A bad day is like that unwanted neighbour who drops in without notice and overstays their welcome, without any intention of leaving anytime soon. As you grow older, bad days become a non-negotiable part of your life. In fact, there might even come a time when you feel the ‘dard’ in your life is overweighing the ‘disco’! For those days, here are seven things that will help you get to a better place and give your day that little positive push it needs.
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1. Engage With The Outdoors: You may have ample free time for a hiking adventure. Then again, you might be swamped with work at the office. Either way, spending time outdoors - even briefly - can elevate your spirits. If you're hard-pressed for time, consider a brisk 10-minute stroll, or even just visiting your local grocery neighbourhood store —it works wonders for your mood.
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2. Practice Mindful Breathing: When uneasiness or panic kicks in, get yourself a glass of water first and then focus on your breathing. Slowly practice deep breathing exercises. This simple technique can help you regain composure and shift your mindset every time you feel overwhelmed or are in need of a mid-day reset.
3. Connect With Loved Ones: Reach out to family members or long-distance friends for a heartwarming chat during a longish commute or after a demanding workday. Conversations with loved ones always have the special power of making you feel cherished and unfiltered.
4. Enjoy A Movie Escape: Instead of opting for a Netflix binge (although that has its own set of merits), treat yourself to a movie outing. Immersing yourself in a cinematic experience allows you to disconnect from all the rough, rugged realities of the world and become a part of fictional characters and stories at the cinema theatre.
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5. Take A Long Shower: Taking a shower is a relaxing experience in itself. Add a few bathing salts and an essential oil to it, and your bathroom turns into a spa-like oasis. This will not only help you feel calm and relaxed, but also give you the sense of private time. You’re immersed in the process of unwinding without worrying about the world outside.
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6. Gain Perspective Through Journaling: Open up your journal and jot down the events or moments that have bogged you down. This exercise can help you gauge the true significance of these issues in the larger scheme of things. Make sure you list out your positive qualities and refrain from blaming yourself for a challenging day. If that seems challenging, consider writing self-affirming notes and placing them around your home as a reassuring reminder for the next time you face adversity.
7. Seek Inspiration From Motivational Quotes: When you need a mood boost, turn to your favourite uplifting quotes or poems. Authors like Rupi Kaur or the legendary Maya Angelou are excellent sources of inspiration. For someone’s who loves Hindi wisdom, we’d like to quote Jaun Elia famous words, ’Jo kho gaya hain, usey saath laaye the kya?’