5 ways to stay positive on a bad day

Four months ago my typical bad days were accompanied by Ben and Jerrys ice cream, 30 Rock re-runs, and a giant Dr. Pepper. At the time that was the perfect remedy for stupid boys, family issues, and friend drama. Honestly though, the next day I usually felt worse. I knew my method to cope with hurting was hurting my body more than boys, family, or friends had hurt me.

Fast forward to now, Ive had to find different ways to cope with my bad days. On occasion, I let my emotions get the best of me and eat something Im not supposed to, but I really try to be more positive to avoid feeling the need to fill an inner void with food.

Here are 5 ways to stay positive on a bad day. The best part, they wont ruin your diet. :) 

1. Exercise - As hard as it is to workout when you just want to curl up in bed, sometimes the best workouts come from being angry. There have been many nights when Ive gone harder and faster on the treadmill than I ever thought possible because of some pent up anger. Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy. I also feel accomplished when I complete a good workout. Pull yourself out of your funk, pull on some running shoes and leave all your frustrations at the gym.

2. Dream of your happy future - Its a little more complicated than dreaming about it, its actually dreaming then writing. When youre feeling like giving up on your goals, take a half hour to write down a scenario in the future once those goals are accomplished. How do you feel? What has changed? Would you go back to where you were before reaching your goal? I really like the idea of this. Im going to try it tonight. :) Sometimes showing your brain that the future you could have is worth your current frustrations is the perfect kick-start to a better mindset. 

3. Volunteer - I am guilty of throwing the occasional pitty party. Feeling bad for myself usually leads to cheating on my diet. Instead of putting the focus on yourself during a bad day, find someone who is having a rough time and go out of your way to do something nice for them. It really puts into perspective how much good there is in your life when you take the time to be the good in someone elses. 

4. Find inspiration - Its always nice having people to look up to. For me I like to read blogs from women similar to myself when Im having a hard time. Seeing that Im not the only one going through hard situations helps me cope! 

5. Avoid dwelling on the negative - When youre frustrated, its easy to dwell on the situation. You can believe someone said this. You cant believe that this is happening. You dont get why the universe cant line up one thing in your favor. Maybe things arent all that bad. Take a step back from the situation and ask yourself:
-What have I learned
-What will I do differently
-Does thinking about this all night make the situation better?
-Is feeling upset helping or worsening the situation? 

Were all going to experience bad days. Some bad days will be worse than others. Its important to stay positive and keep a healthy mindset. While the initial response will be to curl up in bed and ignore the problem, youll thank yourself the next day when you choose a more positive route! 

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