Simple things you can do to have a better day
Ever had one of those days? You feel like you’ve done nothing but rush from problem to problem, trying desperately to correct it before the next tiny crisis rolls its way in. Stressful days are a part of life, but there are things you can do to make yourself feel better if you’re having an off day. Here are just a few tips to help you pick up your mood and feel good again.
Go outside
One of the most profound things you can do for your happiness levels is to go outside. Even if the weather is poor or there’s nothing to see, the very act of going outside can improve your mood. The effectiveness is magnified if you can go outside and be in nature—even if nature is only a garden plot or a park.
The healing properties of being in nature is great enough that it even has a name in Japan. Going out into nature is called ‘Forest bathing’ and it’s used successfully to treat depression and stress related conditions. It can reduce your risk of heart attack, give you more energy, and help you sleep better.
Lest you think these benefits come from breaking a sweat or heavy exercise, relax. These benefits come from being out in nature at any pace, and usually a slow one so you can focus on being with your thoughts.
Force yourself to smile
When you’re in a bad mood, forcing yourself to smile is often the last thing on your brain. Yet science has proven again and again that smiling, even fake smiling, will help you feel happier. When you smile, even if there is no emotion behind it, the act tricks your brain into releasing chemicals that make you feel happier.
Smiling can boost your mood, reduce stress, and may even make you live longer. When you take all that into account, it makes sense to smile doesn’t it?
Listen to upbeat music
Music you enjoy can help lift you up, carry you away, and just plain make you feel better. It’s not all in your head either. Science has shown that listening to great music impacts us physically as well. Music affects our autonomic nervous system, and our limbic system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for our blood pressure and heart beat, while the limbic system handles our emotions.
Studies show that as long as the music is upbeat, it will have a positive impact on how you feel.
Treat yourself
Even if your day has been going fine and you just want a little something special to make it better, a little treat never hurt anyone. Take yourself on a date, do a little retail therapy, and make sure what ever special thing you take home is on sale—it’ll make you feel better about buying it.
If you’re having a bad day, or simply want to make a good day better, follow these tips for a happier and healthier life.
xo Yinka
Photography: Norman Oates
great post! Personally when I’m having a bad day I like to buy myself a little treat from the local bakery.
And I love buying myself bubble tea!
Love the message. Yesterday was a bad day for me…I went out to dinner for pizza. while not healthy, it did make me feel better.
As long as you felt better! xo
I love your optimism. A lot of people think that there’s gotta be something big to make your day but truth is you can do a lot of easy steps to have a good day everyday!
Thank you!
Music works for me and treating myself (but perhaps a little too much :-D)
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Awesome post, thank you!
Gary | https://trendfriend.io
Thank you so much Gary!