Bad mornings happen to the best of us. Whether it’s nothing going right or everything is annoying because you’re tired, try our tips for turning around a morning to avoid a bad day.
We’ve all been there – it’s 8 am and nothing has gone well. The kids are yelling, you spilled your coffee, and – oops, the car is nearly out of gas.
So what do you do? Give up and accept that because you’ve has a bad morning, you’re bound to have a bad day? No way!
How to turn around a bad morning
Most bad days where nothing seems to go well are due to your morning not going well and then going into the rest of your day in a bad mood. Everything starts to annoy you and you’re not in the right mindset to fix it.
this is especially true when you have little minions running around exsperating the problem.
Today we’re covering how to turn around your day after a less than stellar morning.
Recognize the source.
First and foremost – recognize what it is in your day that is causing the issue. Did you sleep well? Is your kid teething, so he’s extra cranky? Are you stressed about something?
Sometimes simply recognizing the problem can be the game changer you need.
Rationalize.
In the grand scheme of things, is it a big deal, or is it a series of tiny issues mounting. Does a glass of spilled milk really matter? Was it done intentionally?
Rationalizing your mishaps can help you to see it from a different point of view and realize not everything is going bad.
Barter.
Got a whiney kid? Or maybe you just need a little oomph to get yourself motivated for the day. Promise yourself (or your kiddo) a trip to Starbucks or Target. Maybe the promise of a mid-day walk will help snap things into place.
Breath deep.
Seems basic and silly, but close your eyes and take three or four deep breaths and center yourself.
Each time, let your fresh breath get a little deeper. Clear out all of your stressed breath and refill with clean, positve air.
I know this sounds so hippy-dippy, but my college therapist taught me this and it always helps me see things with fresh eyes.
Dance it Out.
We all know I love a good dance party. Hapy music can release stress, increase seratonin, and help your work hrough your problems. We love these playlists:
Best Kid Friendly Songs
Hip Hip Songs for Kids
Clean Country Playlist
Kids Dance Music
Clean Happy Songs
Distract!
Whether it’s you or the kids, a quick distration is great. Try a dance party like we mentioned, or something else. A quick TV show or reading for a few minutes. Maybe heading outside for a few minutes while you finish getting ready for the day.
Get ready!
Speaking of getting ready, if you’re home all day, try putting a bit extra effort into your appearance, even if you’re the only person who will see it. Do your hair, put on some makeup, put on some real pants. It’s a great way to make a bad morning turn into a put-together day.
Talk it out.
Call a friend or family member and do a quick unloading. Sometimes an ear to complain to is all you need to relieve the stress of a bad morning.
Alternately, if your kids are in a mood, try talking it out with them! Figure out the root problem of why they’re upset. You might be surprised that it’s a quick fix!
Count Your Blessings
Sounds simple, but quickly think of all of the GOOD things in your life. Chances are, you have so much to be thankful for that outnumber the icky parts of your early day.
Hug it out.
Hug your partner. Hug your kiddos. Hug your dog.
Studies show us that a simple hug can have some great health benefits, including an increase in your mood.
Go for a drive.
If time allows, throw everyone in the car and take a drive. A destination is optional. Blast some tunes, get some fresh air – it can be a total game changer!
Fresh Air.
On that note, get some fresh air! Whether you’re able to manage a small walk or just a few moments out on your back steps, your mood can greatly benefit from a bit of outside time.
Smile through a bad morning!!
Believe it or not, smiling can actually trick your brain into thinking you’re happy! How crazy is that?! Take a few minutes and smile through it. You might be shocked at how much it turns things around.
Alone time.
Not always possible, especially if you have little kids or are heading into a people-centered job, but if you can manage even 5 minutes of nonstressed alone time, take it. Whether it’s sitting in your car for a few minutes or closing off your bedroom door.
Apologize.
Chances are, during the midst of your bad mroning you said or did somethings that you didn’t mean. Happens to the best of us.
Take a second to talk to your kids or partner or roomates and apologize for being a bit grumpy.
Okay, so What are your go-to ways to recover from a bad morning? Let me know in the comments!
Like this post? You’ll love these!
How to Get Out of the House on Time with Kids
When You’re All Touched Out.
What to do When the Scary World Gets to You
Danielle says
Love this! Great suggestions for those days we all have!!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I definitely go through my fair share of moments like this, and sometimes I can’t help but laugh at how many things are going wrong. There are a lot of times where nothing I do seems to help, but remembering that those ays always pass and that the next day is usually better always seems to get me through!
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
Exactly, I think the most important thing to remember with days like that is that it’s just one day. And tomorrow will be another one.
hmtroupe says
I am sorry about your bad day! Target cures all…oh, and wine too!
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
Yes! Target, where I ineviably spend AT LEAST $20 more than I went in there for. But happily. Imagine is Target had a wine section? Oh boy.
Jessica says
Gotta love a bad day…Just think to yourself…It could always be worse!!!! Love that someone said wine and target…SO TRUE! 🙂
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
Yes, Target and wine can make juuustt about anything better. Today I had to settle for Target and Starbucks since I had the little man in tow, but it got the job done!
Lily Lau says
Aggh those days… I need to save this useful post somewhere close, haha!
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
They’re the worse, but it’s definitely all abut your mind set! Whenever I use this thought process, it immediately seems a little better. (not perfect, especially with a throbbing toe, but definitely better!)
Maria C says
I always feel like it can’t be just one bad thing, it has to be a series of bad things! Good thing the weekend is right around the corner! Not every Target sells wine (why I have no idea!) but there’s always starbucks. I have yet to walk into a target without Starbucks 🙂
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
In NJ only a very few grocery stores sell wine. Other wise you have to go to a liquor store. NJ has really weird and strict liquor guidelines and liquor licenses are really expensive. When I go out of state I’m always weirded out by being able to by beer or wine in a 7-11 or drugstore!
Teash Ology says
Great blog. It’s such an empowering moment when we truly accept that the responsibility is 100% our own for the results we get in a day. Shit can and does happen often, it’s what we do, how we learn, and how we choose to breath in that moment that defines us.
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
Thank you! I definitely agree, once we accept that things happen, life gets much easier!