Having a Bad Day? Here's What to Do!
Everyone has a bad day now and then. But even if you get stuck in traffic on your morning commute, your computer freezes, and a client has some complaints, you can’t let it all impact your performance — or how you lead your team. Here are some pointers for getting the positivity back in your day.
- Turn your frown upside down. It might seem counterintuitive, but the simple act of smiling can reduce your stress and lift your mood, as Nicole Spector reports in her article “Smiling can trick your brain into happiness — and boost your health” for NBC News. When you smile, the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine are released into your brain — and instantaneously make you feel happier!
- Stay grounded. When several things have gone wrong, it’s easy to slip into an “everything or nothing” mindset. But the truth is rarely black and white. Look objectively at the things that are bothering you, and be realistic about how much of an impact they really have.
- Look for the positives. They say every cloud has a silver lining — you just have to find it. If traffic is slow, use the time in your car to make important hands-free calls or think through your workload for the day. If your computer stalls, use pen and paper for a change — your creativity might increase. And if a client has some complaints, see it as an opportunity to improve your product or service.
- Complete your least pleasant tasks first. Do you have to do something you’re not looking forward to, such as giving negative feedback to a team member or creating an entire quarter’s worth of spreadsheets? Procrastination will only make the hurdle seem more challenging. But if you tackle the job early in the day when you still have energy, you can complete your work quickly and efficiently.
- Take a break. If too many things have been going on and you need to catch your breath, take a time out. It’s best if you can get outside for a brisk walk to clear your head — then you can get back to work refreshed and reenergized.
- Be proud of what you accomplish. Completing tasks when you’re having a bad day can be extremely challenging. That’s why you should acknowledge your own hard work by giving yourself a pat on the back — and maybe a delicious chai or coffee drink at lunchtime!
All things considered, no matter what mood you’re in, you have to get through the day. So use these tips to your advantage and you’ll soon start feeling more positive. And that in turn can help you perform better at work and have more fun with your loved ones once you’re back home again.
Sources:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/20-different-ways-to-get-through-a-rough-patch-at-work
https://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-14-ways-to-get-through-tough-times/