One Of Those Days

We’ve all had one of those days. Nothing seems to go our way. Sick kids, dog threw up on the new carpet, babysitter cancelled, work issues, family problems your sister keeps calling you about, and the list keeps growing. It can push you to the breaking point: always on edge, and if one more person asks what you did to your hair you might cry, or punch them in the face. We’ve all been there, and sometimes the frustration lasts days or weeks. Let me share with you three steps to turning the day from the brink of a volcanic eruption to conquering the world.

Step One: Feel the Emotions.

It does you no good to go around pretending everything is okay, but on the inside you are screaming, crying, and making sarcastic comments. You have to get those emotions out in able to move on. Its better to do it by choice, when you can be away from everyone, than to accidentally become a sobbing mess at the department store checkout (guilty as charged).  Sometimes the best thing is to sit on your bed and sob. And I mean heaving, sniffling, blotchy-faced sob. Run through everything that’s frustrating you in your head (or out loud). You need to spend some immediate alone time feeling your frustrations, punching the pillow, writing in a journal, talking to yourself, sobbing, or  whatever works for you to release all that pressure. Then just let it go and move on. Don’t think about it anymore.

Step Two: Decompress

So now you feel like a hot mess, which you probably are (it’s best to not look in the mirror). You need to relax and transition to a clear mind. Do one of three things. One, take a hot, steamy shower, it helps to clear your head and relax your body. Two, take a nap. Seriously it feels great to rest your body, take your mind off of everything and wake up feeling fresh (and maybe then taking a shower.) Three, go work out. Go to the gym, go for a run, maybe even just do some yard work. Physically exerting your body can help you clear your head and focus on the task at hand, rather than the issues you just spent an hour crying about. If you have time, do all three.  If not, do at least one of the above immediately after the first step; don’t split it up.The key to this step is moving on from the past, clearing your head for a mindless task and once you have finished you can reset your mind.

Step Three: Reward Yourself

It may sound silly to “reward yourself” after having a breakdown, but mental stress is extremely taxing on your physical and mental health. You need to do something to stimulate positivity in your brain to get yourself feeling great! Personally, after I have cried all my makeup off, and showered the rest off, I reapply my makeup and dress up so I feel confident and fierce. I also indulge in one of my favorite foods, which always makes me feel a ton better. Find something to make you smile and feel good about yourself. Now take a look in the mirror and and be proud of yourself. You made it through a rough day, and you came out on top!
Photo: http://www.hercampus.com/school/st-andrews/top-five-instrumental-songs-rainy-day