I think it’s safe to say this year has had more than its fair share of “bad days”. From the days you feel off to the days (or weeks) where you want to rip your hair out and scream – recovering from a bad day is not always easy. Does it seem like the more things you have on your mind, the harder it can be to separate them all? I’ve been there! It’s so important, for mental health and wellness, to be able to clear your mind each night, get some good rest and start fresh in the morning. So, here are some tips to relax and refresh.
How to Recover From a Bad Day
Allow yourself a break: it’s okay if you need a few hours or even a day to mope around. Give yourself the time you need, but don’t let it own you.
Distract yourself: read, listen to a podcast or music, watch TV, or YouTube videos. Anything really, to keep your mind off the things that are bothering you. This is especially helpful if you find yourself overthinking or replaying specific situations over and over in your mind.
Move your body: whether it’s a dance party or a full workout, get your endorphins flowing!
Check items off your to-do list: this may sound silly, but I always feel better knowing that I got a few things done.
Find a safe place: if you feel angry or overwhelmed, you don’t want to stay in that same physical space. If it was work that overwhelmed you, go home and change into sweatpants. If something happened at home, try going for a drive. This can be challenging during the pandemic because you may not have many places you can go to. Or you might be working from home which makes it hard to separate work and personal life. Talking to a loved one or a close friend can also feel like a safe place where you can talk about the things on your mind. Try going into another room and stretching or taking deep breaths. Or, even just cuddling up with a blanket for a few minutes. Give yourself that time to regroup.
Get some rest: even though you know how important sleep is, it’s easy to stay up too late. Amirite? Especially if you feel anxious and your mind is racing. Try some different techniques or supplements to help you fall asleep. Essential oils, melatonin, and a sleep playlist work wonders for me. Sometimes, just resting on the couch or taking a nap can make a big difference during the day. Read my post about essential oils here.
Sometimes you need to enlist some help from therapy or meds. And that is perfectly ok! The most important thing is to take care of yourself.
Find more self-care ideas here.
What do you do to de-stress after a rough day?
Here’s to happy days and lots of whatever makes you happy 🙂
