We all have days (or weeks) where things just don’t go our way. Maybe it’s a small inconvenience or something bigger that throws everything off. It’s easy to get caught up in those moments, letting them cloud our mood, our focus, and sometimes even our entire day. I’ve been there too, often dwelling on what went wrong and wondering how much worse it could get. But over time, I’ve learned a few things about how to navigate through these moments—and I want to share what has helped me.
1. Accept What You Can’t Change
The first thing I remind myself of when something goes wrong is simple: Can I change this? If the answer is no, then there’s no point in spending time overthinking it. If it’s something I can fix, then I focus on the actions I can take to improve the situation. But for things outside of my control, I’ve learned to let them go. This doesn’t mean ignoring what’s happened, but rather, not allowing it to dominate my thoughts.
2. Shift Your Focus
When I find myself stuck in those negative thoughts, I try to redirect my energy to something productive. I’ve built a go-to list of activities that help me feel better, and it’s been a game-changer for my mental health. Here’s what works for me:
Exercise: Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout, or some yoga, exercise helps me release stress and get those endorphins flowing.
Cleaning or organizing: Tidying up my space not only distracts me but gives me a sense of accomplishment that immediately lifts my mood.
Tackling my to-do list: Nothing beats the dopamine rush of crossing things off my list. Even the smallest tasks can bring a sense of progress and control back to my day. Each of these activities helps me to shift away from the negative thoughts and focus on something I can achieve, however small that might be.
3. Focus on Your Happy Hormones
Instead of turning to comfort food (which can sometimes feel like the easy fix), I’ve found that doing things to naturally boost my happy hormones works much better in the long run. Here’s how I approach it:
Endorphins: As mentioned, exercise is a great way to get these flowing, but even something like laughing or watching a funny video can give me a boost.
Dopamine: Completing tasks, as small as they might be, gives me the dopamine hit I need to feel motivated and positive again.
Serotonin: Singing a song, listening to music, or spending time outside can boost serotonin levels. I’ve found that even a few minutes of these activities can brighten my mood significantly.
4. Find What Works for You
Of course, everyone is different. What works for me might not work for you, but I encourage you to experiment and find what lifts you up. Maybe it’s meditation, cooking, or even calling a friend. The key is to focus on things that help you shift out of that negative space and into something more positive.
Summing up..
While nothing I do can erase a big tragedy or make every bad day go away, these practices have definitely helped me feel better and recover more quickly. By focusing on what I can control and using actions that boost my happy hormones, I’m able to turn even the worst days around—or at least make them a little more manageable. So, next time something goes wrong, I challenge you to give it a try.
Work on your happy hormones, focus on the positive, and remember that while you can’t control everything, you can always control your mindset 🙂