How to Get Over any Bad Day (7 Simple Tips) | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How to Get Over any Bad Day (7 Simple Tips)

Backed by research

4
How to Get Over any Bad Day (7 Simple Tips)

You can`t grow without having a bad day every now and then. It`s inevitable. Or as multi-millionaire Tom Bilyeu likes to call it, "You cannot remake yourself without suffering."

Problems will be there, and part of being the toughest version of you is teaching yourself how to handle those moments/days better when they come. For that, I have made you a list of seven things to do when you have a bad day, all backed by science. Here they are:

Bad Day Tip#1: Examine your thoughts ASAP

Anytime you feel bad, the first right thing to do is to put your thoughts on paper. Your thoughts are very automatic, and fast —we experience between 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day— which means it will be difficult changing them unless you can catch them on paper.

So, when the going gets tough, get a pen and paper, and jot down all the thoughts that are annoying you. You will immediately feel relieved, and this will be the first step to replacing them with more positive ones.

Bad Day Tip#2: Give what happened a positive spin

Disappointments will look bad once they take place. But no matter how sour they taste, they are here to serve you or teach you a lesson and the wise who knows how to see those lessons as soon as possible. Studies by Richard Wiseman found Lucky people are master reframers who can find the positive in any negative.

Another study by John Gottman found that when happy couples talk about their past together, they usually mention setbacks as incidents that brought them closer.

So, give yourself some time to cool down then start looking for the benefits of the negative situation. You can use it to learn tranquility. A problem is usually there to teach you something, so let it do its job.

Bad Day Tip#3: Take full responsibility

Regardless of who has contributed to your bad day —a client, boss, or spouse— don`t blame or guilt-trip them, not because they don`t deserve it but because by blaming you give them control over you and make it hard for yourself to find a solution. Say your boss is a mean person who treats you poorly.

The first choice you have is victimizing yourself and blame your stars for working with such person. It may sound emotionally satisfying but blaming doesn`t offer a solution, and your problem will remain unchanged.

The second choice you have is to accept responsibility for the situation, and it will help you find a proper solution:

  • You can learn how to handle him
  • You can speak up for yourself and set some boundaries
  • Maybe he somehow thinks you`re incompetent.
  • You may talk directly to his boss
  • And you may give a 30-day notice and look for another job.

Bad Day Tip#4: Don`t make things worse

Your down times are best times to test your self-discipline and persistence. When you have a bad day, it will sound soothing to grab that candy bar or light up a cigarette, but don`t give in to these temptations.

As soon as you finish that cigarette or candy bar, you will feel weak. And you will add a distorted self-image to your problems. Whenever you have a bad day, use your negative emotions to enforce a positive attitude instead of giving up to temptations.

Hit the gym, lift some weights or spend an hour on the treadmill. Exercising will release good hormones, make you feel well, and help you sleep better which is usually an excellent way to recover.

Bad Day Tip#5: Read some inspirational quotes

Motivation, like bathing, should be done daily. For this reason, I recommend you have a file with all your favorite quotes that you refer to when you feel bad. It will improve your state and help you look at the setback/challenge in a more positive way.

Bad Day Tip#6: Take a shower (preferably cold)

Cold showers can improve your blood circulation and sleep and force your body to process more energy and burn more calories. It`s also a great way to overcome depression.

According to several studies, cold showers may stimulate the brain`s blue spot which stimulates the secretion of Norepinephrine hormone and improves your mood.

Studies also linked cold showers to positive qualities among rats including more persistence and delayed symptoms of learned helplessness.

Bad Day Tip#7: Do whatever you can to smile

A 2013 study by the University of Warwick found that you can give productivity a 12-percent boost if you put a genuine smile on your face before going to work. I know it sounds silly to smile when you have bad a day but look at it as a challenge or invitation to change your state.

Try anything that is self-amusing; goof around with your kids, call a cheerful friend or watch a funny YouTube video. Any of these will make you feel, and work, better.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17947
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7644
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5604
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4865
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments