15 Ways to Help Yourself Feel Better After A Bad Day

Not the frozen pizza kind either. Make something you love to eat even if it’s a grilled cheese sandwich. The distraction will keep your mind off your day and you get to reward yourself with delicious food. You can even go as far as setting the table and lighting some candles.

When everything else in your life feels like it’s falling apart, sliding into a routine you’re comfortable with can help you feel a lot better. If the first half of your day has gone to shit, at least you know what to expect in the afternoon. If you can’t commit to a full-day thing, establishing a morning ritual can start your day off on high note, setting the tone for the rest of your day.

If you haven’t spent time on your yoga mat in a while — or at all— try a simple video from YouTube like Yoga with Adriene to find your om and stretch out of your funk. You don’t have to be bendy or push yourself a lot, just a few deep breaths and a downward dog or two will bring you back to your old self.

Whether you visit your favourite cafe or steep a pot of tea at home, wrapping your hands around a warm beverage has a magical way of healing. Drink slowly and enjoy the warmth going down to your belly. Breath, and drink some more.

Hygge is the Danish ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Think candles, comfy clothes, a warm pot of soup on the stove and a good book. There are many other ways to go hygge, all which require little effort and no cost. If you’re feeling overwhelmed from the day, hygge may be the answer.

Grab your headphones and put it on your favourite mix and walk it out. Down the street, down the hall or to a neighbourhood you’ve never been to. Any sort of light activity that’ll get you out of your head and away from your office or your schedule will help.

Whether it’s with your bestie or alone, there’s something thrilling about going to the theatre. Maybe it’s the buttery popcorn, or your favourite actor on the big screen, whatever it is, it’s sure to take your mind off of your chaotic day and make you feel loads better.

Sometimes no matter how much we try not to, you just have to vent. If you have a friend who will listen, set a time limit and just dish out everything and anything that’s on your mind. Maybe you’ll cry, maybe you’ll laugh, regardless you’ll be getting it off your chest. If you can’t vent to a person, write it all down on paper and tear it to shred it to pieces when you’re done. Doesn’t that feel great?

Spending time on social media is something we’re all guilty of doing a little too much. If you find yourself endlessly scrolling through Instagram with no rhyme or reason, unplug for a few hours and do something that doesn’t involve a screen. Not only is it good for your physical self, but it also does wonders for your mental health.

As much as you’d like to pick up a bottle of wine (or two), the best thing to give your body after a crappy day is water. Drink a cool glass of H2O and just chill. Add a squeeze of lemon or some fresh mint leaves to add a special touch. Once you're done, fill your glass up and drink some more.

Wash away the impurities from your day and have a good soak. Use the fancy bath salts you got for Christmas last year or the smelly shower gel that always seemed too fancy for a regular day. Take as long as you need, condition your hair and just let all your worries wash away. Bonus points if your bath or shower is followed up by your pyjamas (no bra needed).

Sometimes all you can do is nap. Grab your favourite blanket, lay your head down a pillow and take a 30-minute snooze to reset. Sometimes things can feel too overwhelming and the thought of doing another task or activity is too much to mentally and physically handle. Taking a few minutes of rest will calm down your mind and body and allow you to start fresh when you wake up.

If you haven’t picked up your guitar in a while, maybe now is a good time to revisit your songbook and strum a few chords. Similarly, if you haven’t tried a new DIY project yet, like this adorable pom-pom rug, grab your tools and get making.

Whether it’s heavy metal, 90s pop or today’s hits, music heals the soul and is the perfect way to cheer yourself up after a bad day. Grab your hairbrush and belt into it like a microphone and use your couch as your stage. The more ridiculous the better.

If you’re in the middle of a meeting and feel like you’re about to have a mental breakdown, step out for a few minutes and rinse your hands in cold water. The extreme temperature change cools down your system and leaves you feeling refreshed — similar to if you splashed cold water on your face but without the running mascara.