16 Ways to Turn a Bad Day Around

I think we have all had those days where it feels like we’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed. . . nothing is good enough for us, and everything seems to make us angry. I have learned a bad day doesn’t necessarily have to last all day if I try some things to make it better.

So to whoever is reading this I want to tell you, “Please know you have the strength, today and everyday, to turn a bad day around.”

Here are a few methods that have worked for me:

1. Have a hot drink.

I have to thank my boyfriend for this one, it’s his “go-to” when someone is down, stressed or angry. “Would you like a hot drink?” So now whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I stop everything and put the kettle on. You can tell we’re British!

2. Cuddle with a pet. 

Hugging your pet releases oxytocin, the “feel good” hormone. It’s been proven that scooping your dog like a baby and calling him, “the most handsome boy in the whole world,” could definitely make you feel better.

3. Talk to a friend

Sometimes your anger is valid, sometimes you’re just mad because you are — either way, having a good friend you know you can bitch and moan to is so comforting. You might feel better after you’ve got it out of your system and enjoyed some quality time with your friend. . . instead of bottling it up inside.

4. Play a video game.

You know what I have found to be a safe way to release frustration? It feels really satisfying mowing down a horde of zombies or an army of aliens who threaten your very existence. If those games aren’t your cup of tea, you could even play a gentle puzzle game if you’d rather avoid jump scares and violence.

5. Binge watch a TV show.

If you’re in one of those “hide under the duvet” moods, this is the one. You can start that new TV show you’ve been meaning to watch for ages, or go back and re-watch an old favorite. Don’t forget snacks!

6. Watch a film — old favorite or new.

Watching a film is one of my personal favourite things to do when I’m feeling low. I have a list of classic films I haven’t seen that are must-sees (I was born in 1995, give me a break!), so I always feel really accomplished if I cross one off. If I’m not in the mood for something new, I know there’s nothing an old Disney or Star Wars film can’t fix. For added comfort, I also turn to the ultimate comfort blanket to use as I watch a film to make me feel like a little kid again.

7. Go for a walk.

Getting outside and moving can really change your mood, sometimes you just need time away from screens and a bit of fresh air and quiet. Going for a walk alone really helps me process my thoughts, too.

8. Listen to loud music.

Drowning out everything else with really loud music helps a lot more than it should. Have a mini-party in your room and get yourself hyped up, you might even feel motivated afterward!

9. Cry it out.

When in doubt — cry it out. Sometimes we’ve just been holding in too many emotions for too long, and they need to come out. Never underestimate the benefit of a good cry.

10. Tidy your space.

Often when I’m feeling stressed, it’s because my space is untidy. They say a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind, after all. Consider taking some time to make your bed, clear your shelves and neaten everything. You’ll save yourself a lot of time looking for stuff if you know where everything is, thereby improving your mood.

11. Make your favorite food.

I was feeling run down the other day so I baked some cookies. . . and if ordering a pizza could help to erase your bad day at work — order the pizza!

12. Clean yourself up.

If I’m feeling rubbish I jump in the shower and get myself really clean. I’ll wash my hair, put on a face mask and put on fresh, clean clothes. If you can find the energy to that, try to get out of the pajamas you’ve been laying in for three days.

13. Dress up.

If you have a bit more energy, go the extra mile. I feel a lot more confident if I’ve applied a bit of makeup or wear my favorite over the knee suede boots. Wear what makes you look confident and the mood often follows.

14. Make a plan.

Planning always makes me feel better because it gives me something to look forward to. It can be something big like planning to finally go on that dream holiday you’ve been putting off for years, or giving your room a makeover, or just picking a new, fun activity for the weekend. Life is short, don’t spend it wishing for a different one.

15. Sleep it off.

Look, sometimes nothing works so know when to call it a day; and hope tomorrow is better.

16. Re-evaluate your day.

If you’re having more bad days than good days, it might be time to re-evaluate. Are your bad moods caused by an outside factor like your job or a family member? Or is it time to see a doctor? Know when enough is enough, and when long walks and Disney films just aren’t cutting it anymore. Having a mental health problem is nothing to be ashamed of, and is certainly not a weakness.