When you are having a bad day do you sit and brood or do you have a favorite way to snap yourself out of it?
Do you turn to food to boost your mood or do you like to sweat to destroy your fret?
Here are 5 surefire ways to KO a bad day.
1. Exercise
Exercising causes the release of catecholamines and endorphins which are known as the “feel good” hormones.
Exercise also increases the production of dopamine a neurotransmitter that improves mood and decreases the feeling of depression.
Exercise helps us shift our focus to something other than that which is bringing us down.
2. Write it down.
Journaling can help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.
Negative thoughts are like a muddy piece of clothing turn round and round in the washing machine of your mind without water or soap.
It’s the “going mental cycle.”
The journal puts the water and soap in the washing machine of the brain so the clothing comes out clean and fresh.
Get those thoughts on paper and out of your brain.
3. Be of service.
Do something nice for somebody else.
Provide value to another human.
Be of use.
4. Sleep
Not getting enough sleep is one of the surest ways to mental mayhem.
Sleep is when your brain “washes” and resets.
If you’re feeling run down, emotionally and mentally drained it may be time for a nap.
5. Meditate
Meditation takes practice. With practice, meditation rewires your brain.
This rewiring of your brain can lead to deeper levels of calm and peace along with changes in how you think, feel, and act.
For many people meditation can be a life-altering practice.
Start with 5 minutes and go from there.
Meditate on it.
6. Get yourself some nature.
Get out in the hills away from the asphalt jungle, constant human noises, and endless human-made structures.
Getting out in nature lowers heart rate, reduces tension and anger, and helps you gain control of your thoughts.
Take a hike!
7. Cook
Art is therapeutic.
Cooking is art.
Cooking a healthy meal and sharing it with people fills several buckets.
Cooking allows you to immerse yourself in the art and forget about whatever you are dealing with.
Cooking provides the opportunity to have a nutritious meal full of nutrients that will help lift your energy and mood.
Cooking allows you to be of service to others.
Cooking and sharing your meal provides connection and community.
Sharing a meal and providing for others is one of the oldest methods of community and connection.
Bad days down for the count…10,9,8,7,6…
Brett “Bad Day KO’D” Denton