5 Tips to Help Turn That Frown Upside Down

Nothing beats those days where everything seems to work out. You wake up energized, enjoy a delicious breakfast, are productive at work, and catch up with a friend or two. While a positive attitude can improve a frustrating experience, sometimes we just have those not-so-great days where things don’t go according to plan. Thankfully, these tips can help turn any day around.

1. LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE PLAYLIST

Choose songs that make you happy or help you get through a particularly rough patch. It’s scientifically proven that music can help boost your mood and improve everything from physical workouts to cognitive function. When you’re feeling down, scroll through your favorite playlist, belt out the lyrics, and let the music and your brain take care of the rest.

2. ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING SMALL

Getting out of a rut often takes a small action to propel yourself forward again. That could be reading through your emails, organizing your closet, doing some meal prep for the upcoming week, reading a chapter from a book, etc. Accomplishing your goals – no matter how small – will lead to a sense of satisfaction and provide you with something positive to focus on when things go awry.

3. LAUGH IT OUT

Laughing is often great medicine; it produces dopamine, which can lessen anxiety and stress. Watch a hilarious movie, listen to a comedy podcast, or play a rerun of your favorite show that always lifts your mood. Then, make some popcorn, grab a blanket, and settle in on the couch. You’ll feel better by the time the credits start rolling.

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4. SLEEP ON IT

Sometimes, you just need some rest in order to move on from a funk and regain a positive outlook. It’s easier to think straight when you get enough hours of sleep, so make the decision to get to bed a bit earlier. You’ll leave one bad day behind and start fresh the next day.

5. PUT IT INTO PERSPECTIVE

You can turn your day around by remembering that it’s just that, one day. It’s not always easy to see the glass as half full, but reminding yourself of what you are grateful for can help you move on faster. Focus on the good things you have going for you (be that your friends, family, health, your job, or even your general happiness) and it will be easier to come up with a plan of action to address the situation.