Simple Tips to Help you Cope when you’re Having a Bad Day …

Simple Tips to Help you Cope when you're Having a Bad Day

 

We all have those days when nothing seems to go right … don’t we! In fact, I had one the other day, I slept in which meant we were late for school, I was late to an appointment, I lost my credit card, I got a flat tyre and my shoe broke … and that was just before lunch! But when I have a day (or morning) like that, as much as I’d love to wave the white flag and concede defeat, I know that I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.

 

So when times are tough, here’s a list of simple, practical things that really help to get me back on track:

 

  • Repeat after me: I CAN DO THIS! No matter how I’m feeling, whether it’s anger, frustration, sadness or disappointment, I try to put the emotion aside and focus on the problem or better still the solution. I am tougher than I think so I try to be strong, confident and positive … I’m not always successful but I try.

 

  • It is what it is! This is my all time favourite saying and I usually only feel helpless and worn out if I invest too much energy or time on the things I can’t change. Most importantly, I can’t change the way other people behave but I can change my attitude and reaction to their behaviour. I proactively try to control the things I can and then work on letting go of the rest.

 

  • That’s Life!  Bad stuff happens to good people, and often for no reason at all! Heartache and problems are an unfortunate but inevitable part of life. From time to time, things will happen and things will go wrong … that’s just part of life … accept it rather getting pulled down by thoughts of “why me”.

 

  • This too shall pass! I love this saying and have used it often. I remind myself that I’ve faced challenges before and survived. There’s no such thing as failure and each challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn. I try to think of how I have handled a difficult time or past problem and draw strength from that. Remind yourself that very few things last forever and when you look back in years to come, will this event even be significant? Problems that occur will only ever represent a small part of life, so I try to keep perspective and focus on the short-term nature of most issues.

 

  • What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger! The times when things go wrong are often the times I learn the most about myself and I usually find courage and strength that I never knew I had. I try always to forge ahead with as much confidence as I can muster and I like to remind myself that I’ve overcome difficulties and challenges in the past and I’ll do it again. That attitude gives me the confidence to tackle my current issue head on.

 

  • Ask for help! This can be hard to do, really hard but when I feel like I’m drowning and being sucked under, I’m not afraid to call on family and friends. They always come running and are only too pleased to help. “A problem shared is a problem halved” and others may be able to see solutions that I may not have thought of. Sometimes it helps just to have talked to someone.

 

  • Have a break, have a Kit Kat! These may be words from an old marketing campaign but they still make a valid point. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a break, give myself some breathing space to clear my head, regroup and then start again. Feeling overwhelmed is incredibly stressful so I make sure I look after myself with plenty of rest, a good diet full of healthy food, a bit of exercise and yes, the odd piece of chocolate helps too! I like to find some “ME” time for something I enjoy and then I am far better equipped to deal with my challenges. So, when things get tough, take some time out, go for a walk and get some fresh air … it works wonders!

 

  • When life gives you lemons, make Lemonade!  It’s all about perspective, so look on the bright side and remember that something good will come from most challenges. Even in my darkest hours, I have tried to find a tiny glimmer of hope to hang onto that will keep me moving forward. When I consider my challenges in hindsight, they have served to shape me and I wouldn’t be who I am today without the good and the not so good experiences in my life. I try to look for the lessons in my challenges and mistakes. Experience hopefully teaches us not to repeat our mistakes and to also move on from bad experiences and situations to find something good or better.

 

  • Don’t be too hard on yourself!  We are all human after all!  Nobody’s perfect and it’s okay to fall down every now and again.  You don’t have to be the strong one all the time … cut yourself some slack and give yourself permission to be normal … just like everyone else!

 

  • Be Thankful! I try to find gratitude for the things that are good or going right when my world feels like it’s collapsing around me. I consciously look for the good things, no matter how small, to give me the perseverance to keep trying when things are going wrong. Focus on the positive and look for the things you can be grateful for … guaranteed, you won’t have to look too far!

 

So tell me lovelies, what helps you most to cope when things are not going as planned?

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Great advice! Sometimes things can get overwhelming and you know how they say that bad things happen in threes-that definitely can happen. Your morning sounds…overwhelming but with these strategies I’m sure you could cope better! 😀

    • Things do tend to happen in threes … I wonder why that is … one of the mysteries of the universe!

  2. Very good advice because life is not always plain sailing. I do like the idea of always being thankful – it’s important to have an attitude of gratefulness. Asking for help can be a challenge for some people but it’s good to remember we’re not invincible and at times, we will need help xx

    • Too true, Charlie and sometimes it’s the people who always wear a smile and who seem to be the most capable who need help the most. They are often too afraid to ask! x

  3. Awesome tips lovely. Would you believe That is why I have the words just breathe tattooed on my wrist – it is how I cope. xx

    • Thanks, Sonia … I think as Mum’s we can put way too much pressure on ourselves and forget to recognise that we will struggle sometimes. Just Breathe … I love that … so simply but so grounding x

  4. Fantastic advice and yes I agree that things will pass and not to sweat the small stuff too much. Great post for new mums!

    • So true Emily because new mums can be very tough on themselves trying to do it all and be perfect!

  5. Absolutely, we all have those days. My pet peeve is when people say ‘Enjoy the children while they are young, they grow up too fast!’ Those people have obviously forgotten what it is like to be in the middle of it all, just wanting 5 minutes time out. Thank you for reminding us that there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
    http://www.lifewrangling.com

    • The kids do grow up quickly, Jen and that’s all the more reason to cut ourselves some slack, let the housework slide from time to time and take a huge deep breath! Other Mums also realise how tough it can be and will generally help out when needed … the real trick is remembering to ask!!