressed about how much you have to do. It can mean dancing in your room to your favorite song on repeat for as long as you like. It can mean anything that you think will soothe your soul and bring you back down.

Taking care of yourself can also mean taking larger steps to further your progress of being happy and healthy. It can mean finding a group of friends to support you. It can mean scheduling an appointment with a therapist to discuss your current mental health state. It can mean putting yourself before everyone else, no matter how hard that can be. If you really are struggling to get by, taking these larger steps will help you to stay in the best state of mind to be the best you.

It may not seem like much, but by taking care of yourself through these big and small ways, you can stay in a good place, no matter what life throws your way. Ultimately, you need to keep your own personal happiness above everything else and whether that means you take some time to color or whether you call your mom to get some words of support and love. You are the only person you are responsible for, so take care of yourself and don't forget to love yourself.