How To End Your Day On A Positive Note

We all have those weeks that are a major bummer and we're just in desperate need of ways to end the day on a good note. Whether you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, work just didn't go the way you liked, or, unfortunately, someone else caused your day to go south. Either way, you shouldn't let the mundane instances ruin your beautiful day. There are plenty of ways to turn things around, but it all comes down to how you want to perceive the world.

For most, like myself, it's hard for us to get out of our heads. I, for one, like to repeat instances of an event that had happened over and over in my head. How could I have done it better? What could I have done differently? It's really not healthy, and I wish I could stop it. But, while it might be hard for me to defeat these little thoughts to stop recurring in my head, I try to take the rest of my day to recount all the beauty and positivity that did happen, instead. It doesn't take much, but there are a lot of ways to turn your day around. Instead of dwelling on the negative, do a few of these steps every day to help make your day #flawless.

1. Write In A Journal

This is my personal favorite. Even if you are not a writer, it's a really great thing to just jot down your thoughts with an old-fashioned pen and paper. It will relieve some stress and possibly make you think of things in a way you never thought before. When I write my thoughts down, I start to realize if I sound ridiculous or if I actually feel validated for my feelings. Plus, did you know that it's actually healthy for you? Dr. James Pennebaker, author of Writing to Heal stated that he has seen an improved immune function when it comes to writing exercises. Pennebaker said, "When we translate an experience into language we essentially make the experience graspable." It's essentially a way to free your mind from the chaos that is inside your head.

2. Listen To Good Music

You know you are always put in a good mood when your jam comes on the radio. You either immediately want to dance, or burst out singing your favorite lyrics. But when your day has been complete crap, music will be there for you to reduce that stress that the day just conveniently left you with. A study from the Banaras Hindu University indicated that music can lower blood pressure as well as stress and cortisol levels. So that Beyonce song you love so much is actually good for you.

3. Watch A Comedy Movie Or TV Show

Laughing is the best way to relieve stress, especially when you are around friends that you care about. But when you don't have that luxury of hanging out with your besties, try catching a flick or a TV show that you know will instantly put you in a good mood. Not only will your favorite comedy show relieve stress, but it will also stimulate your mind. In an article for the Huffington Post, neuroscientist Dr. Scott Weems said, "Comedy is like mental exercise, and just as physical exercise strengthens the body, comedy pumps up the mind." If you are feeling down about your work or your job, try watching a comedy to boost up your mind and to help you complete more tasks. Now watching Netflix doesn't seem so bad, after all.

4. Talk To A Loved One

Sometimes, you just need to vent. When you have something on your mind, and journaling didn't help, try texting or picking up the phone to talk to someone that you know will listen to your issues. Venting can sometimes be perceived as a bad thing, but it really has a lot of benefits when it comes to expressing yourself and your worries. Clinical psychologist Leon F. Seltzer discussed the benefits of venting in a 2014 article published in Psychology Today. He believes that talking about your worries to a loved one can help provide cathartic release. It also helps when you know internally that you are being heard and all your feelings seem to be validated. If you can't get something off your mind, don't be afraid to ask your friend to listen. I do it all the time, and while I probably owe them a full bar of drinks for how many times they have listen to my concerns, at the end of the day, it feels great knowing that I have friends who will help me feel better.

5. Make A List Of Things You Are Grateful For

When your world seems small after a rough day, it's better to try to see the big picture. While the little problems might feel like a river of issues that is constantly over-flowing, always remember there are bigger problems in the world. It's always a good idea to practice gratitude. According to a 2003 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, if you practice gratitude everyday, it will change your outlook on life — it will make you look at situations more positively.The way you perceive the world can truly influence not only how you feel about yourself, but how you feel about others, too.

6. Help Someone In Need

It's really never a bad idea to help others when they are in need. While you might not be able to do this every day, it's always a good idea to take some time out of your day to help someone when they need it most. If your friend needs to vent, take 10 minutes to listen or go to their house to spend sometime together. Any type of compassion from your end will lift someone's spirits and in return, lift yours — literally. Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside co-authored a study published on Oprah that found when you help others it gives you a "helper's high." Lyubomirsky said, "Each action has a cumulative effect. The more nice things you do, the more people will respond positively toward you, and the better you'll feel."

7. Mediate Or Exercise

If there are two things that I wish I did more of, it would be these two. If you want the best of both worlds, try doing yoga. According to a research which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, they made 22 patients who all had some sort of anxiety or panic disorder to try mediation for three months. The results? Twenty of those patients saw positive results by reduction of their panic and anxiety disorders. If that doesn't make you want to mediate, then I don't know what will.

In the end, your mind is a pretty powerful organ. Don't let those bad days control your life when you know that you can turn it around. There is nothing wrong with taking these steps to better your life by not only for you, but for others around you, too.

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