How Do You Cope When You Have a Bad Day?

34 replies
Had a really bad day yesterday. Nothing even that HUGE happened, just one of those days where you encounter minor amounts of BS... from nearly everyone you interact with.

I probably would've been fine today, except I made the mistake of trying to talk about it and ended up just exacerbating the whole thing. Now, not only am I still drained, but I feel guilty.

How do you deal?
#bad #cope #day
  • Profile picture of the author acrasial
    You tell others how to have a good day. lol
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1748867].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Emily Meeks
      Originally Posted by acrasial View Post

      You tell others how to have a good day. lol
      I'm not sure what you're insinuating, but you know... there's a big difference between having a bad day and hating your life as a whole.

      Do I enjoy my life? Yes. Do I have more good days than bad? Yes.

      When a bad day DOES pop up though, I'd like to learn how I can make it better.
      Signature

      In all that you do, know your True INTENT...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1748883].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author acrasial
        Well you tell someone how to have a good day, maybe they just will.


        Then you will feel good because they are feeling better, and the day will then turned into a good one.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1748923].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Emily - When I was in the Navy and was assigned to ship going through rehab, we worked 16 hours a day, 7 days a week because the Navy wanted to push it through it record time. Every day was hell and it lasted for 6 months. One career man deserted, he had over 10 years invested in the Navy, along with many others with less time in.

    My sister told me to tell myself, "This too, will pass." It helped me to remember that the condition was only temporary. Sometimes we get so caught up in the offending details that we lose site of the big picture.

    Is what we're wrestling with going to be important tomorrow, or next week, or next month? If not, we're probably caught up in the details. Keeping a "big picture perspective" is one of the best ways I know to keep the dogs of difficulty at bay.

    Other suggestions would be to close your eyes and think about something pleasant, to do something kind for someone else, or to write out your complaint and let all your frustration and anger out...and then burn it before anyone can see it, symbolically releasing you from the burden.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1748935].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Massagee
      I've found the best thing for me to do is to listen to something positive. It's very difficult to remain down or negative while you're listening to something positive.
      I have an mp3 with nothing but positive audio on it including Joel Osteen,positivethinkingradio.com, and my absolute favorite Mike Dooley. His thing is that "Thoughts become things" so it really motivates you to derail that negative train of thought before you create even more of it. I got in the habit of listening either to this or a custom visualization tape every morning while I'm riding the bike and it gets me off to a great start.
      I was going to fork over $88 for his audiobook "Infinite Possibilities" but got it free on emusic with a free trial offer. I also got his latest one on there for $10.
      There's also tons of free audio on positivethinkingradio.com

      Hope this helps.

      While I'm here I was wondering how do you thank someone so that your name appears below their post. I've been wanting to thank Neil V for that great thread he's got going and don't see how other than posting it. Thanks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1749087].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Profolegy
    Having a Bad Day,

    Yes it is okay to have a bad day we are after all humans with emotions.
    How I overcome these situations is to tell myself well at least I am alive and grateful to be able to experience a bad day.

    At this stage of life at 62 I have had my fair share of bad days. I carry around my own stupid philosophy that the sun goes down and comes up next day and it doesn't give a sh.t how you feel so I have to face the day be grateful I am alive to appreciate what the day dishes out to me.

    This is just my take on it anyway.
    Signature
    First 10 Modules for Free.
    Online Business Building Academy
    http://AuthoritySiteNomad.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1749263].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dorothydot
      How do I cope? I take my harp out in the back yard and play the sun down. When the birds come round and sing with me, it makes me feel better. And when the wind makes the harp sing all by itself, my day suddenly is magical.

      Dot
      Signature

      "Sell the Magic of A Dream"
      www.DP-Copywriting-Service.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1749304].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Denise Ashurst
        Originally Posted by dorothydot View Post

        How do I cope? I take my harp out in the back yard and play the sun down. When the birds come round and sing with me, it makes me feel better. And when the wind makes the harp sing all by itself, my day suddenly is magical.

