12 Ways To Turn a Bad Day Into a Better One

They are inevitable.

But, there are things you can do to make them better.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Hopefully just reading this post will help, but actually DOING some of the things listed below definitely will! So be bold and take action!

1. Play with kids.

Even if they are not your own, just get around kids while they are just being kids.

It is really difficult to not get cheered up while letting go of “being an adult” and just playing with a child.

2. Give someone a compliment.

Not a fake one, but take the time to see something that someone else is doing well. I heard someone say that the most depressing times in their life were when they were focused on themselves and their problems.

Giving someone a compliment or a gift forces us to think about another person and get our minds off our problems.

3. Sing in your car.

And sing as loud as you can. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to frown while you are singing?

4. Read Philippians 4.

And while you are at it, just think about where Paul was while he was writing it.

5. Bake your favorite kind of cookies.

Then eat some, but not too many or your day might get worse. 😉

6. Literally count your blessings.

I mean it. Start a list of all the things you are thankful for. Write until you can’t write anymore. Staple it to the wall. Don’t leave any stone unturned and write down stuff like (any that apply):

I am thankful that 99% (or whatever it is for you) of my body parts feel great.
I am thankful for air conditioning.
I am thankful that I have a car that runs or a moped, bike or horse so I don’t have to walk everywhere I go.
I am thankful for the invention of electricity and all the convenience it has brought.
I am thankful that I can walk in a grocery store and purchase tens of thousands of items – and don’t have to grow or make them all myself.
And on and on…

Every time I wholeheartedly do this exercise I find myself feeling better within minutes.

7. Clean something

I am not sure why, but the sense of accomplishment from cleaning out a closet, garage, or anything else always seems to help me feel just a little better.

8. Do something for someone you love.

Do the dishes for your wife, take your niece out for ice cream, take your mom to Starbucks for a coffee.

9. Pray.

Talk to God like the friend that He is (or should be) and tell Him what is on your mind. Not only can He handle it, but we are designed to cast our cares and worries on Him.

Even though it is #9 on the list, it is probably the most important one on the list.

10. Think of the most encouraging person you know and call them.

But don’t complain. Refrain from telling them how bad your day is and focus on making their day better and let their infectious attitude rub off on you.