Bad Days. Everyone has them, even if some are better than hiding than others. Especially in college, things can get overwhelming with classes, roommates, or sometimes with no clear reason at all. So, here are some tips for helping you get through a bad day:

1. Breathe. This may seem obvious, but it's extremely helpful in calming yourself down. If you've been crying or just feel like you've been going too fast, slow down and allow yourself to breathe.

2. Take a nap. Most of the time, the reason we feel stressed or overwhelmed, it's because we don't sleep enough! College students are the most sleep deprived because of how much we put ourselves through. Naps are a small escape and will help boost your mood, even if it's only for 20 minutes.

3. Watch cat videos on Youtube! They are funny, cute, and instant mood boosters. Here's one that I enjoy:

4. Find that person you can always talk to. A best friend, a roommate, calling a parent or sibling, anyone who will listen to you vent. Talking through how you're feeling helps so much and will make you feel better immediately.

5. Exercise! Go for a walk, run on the track, lift at the gym! A little sweat is good and your body will naturally make itself feel better by releasing endorphins. Also, it's another way to escape, just like napping. Put in your headphones and exercise your stress away!

6. Listen to music. Music is soooo beneficial for boosting mood. Listen to music that matches your mood or listen to loud music with your friends that you can sing along to. Also, if you play an instrument, do that! Being creative will help as well.

7. Drink your favorite warm beverage. Something about clutching a mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate is so comforting. Plus, you'll get some caffeine in your system which is always a good thing.

8. Take a shower. Just like when you're sick, taking a shower can make you feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day.

9. Watch your favorite movie or TV show. I know when I'm having a bad day, I always reach for my Disney collection or a favorite 80's classic.

10. Color! Coloring is proved to be therapeutic and also super fun. As childish as it sounds, it's really helpful because of it's creative aspects (just like playing an instrument).

11. Have a dance party. Related to listening to music with friends, get everyone together and jump around. One of my favorites is Ra Ra Rasputine. here is a link to the just dance video of it for your enjoyment:

Know that you can get through the day! Know that they will happen and let yourself have them, but keep these in mind when you want to cheer yourself up!