        Dot
        Beautiful. My solution is similar. I walk the dog SLOWLY out amongst greenery, really tune into the birdsong and hearing the trees whisper; check out the clouds grazing the mountain ridges. Breathe deeply. Take myself out of time.... and even space ...Wonderful

        Another coping mechanism is to force myself to do something productive so I don't feel so bad; like posting here helps : )

        I think about people in other parts of the world who are less fortunate and count my blessings, knowing that whatever has frustrated me is actually pretty pathetic and puny .... especially beaurocratic nonsense and IT techy hitches : )

        Here's a big hug being sent out RIGHT NOW for whoever is in need H U G !!!!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1768900].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author APeelSolutions
          I read a great book called SUMO which stands for Shut Up And Move On The book allows anyone to have what it calls wallowing time like a Hippo in mud. Basically it says it's OK to feel bad from time to time as long as you avoid wallowing for ever. Hence the title, I have been wallowing for a few days for reasons I won't go into. Then I realized it was time to shut up and start marketing again.

          I find it's a handy technique.
          Andrew Peel
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1769210].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AwesomePossum
    1) I take 2 steps back and look at it from a different perspective....this is kinda the same concept in my approach to time management. Basically when you zoom out 2 things happen....you get that perspective and you see how insignificant your problems are in the scope of things...I learned this concept in Trading Markets for Breakouts of ranges. If the breakout is too small compared to the range you're going to get a WHOLE BUNCH of false signals...in return you eat up a lot of money.....it works EXACTLY the same way with your energy.

    2)When I'm FEELING like crap here's what I do....I hold onto the feeling and squeeze as tight as I can to the feeling andl I make sure I have all of it accounted for. then I ask myself if I can let the feeling go....at the same time I relax my body at the same time. Keep at it till you feel greatIt works really well for me....I feel amazing every time I do this.

    3) I remind myself of what I have. That makes the bad things not seem so bad

    4) Meditation and breathing helps me clear my thoughts. I use a unique type of meditation though...I use it purely to get my energy and chakras in line flowin correctly.

    And I listen to music...I love it!

    This honestly takes care of my bad times. This is how I cope with my bad feelings and it genuinely works for me....I'm one happy kid
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1749330].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
    Maybe I'm the only one on here, Emily, to suggest you get mad! At a time you're by yourself, think about the petty nuisances... the minor injustices... the seconds wasted by the clueless stupidity... the irrelevant BS. Let yourself feel more and more indignant, furious, bothered, upset about how petty they all were to you!

    Why, if they hadn't wasted those seconds with their serious frivolities, what you'd have accomplished! Likely cured cancer and done enough Internet Marketing to solve the national debt, right? If only they'd been less shallow, you'd have certainly used yesterday to enact world peace, and for dessert, made all videos double-clickable for downloading! How dare those nincompoops have interfered with the grandeur of all you'd have done...

    Keep it at it until you're not sure whether to boil over with rage or laughter at how ridiculous it all is.

    Don't end the emotion by talking at it. Feel it, then let yourself feel something different. It's a wave rocking the boat. Don't try to stop the boat. Ride it out and let it pass. Notice the silliness of it all. Isn't it outrageous that such dumb nonsense rocked the boat so much?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1749361].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kenster
    When I'm having a bad day I normally decide to quit whatever I'm doing and watch a good tv show or movie. This helps me forget about whatever was bothering me because I get so entranced in the movie I just literally forget.

    When the movie is over whatevr was bothering me is normally so far out of short term memory it isnt nearly as severe.

    I would suppose anything to get your mind off things for an hour or so would work. Do you do art, sculpture, drawing? That may help
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1751127].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marketstriker
    Bad day starts from negative emotions. Every negative emotion is followed by another negative situation and new negative emotion. I usually try to switch myself to positive minds, I tell myself that everything will be OK, that I'll solve any problem and imagine some nice future moments.
    To make my mood better I listen to music that inspires me. I watch comedy or call friends who can make me laugh and give positive emotions. I'm sure you can find your own method.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1751717].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author webwriter
      Having had my share of bad days, I have learned to take them for what they are and move on. Dwelling on the negative things from such days, such as getting fired, was the worst that I could do.

      I am sure that somewhere in the greater scheme of things, all of those bad days make sense, though I have no idea of what it is. I'm thinking that it could be possible lessons or maybe even a strengthening of character. As one book's theme stated, whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1751859].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author don21stc
    A bad day's only bad if you're still stressing yourself about what's happened at the end of it instead of thinking something like 'things can only get better' or 'I know not to do that again.'

