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6 Simple Ways To Overcome A Bad Day

GRACE ELLICE MAY

Updated: Jun 16, 2023


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We’ve all had our fair share of ‘meh’ days. These are days when we either lack the motivation to get out of bed in the morning, or, had an unfriendly encounter with a stranger, or got into an disagreement with a coworker, friend or romantic partner. Whatever the case, we all experience bad days every once in a while, and that is more than okay. However, knowing how to conquer and overcome our ‘bad day’ is what truly matters. When I’m going through something difficult, my natural response is to close up, withdraw and isolate as a way to protect myself from further stress and anxiety.


Forming new and healthier habits in relation to how I respond to stress is most definitely still a work-in-progress. But, over the years and recently, I’ve been able to modify my lifestyle by including more productive habits, and being intentional with my daily routine. Or, at the very least, when I can be.


Knowing how to self-soothe when experiencing hardship is so important. Our happiness is determined by us and our own personal standards, and not by what other people believe happiness should look like. We only have so much control over what what happens to us, but there are a few things that are within our control, i.e. our moods and our choices, and our happiness most of all.



Bad days come and go, and these are a few ways to help get you through those feelings of sadness and discomfort:


1. MUSIC - Nothing feels better than discovering a great song on a not-so-great sort of day. Listening to uplifting music or songs with lyrics that bear a hopeful sentiment will help build your confidence, and inspire you to keep going. That’s what music certainly does for me. In moments of great despair and anguish, I have often found comfort in listening to songs that I felt understood by. I truly believe that there’s a song out there in the world for everyone, and I hope that someday you’ll find a tune that you can sing and dance to, forever. And if you don’t, then, you can always write your own—a song that’s just meant for you. If you're currently looking for something to listen to and be inspired by, check out Harry Styles new album, Harry's House. It's an incredible work of art, and I guarantee that you'll find your new favourite song on the album.


2. FOOD - Mental wellness is enforced by physical wellness. Ergo, a strong and healthy body = a strong and healthy mind. It can be so hard to take care of yourself when you're going through hard times. We tend to forget our needs and look more to prioritizing the needs of others as way to gain self-fulfillment. Sometimes I joke with myself about how I could never forget to to eat since I'm such a food lover. But, the reality is, I tend to forget my meals when I'm in a depressed state. I forget to take care of myself because it feels like so much effort to put in. However, daily nourishment is what gives us the strength to go about our day as healthy and functioning individuals. It is important to make sure that you eat well whenever you feel downcast. And I don't mean racing to the kitchen and grabbing a bowl of cereal (a quick eat that I'm also guilty of) to chow down. No. Nourishment of the mind, body and soul comes from a home-cooked meal made with simple flavors and ingredients that guarantee a satisfactory meal. If three meals a day seem almost impossible (depending on your work schedule), try making sure you get at least two meals in daily. Your body with certainly appreciate your effort for trying. In summary, Don't Skip Your Meals!


3. MOVEMENT - I can be, perhaps, the laziest person I know sometimes. Especially when it comes to making time to exercise. It's not that I don't like to exercise, but I often forget to include it in my daily schedule. However, I recently started doing yoga and it's been a fun and restful experience so far. For me, exercise isn't just about going to the gym and running on treadmills. It all comes down to movement, and the way we engage our bodies in activities that help build muscle and strength. Moving our bodies can take any physical form such as, walking, running, dancing, (my favourite), swimming, etc. When I'm having a bad day, I'll either go out for walk to get some fresh air, or, if leaving the house feels like a chore, I just put some music on and have a dance party with myself. Dancing is a great way to help generate those happy, feel-good hormones that our bodies love so much. And this summer, I'm hoping I can get into running as well. Whatever kind of physical activity you're into, getting our bodies moving in any shape or form will do us a great deal later on.


4. CONNECTION - Are you like me who tends to push people away when going through something difficult? You're most definitely not alone if you answered 'yes' to yourself just now. If what you're going through is a financial difficulty or a mental health struggle (e.g. a depressive episode), It can be hard to open up to even our closest friends about what we're going through. Most of the time, it's usually because we feel ashamed or embarrassed about what we're struggling with, that it makes it so hard for us to confide in anyone. Especially as an introvert, I can get so used to being alone that wanting to be around others can feel like such a hassle. But, connection and community are so important (not me calling myself out on my loner tendencies). You don’t need a lot of people in your life or so many friends, but you need at least one or two people you can trust with the most vulnerable parts of you. Having someone to vent to helps on those dreary days. Whoever your support system is, it is important to nurture and protect that as much as you can, and in turn, try to be someone your friends can also rely on as well.


5. CREATIVITY - There are so many things that have gotten me through the most difficult periods of my life, and one those things is having a creative outlet. I honestly don't know where I would be without having a creative medium to express myself and my thoughts. Art, in whatever form it may appear, is very personal to me. It often connects me with something greater than myself. Through writing, painting, etc. I have been able to create a space where all my emotions are welcome, and I can pour my heart out, release and be relieved of whatever may be troubling me. Art and creativity are sources of inspiration you can draw from on those days when you feel a little hopeless. Art gives us something to believe in. And you don't have to be a talented painter or writer. You can just start writing or painting, or dancing, or doing whatever it is that you love to do. You have the right and freedom to express yourself as an individual. You are full of so much life, beauty, and wonder. Don't let all that sparkle die within you. Shine like the star that you are, and make the world a little more beautiful with what you've got to give.


6. SELF-CARE - YES to scented candles, milk chocolate bars (with hazelnut, my favourite), ordering in, facial treatments, spa days, shopping sprees (with some discipline and consideration to your bank account, of course), blasting your favourite songs on repeat, listening to a poetry podcast, connecting with friends, reading a good book, words of affirmation, home-cooked meals, watching your favourite TV show, resting, and so much more. Self-care is an act of self-love. It is declaring your worth as a human being by saying, "I am a precious person, and I must treat myself as such." Self-care is beneficial selfishness that is good for us and our well-being. We tend to ignore our needs and put the needs of others above ours. But, enough of that. Starting now, do what you need to do to feel good. Do everyday what will make you the happiest and most beautiful version of yourself. Especially on your most difficult days, don't forget or forsake yourself. You are a rare gem. You are powerful and uniquely created. You are astonishing and a wonder to behold. You are invaluable. Never forget it.


What we need most during difficult times, is a little more love and a little more compassion towards ourselves. We are not defined by our bad days, or even our good days. Our good days serve as a reminder that we do get it right sometimes. And when we get it wrong, it is only a reminder of how inexperienced as humans we really are. You are still learning and growing. So, go easy on yourself. To get to the highest part of a staircase, you have to start with the first step below, then, another above. There is no guidebook to living. You should only try to do the best that you can. I'm sure you already are.



Thank you again for making it this far. Thank you for being here. I'll see you in the next story, friend.


Warmly, Grace.


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Daring State Co. is a multimedia lifestyle brand and blog featuring topics on fashion, beauty, mental health, and the arts. The eminent brand is creatively directed, curated and edited by its passionate founder, Grace Ellice May, a lover of life, art, good music and delicious food.

Our mission is to empower individuals to lead authentic and fulfilling lives through the transformative power of vulnerability and storytelling. We aim to nurture a bold frame of mind, seek the courage to soar to infinite heights and excel in both life and business. We believe that life is an art form and feel called to create something beautiful and monumental from the simplest of things.

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