When It is Not “What a Good Day”…
On this blog, we like to focus on ways to make everyday a good day and to enjoy all the beautiful moments life has for us. But, honestly, not everyday is a good day. Just like Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (by Judith Viorst , 1987) there are times when everything goes wrong, we don’t feel like smiling, can’t think of being happy, and don’t really have the energy or desire to do much about it. These simple ideas I’m sharing are some that have helped me along during sad/bad/anxious/down types of days. Maybe they will be of help to you too.
Important! Please Note!
Please note, I am not a doctor or mental health professional and I am not offering these as a cure for anything. They are simply some strategies that have helped me during some hard times in my life. If you feel hopeless or you cannot see a path to move forward during a sad or anxious time then please seek out a professional to help. It can work miracles and sometimes it is necessary to be able to find joy in life again.
Simple Ways to Improve a No Good, Very Bad Day
Get Outside
When I feel down or need to settle my mind I really love to go outside. There’s something soothing about birds singing, the beauty of nature, the peace of finding a calm space. Just going out for a quick walk, sitting in a park, or just spending a little time breathing in some fresh air can make a big difference in improving how we feel.
Get Away for a Little While
If you are feeling overwhelmed sometimes getting away even for a short time can lift your spirits. It can be so uplifting to take a drive, turn up the music, and just spend some time away from the stress. I love to take a drive to the mountains near my home to see the scenery and spend some time relaxing when I have time. If I’m short on time, I like to get outside, walk around a store, or get some coffee and just sit a bit until I feel calm again.
Find Something to Put Your Energy Into
It might be a good time to begin a hobby like painting, needlepoint, crocheting, or something else you have wanted to do. It helps to be productive and focused. After my mother passed away in 2015 I had several plants that were given to me by friends and family. I had never been a plant person and many have met their end with me. But these were special and I decided I would do my very best to keep them going. I have four of those plants that are still thriving under my care. It was therapy to me to keep these plants healthy and they are still special to me.
Spend Time With a Supportive Friend
Spending time with a supportive, caring friend or family member can be like therapy to the soul. If you can meet for lunch, dinner, or coffee it can bring back some joy and peace. If no time for that, it’s phone a friend time! Sometimes just talking with that kindred spirit will bring a new perspective or renewed energy to move forward.
Do Something Nice For Someone Else
A dear friend who is known to do so much good for others once told me that she had dealt with some mild depression in the past. She overcame it by reaching out to help others who needed support. It is something she still does to this day. Often when we help someone we end up helping ourselves as well. A simple act of kindness or generosity gives us reason to feel fulfilled and lift our own spirits.
Take Care of Your Basic Needs
Sometimes when the blues hit it is easy to give in to letting our personal care go to the wayside. It can make us feel better to get up, shower, put on some clothes, do some self care, eat something nutritious, etc. Sometimes it is hard when someone is struggling to think of doing all the personal care things so even doing one thing can help improve a down mood. There are times when doing the simplest things to care for our basic needs is a step forward.
Remove Negatives
There can be a lot of negative going on around us and in the world we live in. At times I have to step back from reading or watching news, watching depressing shows, or focusing on things that bring my mood down. I like to be informed and know what is going on but there can be an overload that blocks out the good and happy things that are all around too. I have found it helps me to have a balance in this area.
Quiet Time/Reflection
Sometimes we really just need some time to be still, quiet, and spend some time reflecting. I love to do this at the beach, in the mountains, sitting outside, or just relaxing in a quiet room in the house. During those times I really like to read some uplifting scripture or positive books, or spend time praying or writing. Sometimes I like to just be still and not really do anything. A few minutes of quiet time everyday can lift your mood and it has even been proven that it is good for your brain.
Enjoy Some Music
Music can definitely lift my mood. I can’t sing and I’m not musical but I love to listen. I enjoy many genres of music but my favorites are music from the 70’s/80’s (my era!), contemporary Christian or praise music, or easy listening music depending on how I am feeling. Music can evoke all kinds of feelings and can reach us in the depths of our souls. Cranking up some music you enjoy may be just the thing to improve a low mood.
Give It Some Time
I saved this one for last because it is the one that is the hardest for me to accept. Sometimes moods just take some time. I struggled through a couple of years of personal loss about 7 years ago. There was the deaths of both my parents, the suicide of a beloved friend, my two children who still lived at home moved out into adulthood, and my dog of 13 years passed away all within a short time. My doctor tried medication to help but nothing worked well for me. It only got better with time and using these strategies. I will tell you it took longer than I wanted it to and it was very hard.
Assess Your Needs and Take Action
During low times we all respond to different methods. If you are dealing with a bad/sad time then take stock of all that is going on and find something that you believe will help and do that one thing. If that doesn’t help try something else. In reality, it’s a conscious decision everyday to keep moving forward to a better, brighter place. If you need to seek help, I strongly encourage you to do that. There is no shame and it doesn’t mean you’re not strong. In fact, it is the opposite. It sometimes takes great strength and courage to ask for help. If you’re not sure about your needs then check out this helpful article on WebMD.
I hope that these few suggestions will be helpful in finding ways to make your days good and happy ones. If you have found other ways that help lift your moods, I would love to hear about them.
Wishing you the best days,
Karen
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What wonderful suggestions. I really like the part about getting away. Even though I have returned from a wonderful trip to beautiful Alaska, I need to spend a few hours in my North Georgia Mountains. Sometimes the “big” things add to the stress of life even though they are good things.
That is so true! We all need to take a break at times.