We’ve all experienced having a bad day. Being stuck in the doldrums, waking up on the wrong side of the bed, having a bad hair day—it all boils down to a bad mindset having a ripple effect into all the little inconveniences of modern life. So how do optimists approach a bad day? How do they break out of a rut to persevere in order to keep chugging along? There are some practical steps you can take, no matter how your day starts out.
Listen to Music
Something that can stimulate some endorphins is listening to your favorite musical artist, an album you love, a soundtrack, or even a podcast that brings a smile to your face. Each of these auditory tools can help keep your mind busy and can even change the way you are feeling. Is there an album that can transport you to a positive time in your life that can turn your day around? Delve into that world to help change your mindset.
Work Out
One of the best things you can do when you are feeling intense frustration is exercise. Moving your body enables you to take out all the negative emotions you are feeling and actually work through them. Combine listening to music you love or get your energy up with music that gets you pumped and ready to work out. If the weather allows, take the opportunity to exercise outside. Any combination you can make with working out, outside and music is bound to help release your tension and release endorphins to improve your mood.
Journal
When it comes to your feelings, it is beneficial to recognize them as well as feel them. So, the next time you find your mood sour, grab a notebook, a piece of paper; anything, and write down your feelings. This can help you process them and realize why you may be feeling the way that you are. Using that time to journal your feelings can release that tension you may have been holding. You may find that your bad mood is released as if you were talking it out with someone, which can also be just as beneficial.
Don’t let your next bad mood ruin your whole day. Embrace your own feelings and work through them. Any of these activities can help you be proactive and productive when it comes to bettering your mood.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.