There’s nothing worse than the dreaded question “Having a bad day?” Makes my blood boil just thinking about the bad memories associated with this question.
We all get those bad days once in a while (at least I hope it’s only once in a while for you!)
Having the ability to turn that frown upside down, to turn lemons into lemonade, to find the silver lining in that coffin which has entrapped you is essential to getting through the tough stuff with a smile on your face and your sanity in check!
1. Focus on Breathing
We all know we’re supposed to breathe, but few of us remember how when stress takes over. Much like seeing a full grown lion in your front yard, when stressors start to overwhelm, we start to hold our breath too much and then only take shallow breaths when we do. Oxygen is robbed from the brain, creating even more stress throughout the mind and body when this happens. Focus on taking 6 – 10 breaths per minute — inhale for 5 second, then exhale for 5 more.
2. Fresh Air for the Win!
This would be great if it were mixed in with number 1. Get outside and get a generous helping of fresh O2 and enjoy letting your mind rest for a minute or two. Instead of sitting in a stuffy breakroom or restaurant on your breaks, get outside. Fresh air can make all the difference in the world, especially if you’re an “office drone” type who doesn’t get outside much. Fresh air is best for brain development, stress reduction and has such an impact on mood that certain studies have shown a near 50% reduction in crime in urban areas where crime is a problem when more fresh air is introduced (source).
3. Get Cracked!
There’s no sense focusing on doom and gloom while you’re trying to find a solution. Relax, decompress and yuk it up by listening to the office jokester tell their latest, or watch some funny YouTube videos. I recommend Nigahiga (sorry, I’m not responsible for what these funnymen call themselves!) for endless videos and even more laughs whenever you need them. The problems will be waiting for you when your head is cleared.
4. Clean/Organize Something
A messy desk or work area is the perfect recipe for some good old fashioned mind sleeping. Cleaning will keep your brain busy and allow your subconscious to work out whatever might be stressing you at a given point in your workday. You can also think of yourself as cleaning the slate so you can start fresh on whatever needs doing afterward.
5. Embrace Acceptance of Your Situation
Though I’m not the religious type, the Serenity Prayer delivers the message of this tip very clearly:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Sometimes you just gotta accept and deal, rather than trying to distract yourself. When a problem is looming, it’s tearing down your good mood and likely negatively impacting everyone around you. Don’t embrace the problem so much as embracing the idea of finding a solution.
