For the most part, we all have pretty good days. I don’t want to make any assumptions, but that is my personal observation. Some days are truly horrible, and we cannot deny that. Many times, though, we let one negative aspect or event determine if we have a good or bad day. I know I am guilty of this as well. Just the other day, I was having a great Monday, as far as Mondays go. I had lunch with a friend, finished my homework, worked out, and even snuck in an episode of The Great British Baking Show. I walked outside from grabbing a coffee and found a cute little yellow envelope on my windshield. That happy note informing me that I needed to pay a $50 parking ticket set me off. It “ruined” my day. For the next 30 minutes, I was sullen and sulky. I called my mom and complained, but she was no help. She said it was my own fault. Now, it completely was, but that’s not what I wanted to hear in this at moment! After a while I began to have a series of thoughts ranging from, “this is a horrible day” to “why am I letting this one negative event control how I view the entirety of the day?” I reminded myself that first, I needed to check my privilege. I’m lucky I had such a great day! I had a car to get me around, and I had the spending money to grab a coffee. I made the decision in my mind not to let one bad part of my day put a sour taste in my mouth about my overall feelings. How often do we let that happen? We are convinced nothing worse could arise, that nothing could make the day better. Yet, out of the many good, positive events of the day, we decide to pessimistically focus on the few negatives. Here is a list of things that we can all do to keep ourselves in check, to focus on the good and release the bad.
1. Journal
As cliché as it sounds, writing down your thoughts can be a very effective way of mentally slowing down and focusing. Because we may be writing about all the bad things that have happened in a day, I challenge you to write as much, if not more, about all the good that is going on in your life. Write about the good breakfast you had or the pretty flowers you saw on a walk to class or the person who complimented your outfit. There are many positive aspects of our lives that we need to give intentional thought.
2. Memory Note
If you are not the kind of person who can sit down and write for extended amounts of time, make a memory list or note. This can be as simple as writing one good thing about your day in your planner or alongside your class notes. A friend of mine introduced this to me when I was talking about how I wanted to journal more but wasn’t very good at it. She provided me with this alternative option, which is quicker but allows you to reflect on your day and its best parts.
3. Take a Shower
I don’t know about all of you, but for me, stepping into the shower is like escaping into a private oasis for 15 minutes. A quarter hour of alone time can do wonders. Slowing down your breath can always help as well. In for four seconds, out for five. These calculated actions can calm the body. Focus on the way your body feels. The sounds of the water. And “cleaning” away the negativity…and the grime. Hygiene is important y’all.
4. Unplug
This can be from social media or from the people around you. Limiting social media or screen time can be good. We all need brain breaks occasionally, from stimulating screens as well as people. We all have those friends who take more energy than they give. On days where you are trying to focus on the good and eliminate the bad, surround yourself with people who make you feel at ease, the people who energize you rather than drain you.
5. Meditate or Pray
For many people, meditation or prayer can be a quick but effective use of time. I personally have the app Simple Habit that I use for daily meditation. These five minute, guided meditations are a way of keeping me grounded. They have series that help me to focus on the good, including but not limited to “Find Happiness,” “Cultivating Positive Emotions,” and “Start Your Day with Gratitude.” These reflections encourage us to focus on the positive and not give in to the negative. If you are not one to meditate, praying can be another option. The quiet of a moment with yourself and beliefs, a simple conversation, or word of thanks can ground many people.
It is all about slowing down and realizing how truly lucky we all are. Bad things happen daily. Some days we have truly horrible experiences, and we can’t stop those from happening. But it is in my own personal experience that the good outweighs the bad. I live a pretty amazing life that I need to be more thankful for. Life is amazing. Let us all take a few minutes each day to ground ourselves and appreciate the wonderful opportunities, relationships, beauty, and more that we witness every day.