    If things are really dire, I sometimes recall a wise text I read many years ago:

    'One day as I sat musing, sad and alone without a friend, a voice came to me from out of the gloom saying "Cheer up, things could be worse." So I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse.'
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1752264].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Emily Meeks
    Thank you all for your replies. I had a bad day the other day, but have recovered and moved on.

    I take it as a learning experience so I can handle those sorts of days better in future, and hopefully, someone else who's having a bad day will find some comfort and advice in this thread.
    Signature

    In all that you do, know your True INTENT...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1752369].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author VMN
    Hello Emily,
    I head straight over to You Tube and watch Abraham Hicks videos, or visit Ask Theo and meditate.

    I home school 2 boys, that are total freedom seekers.
    They are a challenge.

    If you live in a beautiful area, a quiet meditative walk can do wonders.
    Taking a close look at a leaf, listen to a stream, see the wonder of birds.
    This will center you.

    Paying attention to breathing can help very much.

    I hope this helps!
    Victoria
    Signature

    Inside Wealthy Affiliate
    Follow VictoriaNTC On Twitter!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1756195].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnB23
    Go to the beach.

    -Depends on where you live obviously, but the beach is a great way to relax your mind. I went today, it was a holiday. A lot of people out. People walking their dogs. A good variety of people, the sand, activity, food/bike rental shops, the ocean. Its good to get outside for at least a few hours everyday. Too much internet doesn't get you out of whatever problem/rut you're in. For me, it keeps you either the same or worst.

    -Another method...make some kind of goal list for the year. Even down to what kind of clothes you want to buy, or new styles, anything. Something to look forward to. You always need things to look forward to.

    -Also, it's good to keep inspiring pictures/scenes, etc that you may find online, keep them stored on your hard drive, so you can look at them any time you want. I've got sailing pictures, picture of tahiti (bora bora), celebrities sitting courtside at laker games, etc. Even nintendo stuff, peoples collections and things and rare games. You need something personalized that fits you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1757791].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ceburealestate.ph
    just for a day: I go visit failblog or palpak.org just to refresh and relax my mind
    for a week: i go to the beach with no laptop, cellphone, no tech thing
    Signature
    www.ceburealestate.ph
    best financing real estate business
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1757881].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author VegasVince
    Originally Posted by moneysoapbox View Post

    Had a really bad day yesterday. Nothing even that HUGE happened, just one of those days where you encounter minor amounts of BS... from nearly everyone you interact with.

    I probably would've been fine today, except I made the mistake of trying to talk about it and ended up just exacerbating the whole thing. Now, not only am I still drained, but I feel guilty.

    How do you deal?

    I always consider "bad days" the universe's way of showing me "contrast."

    Hard to recognize light.... with the room pitch black 24/7.

    Tough to rave unto the joy....without the occasional bout of pain and sorrow.

    Tough to revel in the good days... if in fact you can't compare them to the sporadic ****ty one.

    I don't know if I deal or not....but I do try and step back and "recognize" the bad day for what it is. Often that's enough to insure one bad day doesn't turn into a lifetime.




    xxx Vegas Vince
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1757911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DrGUID
    I like to have my fingers in many pies. I now have 3 different online businesses running, so the chances are one will have a good day and give me a little cheer.

    But too many good days does desensitise you, so take the rough with the smooth!
    Signature

    Love passive income? Make money on hubpages. Make money from ClickBank. Preserve your new wealth by investing in gold.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758003].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author veeronica
    Hey Emily,

    I guess the best way to deal with it is to force yourself into a positive frame of mind, also surrounding your self with ppl whose company you enjoy can help.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758359].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mrmoonlight
    I try to remember that the days events are neither good or bad. They just "are". My response to what is happening depends of me. To sound a little cliche (OK a lot cliche), Take the lemons and make lemonade. Everyone likes lemonade. Lemonade is delicious. You can't help but have a better day if you got lemonade. Jeff
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759045].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DanPE
    Originally Posted by moneysoapbox View Post

    Had a really bad day yesterday. Nothing even that HUGE happened, just one of those days where you encounter minor amounts of BS... from nearly everyone you interact with.

