Having a Bad Day, huh?

It’s likely that your current woes were caused by an outside source. This could be a boss disappointed in your work (regardless if it’s justified or not), a spouse upset with your lack of attention or countless other things.

The first thing to do is take a deep breathe. I don’t mean that metaphorically I mean it literally, increased oxygen to your body and brain can help you relax.

Next I want you to perform these 5 to-do items. If you haven’t yet, sign up for basecamp or other task management service do so and enter these things into a list. If you perform all 5 tasks and are still upset, tweet me and I’ll give you a hug.

#1 Listen to some fun toons

[note autop=’true’]Music can help to enhance or change a mood. We see this in movies soundtracks all the time.[/note]

My current favorite listening candy for overcoming a poor attitude or bad mood is “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP. This is just one of those tracks that will make your feet move and your mouth turn up.

#2 Walk the Dog

[note][/note]

No that’s not a euphemism. Walking the dog, playing with your kids, running, riding a bike or aqua yoga (not sure if that’s a real thing) all release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain which relieve anxiety and pain. Exercise creates a surplus of endorphins which is why getting your blood pumping can help you feel better and think clearer.

If you don’t have a dog, Astro needs a home. That’s right, I just went there.

#3 Watch This

#4 Do Something Nice For Someone Else

[note autop=true]If you’re in the middle of an argument or expecting one to start take some time before you respond and try to wait out your negative feelings.[/note]

Being altruistic is great but doing something about it is even better. This can be anything from a small office task, to donations to a charity. You can decide what you want to do today but do it for someone else. Even The Grinch’s heart grew three times the size when he returned the gifts to the Whovillians. You’ll feel better that you did something nice for someone else.

#5 Make Someone Smile

[note][/note]

This is not as easy as you may think. Getting a polite grin may be simple, but getting a genuine smile from someone can be tough. A smile is a really powerful thing and bringing one out of someone else will make you feel better.

Here’s the thing you can’t get someone to give you a real smile if you’re frowning. They may give you a pity smile or a cute frown or something but we don’t want that. So get out of your chair, stand up in the office and tell a bad joke, tickle your kid or give someone a real “look them in the eye” compliment.

Making others laugh and smile will make you feel 10x better guaranteed or your smiles back… haha see I got you started.

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. – Author Unknown

Have any good additions to the list, share them. Still feeling bad? One Click Hug Request.