We all have those days where it seems like nothing is going right. It usually starts in the morning whether that means waking up earlier than you would like to or sleeping through your alarm. Whatever the case, everything just feels off after that. You are running late to classes and you get there only to be reminded that you had a homework assignment that was due yesterday. All you want is for people to cut you some slack. Off days happen to everyone. And once a day starts off bad, sometimes it feels impossible to make it better.
1. Take A Minute For Yourself
First things first, stop and take a deep breath. Stressing about something is not going to make anything easier. Give yourself five minutes to clear your head and collect your thoughts. Once you take a minute to relax you can see things more clearly. It is not about getting everything done right this second, but rather managing your time.
2. Get Ready
This may seem weird, but if you can give yourself some time to get ready you will feel better. In college this can be a challenge. Getting ready for class does not seem reasonable. You don't have to wear a dress and heels, but brushing your hair and adding some mascara and lip gloss can make you feel a hundred times better. Chances are you feel a little be more confident too.
3. Make A List
Not everyone enjoys making to-do lists. They can seem intimidating when there are a hundred things to do and only you to do them. The key is to prioritize and only put down what you know you can accomplish that day. It is more than ok to be ambitious, but do not be so ambitious that it becomes overwhelming. If it helps, make two lists: one that everything can go on and a shorter one just for that day. This way if you get your daily list done you will feel more accomplished than if you only put a small dent in your bigger one. It is ok to put little things on it that are easy to cross off too. That only makes you feel more accomplished!
4. Be Productive
Now that you have your list go out an tackle everything on it. Do not just set it aside so you see it only before you go to bed. If you need to, plan out your entire day. It doesn't have to be planned to the last minute, but structure it enough that it keeps you going forward.
5. Relax
Hang with your friends, watch a movie, or take a bubble bath. Do whatever it is that you need to do to relax. You made it through an off day.
They are those weird days that we all have every once in a while. And even though we all get them, sometimes it is hard to feel like other people understand that you're having an off day. Doing these five things can help you feel centered and in control again. So... here is to no more off days!
