It happens to us all. Some days we just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and feel doomed to have an awful day. Here are some small things I've adapted into my everyday life that have made it easier for me to start the day in a good mood, and keep a positive attitude throughout. Some of these things may seem silly, but that's the key to making ourselves smile, laugh, and eventually radiate happiness.
Start a morning stretch routine
Starting the morning with a short stretch sequence helps us wake up and get going without immediately being bombarded with thoughts of all the things we have to do that day. It also helps us start the day with a positive attitude, which will change our view of the entire day ahead.
Play some music
While you're getting ready in the morning listen to your favorite pandora station, dance around the house while you make breakfast and just let go for a few minutes. Make yourself laugh and you'll instantly feel happier and ready to get the day started.
Smile at yourself for 15 seconds in the mirror
You'll feel like a total goof, but once you start to feel embarrassed, your fake smile will turn into a real smile.
MAKE things roll off of your back
When something (like traffic) starts to irritate you, take a deep breath, realize there's nothing you can do about it, and change your focus to something more positive. You can't control certain things that happen in your life, but you can control how you react to them. Why make yourself more angry? Change your focus and let things that are out of your control just roll off of your back.
Sing in the car
Why do I feel like I'm the only person who does this? Belt it out! This is honestly my number one trick to turning my day around. Once my jam comes on the radio, I don't think about anything else except nailing my solo. It is an unbelievable stress reliever, and I'm always shocked I never see anyone singing in the car.
Make small jokes
If you get coffee in the morning, joke around with the barista. The conviviality will instantly boost your mood.
Smile more
Smile at someone when you make awkward eye contact, smile as you walk into a building, and smile when you're just walking around. Smiling is contagious, and even a fake smile will eventually turn into a real one. Realize when you're resting bitch-face is showing, and make an effort to fix it!
Give someone a compliment
Compliment someone's shoes in the elevator for example. This non-altruistic task will make you feel happy about yourself for flattering someone else.
Accomplish a few tasks
Take out your check list and start crossing things off. For me, when I start taking care of business, I feel motivated to get even more done. Once I finish everything that I need to, I feel like I actually did something useful, which in turn makes me feel good.
Take a break
When things start to get stressful, take a little break. Watch a funny video or find a ridiculous new meme. Have a good laugh, and then get back to work. Don't let yourself go too long without a break to reset and get re-motivated.
Have a mini dance party
When no one is looking, or you have a spare moment, bust out the robot or running man for a second. Do the sprinkler, feel goofy, and then go back to whatever you were doing. Like some other things on this list, taking a break and doing something strange are sometimes all you need to snap back into a state of positivity.
Call a family member or text a friend you haven't talked to in a while
Catching up will remind you of all the love you have in your life which could turn any bad day around. And you may just be making the other person's day by thinking of them and taking time to talk. A win-win!
Try some of these things out and I guarantee you'll at least smile a little more. Best of luck! :)
