Yesterday wasn’t the worst day in the world, just a bad day. I could go on and on and on about the things that didn’t go my way, but it really doesn’t matter. What matters is how you turn those days around right? I’ll be honest I never fully turned my whole day around, but I think I set myself up for a better tomorrow. Because in my experience, one bad or negative day can easily repeat itself and turn into a string of days before I know it. The first thing I did to start turning things around was give into a pasta craving.
Now, I know that giving into your cravings on the regular is not the answer. Eating unhealthy is going to lead to poor energy and poor health. I also think that occasionally giving into a pasta or pizza or whatever craving can be a form of self-care or self-love. You have to watch how much you do things like that, but I think occasionally it’s the right move. It was definitely the right move for me yesterday. I relaxed and enjoyed it mindfully, which was great.
I know this is a health and fitness blog, but I think that our mental health is often an overlooked part of our health. We talk a lot about mental health these days, but it isn’t all meditating in the corner. Sometimes it’s a proactive effort to turn around your mood or day. I wanted to share some of the things that work best for me when I have “one of those days.”
Gratitude Journaling
It’s almost impossible to feel appreciative and unhappy at the same time. When you start being grateful for what you have it almost immediately turns around your perspective.
Get a Workout In
Typically this makes me feel so much better because I’m so focused on the workout I forget about my funk, by the time I remember I’m out of it. Plus, don’t forget the endorphins. I’ll be honest when I say I tried this yesterday and I was on the struggle bus during the workout.
Examine Underlying Reasons
When I’m having a bad day, one thing that has always helped me to get control of myself is to kind of examine if there are any underlying reasons why I might be feeling that way. Did I get less sleep than I normally do? Am I going to get my period? Did I eat healthily? Have I been working out too hard (aka under recovering). Sometimes realizing that something is out of the norm helps me get through the day better. I realize I’m in a funk because I’m overly tired because I’ve been getting less sleep than I usually do, eating less healthy, working out too hard/not enough, and then I feel in control to make it better.
Treating Myself
If it’s a lack of self-care causing my funk I try to rectify that. I’ll do something that feels truly indulgent like get a massage or getting my nails done. Or sometimes, I have a treat like pasta but I don’t rely on food rewards most of the time I prefer non-food rewards because, in the end, they make me feel healthier and better.
Zone Out
When all else fails I distract myself, I watch a favorite show, listen to a podcast, or my favorite upbeat songs. Those help me forget about the funk or whats bothering me and improve my mood.
How do you get out of a bad day funk? Whats your favorite “treat yourself meal”?
Hope you are having a better day today. I find that when I am just feeling down or having a bad day, sleep or socializing will often make all the difference.
sleep or socializing, ha ha sounds so simple but so true!