8 Ways to Get Over a Bad Day
These easy strategies will pull you out of your funk.
Just Leave
Sometimes, the quickest way to turn a terrible day around is just to get up and leave. “It can be hard to shake bad feelings because there could be reminders everywhere of what set you off,” says Susanne Babbel, PH.D., a psychologist in San Francisco. Meaning, if you’re feeling pissy due to your frenemy’s snide comments, staying at the party where you’ll hear more of the same isn’t going to help. “Instead, take a walk outside or head to a coffee shop,” says
Fake It
Numerous studies have shown that just pretending to be in a better mood can actually put you in one. “When you smile, even if it’s not genuine, it sends happiness signals to your brain and makes you feel better,” says Simon Rego, Psy.d., from the NY-
Veg Out
A recent study found that a bad mood can get worse if someone’s mind is allowed to wander. But if the person is distracted, they start to feel better. “A juicy TV show can distract you,” says Darlene Mininni, PH.D., author of The Emotional Toolkit. “When you become wrapped up in a show, your Babbel. “Taking in different sights can defuse your grumpy disposition, because you’re busy processing your new location rather than dwelling on what was wrong in the old one.” based Montefiore Medical Centre. And look in the mirror while you do it; it’ll shoot another indicator to your brain that you’re happy.