    I probably would've been fine today, except I made the mistake of trying to talk about it and ended up just exacerbating the whole thing. Now, not only am I still drained, but I feel guilty.

    How do you deal?
    I used to walk into my office, close the door, and start punching the wall. After that, I go back outside and do what needs to be done lol but now I don't do that as often.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759457].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Han Fan
    Having a Bad Day?

    What I am about to show you is Simple... But don't think
    it's simple, it's not useful...

    If you use This technique, I guarantee things will turn to
    positive as fast as you put it in action..

    Okay Here It is...

    JUST - SMILE!

    That's right... a big SMILE

    Now, keep that face for a minute..

    Try to think that one thing made you angry

    or try to think anything makes you mad...

    You can't or can you?

    Ha ha..

    Power of SMILE...

    SMILE a LOT

    especially things aren't going WELL...

    Here you go, My Million Dollar SECRETE!

    Ha Ha...

    Han




    Originally Posted by moneysoapbox View Post

    Had a really bad day yesterday. Nothing even that HUGE happened, just one of those days where you encounter minor amounts of BS... from nearly everyone you interact with.

    I probably would've been fine today, except I made the mistake of trying to talk about it and ended up just exacerbating the whole thing. Now, not only am I still drained, but I feel guilty.

    How do you deal?
    Signature
    - Don't Wanna miss that Early Bird Special Again?
    Sign Up HERE: http://hanfanapproved.com/hfslc/getYourEarlyBirdSpecialHERE/


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759541].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanman
    How about this for a bad day?

    I argued with a policeman today...He threatened to lock me up and put dozens of charges on me even when I wasn't really wrong.

    He sure was an ego driven freak...But how can I let such things bother me?

    At the end of the day you will come across things which will be beyond your control and the best way to cope with it...Is to make yourself stronger and know that such things will happen whether you like it or not.

    Life will be a series of good and bad days...The only way out is to stay strong when you are going through turbulent times.
    Signature


    ^^^Click The "UGLY BANNER" to "MAKE MONEY"^^^
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1763902].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyaphx
    I try and find positive things or something that makes me smile. My kids are silly they cheer me up, then I get a big bowl of Ice Cream Ben and Jerrys that makes everything all better.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1768295].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author davidjames42973
      When I have a bad day with internet marketing, I yell at the computer for a minute and immediately shut down the computer. Then I go and pour me a glass of scotch, drink it and watch a movie. There's no reason to try to resolve stuff while you're in a bad mood. I just get to it the next day.

      If the bad day has nothing to do with internet marketing, I apply the same theories, except I might throw on some Death or Black Metal while in the car...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1768677].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Super_Vendor
    It's only a bad day if you call it a bad day. It could just be a day that wasn't as progressive or constructive as the last. But always remember you have thousands if not millions of days ahead of you. If you cannot forget the past, then it isn't the past any more. The 'now' is a gift, and that is why it is called the present.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1769411].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sam Mlambo
    Hey,

    Whenever I'm feeling like I have a bad day I always reset my focus. Your mind can only keep one thought in it at a time. So whenever I'm having negative thoughts or feelings I just substitute it with a positive one. Usually that positive thought is...

    "I'm grateful to still be alive. Because I can do something magnificent with the life I've been given"

    Hope that helps you next time you're feeling down

    - Sam
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1770447].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Allicin
    You need to let it go over the top of your head when it happens in the first place... Easier said than done I know... But at least, at the end of it you have the satisfaction of knowing that you were better than those people for not letting them make you feel bad and for you not giving as much as you got... Talking about negative things will definitely always drag you back down too, so try to think of positive things to share with people and avoid the negative at all cost! You'll find that more and more positive people will suddenly appear into your life anyway and you'll be happier for it.
    Hope it helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1797907].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author linkbeasts
    If I have a craptastic day I treat myself to something to make up for it, I call it self bribery.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1803573].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author leri
    I play the guitar.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1803933].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Baker
    If I start to head that way, I think about when I first looked in the mirror that morning. I was there, I know it's an awesome day because I am alive, yet so many people don't get to have that experience that day because they have passed away in the previous 24 hours.

    Then I look at what self limiting beliefs stopped or hindered my progress for the day and work on addressing those.

    If one day I look in the mirror and I'm not there, then I'll know my job is done.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1804245].message }}

Trending Topics