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It’s okay to have a bad day
We all have them – those days where everything seems to be going wrong. Maybe you slept through your alarm or spilled coffee on your shirt. Or perhaps you’re just feeling cranky and out of sorts for no particular reason.
Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to have a bad day. We all have them from time to time, and that’s perfectly normal.
Bad days and bad moods happen
Reminder: We are human. We have emotions. Sometimes those emotions have a tangible reason, like being tired, stressed, or hungry. And sometimes they don’t.
Sometimes we just get into a bad mood or have a bad day. And that’s okay. Sometimes we can snap out of it, but other times we should embrace it.
I think it’s important to remind ourselves that we’re human and that it’s okay to feel something even if we don’t know where that emotion is coming from. That doesn’t make us weak or crazy; it just makes us normal. So the next time you find yourself in a bad mood, embrace it and know that it’s okay to have bad days.
10 Reasons to embrace a bad day
1 – Bad days lead to growth
While it might not feel like it at the time, bad days can actually lead to personal growth. That’s because they provide an opportunity for you to practice dealing with difficult situations and emotions. So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, you’ll be better equipped to handle it, thanks to the lessons you learned from your bad day.
2 – Bad days teach us resilience
Bad days can also teach us resilience – the ability to dust ourselves off and keep going even when things are tough. Every time you get through a bad day, you’re building your resilience muscle and becoming stronger in the process.
3 – Bad days help us appreciate the good days
It’s easy to take the good days for granted. But when you have a bad day, it can help you appreciate the good days even more. So when you’re having a great day, take a moment to savor it and be grateful that not every day is bad.
4 – Bad days remind us of our connections
In the midst of a bad day, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. But bad days can actually remind us of the strong connections we have with others. When we reach out to our friends and family for support, we’re reminded that we’re not in this alone.
5 – Bad days happen to everyone
Bad days are a universal experience – everyone has them from time to time. So if you’re having a bad day, know that you’re not alone. Chances are, there’s someone else out there who is also in the middle of a not-great day.
6 – Bad days can give us information
Bad days can also provide valuable information about ourselves and our lives. If you’re stressed, for example, a bad day can be a sign that you need to make some changes in your life. Maybe you need to take on fewer commitments or find a different way to cope with stress. Pay attention to the signs your lousy day is trying to give you, and use them to make positive changes in your life.
7 – Bad days can be a learning experience
Bad days can also be a learning experience – an opportunity to learn what doesn’t work for you and what does. Maybe you’ll realize that you need to set better boundaries with your friends or that you’re not as patient as you thought. Use the lessons you learn from your bad day to become a better version of yourself.
8 – Bad days can motivate us
Sometimes it takes a bad day to motivate us to make positive life changes. If you’re unhappy with how things are going, a bad day can be just the push you need to make some necessary changes. Use your bad day as motivation to do something that will make you happier and healthier.
9 – Bad days can help us practice self-care
Bad days can also be an opportunity for self-care. When you’re feeling down, take some time for yourself to do something that makes you feel good. Maybe you’ll take a relaxing bath or treat yourself to your favorite food. Whatever it is, show yourself some extra love and care on your bad days.
10 – Bad days will eventually end
The most important thing to remember about bad days is that they will eventually end. No matter how bad it feels in the moment, know that it’s only temporary. So hang in there, and take comfort in knowing that tomorrow is a new day.
What to do when you wake up in a cranky mood
Dealing with a case of cranky pants can mean several different things. You have options. You can try to shake it off or just go with it, knowing that tomorrow will probably be better. Here are a few tips:
Don’t try to fight it
The first step is to accept that you’re in a bad mood, and that’s okay. Trying to fight it will only make things worse. So embrace your crankiness and allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling.
Identify the source of your mood
Once you’ve accepted that you’re in a bad mood, it’s time to figure out why. What is it that’s making you feel this way? Is there something specific that’s causing your stress or anxiety? Or is it just one of those days?
Once you identify the source of your mood, you can start to work on addressing it.
Take some time for yourself
Once you’ve identified the source of your mood, it’s important to take some time for yourself. This is not the time to try to power through and push yourself harder. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself. Maybe you’ll take a nap or a walk outside. Whatever it is, show yourself some extra love and care.
Tell people you’re cranky
One of my favorite tips: If you’re cranky, tell people! It takes away some of the power of being in a bad mood when you can just say, “Hey, I’m feeling a little cranky today.” And most people will understand and be more than happy to give you some space.
This has been a go-to move of mine for years now, and it’s never failed me.
Don’t take it out on others
It’s important to remember that just because you’re in a bad mood doesn’t mean you have to take it out on other people. So be patient with those around you and try not to lash out. We all have bad days, so extend the same grace to others that you would want them to extend to you.
Avoid making any major decisions
When you’re in a bad mood, it’s best to avoid making any significant decisions. This is not the time to make any big changes in your life. Wait until you’re feeling better before you make any decisions that could impact your life in a significant way.
Practice self-compassion
It’s essential to be compassionate with yourself when you’re having a bad day. Remember that this is only temporary. So be patient with yourself and give yourself the grace to feel whatever you feel.
Try not to let it ruin your day
Just because you’re in a bad mood doesn’t mean you have to let it ruin your entire day. Sometimes, the most minor thing can turn your mood around. If it happens, don’t fight it. Instead, embrace it and enjoy it.
How to prepare for a bad mood ahead of time
Moods can be unpredictable, but you can bet that eventually, you’ll find yourself with a case of the crankies. When that happens, it’s important to have a plan in place so you can deal with it in the best way possible. Here are a few tips:
Make a list of things that make you feel good
No matter how well you plan, there will be days when you just wake up in a bad mood. But if you’re prepared for it, you can make the day a lot better. So take some time now to make a list of things that make you feel good. This can be anything from getting a pedicure to listening to your favorite music. Having this list will make it easier to pick yourself up when you’re feeling down.
Make yourself a bad day playlist or two
In addition to a list of things that make you feel good, it can also be helpful to have a playlist of songs that always cheer you up. This is something you can turn to when you’re feeling low and need a pick-me-up.
Identify your support system
When you’re in a bad mood, it’s important to have a supportive network of people you can rely on. These people will understand what you’re going through and be there for you, no matter what. So take some time to identify those people in your life to know who will be willing to listen if you need to vent.
Have a general idea of what you can delay or avoid
You might not be able to skip work, but there are probably some things on your to-do list that can wait. So when you’re feeling cranky, have a general idea of what you can put off until you feel better. This will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed and stressed out.
Quotes for a bad day
“Outside the windows the day was bright: golden sunshine, blue sky, pleasant wind . . . I wanted to punch the happy day in the face, grab it by the hair, and beat it until it told me what the hell it was so happy about.”
~Ilona Andrews
“There’s very little in my world that a foot massage and a thin-crust, everything-on-it pizza won’t set right.”
~G.A. McKevett
“So you had a bad day. Kick it aside and be grateful for one less bad day to pass through.”
~Richelle E. Goodrich
“Never give up on someone who is having a bad day. Tomorrow could be yours.”
~Giovannie de Sadeleer
“That’s one of the peculiar things about bad moods – we often fool ourselves and create misery by telling ourselves things that simply are not true.”
~Eleanor Brown
“The bad mood fairy comes to annoy you only when you are actually in a good position, but don’t yet realise it!”
~Jonathan Cainer
Final Thoughts
Bad days are an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them. You can do things to make the day a little more manageable. So if you’re feeling down, don’t fight it. Embrace it and roll with it. And above all, be patient with yourself. This mood is only temporary!
