Have you ever had one of those days where you wish you could just crawl back in bed and start the day over again? Or maybe run away and hide from everything going wrong? Or maybe fast forward time so quickly that the day is completely over and you can just fall into bed? I know I have.
Of course, if these types of days become the norm instead of the exception, there may be other issues or factors we need to address with a trusted loved one, a counselor, or a healthcare professional. I’m definitely not saying that bad days are good or normal or desirable. But bad days do come along and when they do, it is so much easier to accept it for what it is, than to try and resist it.
In the past, whenever bad days crept my way, I would first try to ignore the fact, slapping on a fake smile and telling myself that everything was okay. After all, I wasn’t allowed to have bad days. But this approach often made things worse. As we live in denial of the bad day, we get angry inside because the triggers are still bothering us, and then we get angry because we’re angry. We’re mad because we’re having a bad day, and then mad because we’re mad!
Here are 4 Easy Steps to Overcome a Bad Day:
- ACCEPT IT: I have found that the best way to deal with a bad day is to first accept it. Give yourself permission to have a bad day.
- NAME IT: Next, call it something different. I like to call my bad days “Days of Opportunity” because this day will be a catalyst for change, an opportunity to slow down and rest, or a day of hope as I restore balance. You can label the day whatever feels right to you. By renaming the day, you’ll create a blank canvas all ready for the next step.
- TRUST IT: Step three is to see this bad day in a light of awareness. Choose to realize that something good will come of it. Maybe you’ll learn a crucial lesson; maybe you’ll develop strength; maybe you’ll take much-needed rest to relieve stress; maybe an “Aha moment” is coming your way; or maybe you’ll look back on this day and laugh. Remember that sometimes you’ll see the silver lining during this “Day of Opportunity” and sometimes you won’t. Don’t let yourself worry about this. Whatever good comes will come and one day you will see it. Trust in this fact.
- USE IT: Lastly, use this day to your advantage. Bad days usually signal that some good old-fashioned downtime is needed. See if you can take a break and then give yourself a break if you are not able to accomplish everything you had on your to-do list. There will be other days to check things off your list. Your body and mind will heal and recover much faster if you sit down, relax, breathe, and tune into the present moment. Ask yourself what you need right now in this very moment. Pray for ideas of how to rest and recharge. Then commit to follow through without feeling guilty.
