Life Lessons

How To Feel Good When You're Having A Bad Day

6:35 AM

How To Feel Good When You're Having A Bad Day

How to feel good when you're having a bad day? Is that even possible? Well, you can't always have it all. Things won't always go your way. That's part of life. But that doesn't mean you're not going to be okay. Here are ten ways you can turn that frown around.

1. Take a step back or walk away for a while.

Seeing things correctly is easier when you step back and look at things from a third person's perspective. Try to detach yourself from the situation when you're having a bad day. It will help you think clearly and see the bigger picture.

Beyonce walking

2. Do something you enjoy or love.

Go out. Take a walk. Read a good book. Watch a feel-good film. Eat your favorite food. Browse through cute dog photos. When you're having a bad day, do something that can take your mind off what's bothering you, even for just a few hours.

Lorelai Gilmore gif

3. Talk to your support team.

You must have people in your life whom you can always count on when things go wrong. People who always lift your spirit up. When you're having a bad day, you need a solid team behind you to make you feel good.

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow - Swedish Proverb

Friends cast hug

4. Dance!

You may not love dancing, but when you dance with abandon, happy hormones start pumping up, and you feel better afterward. That's because dancing has fantastic health benefits.

Some people do yoga or work out. But I think dancing is so much more enjoyable.

When you're having a bad day, turn up the volume of your jam and dance like no one is watching. Or follow Taylor Swift's advice: shake it off.

Taylor Swift shake it off dancing

5. Write down your feelings.

This one does magic. Writing down how you feel lightens the burden you carry as you unload it through the power of pen and paper. Or in our digital world, when you type it away. Try it to see for yourself.

Nick New Girl gif

6. Remember the good times.

When was the last time you laughed so hard your tummy hurt?

Remember when...?

Remind yourself of the good times. 

If you're a Harry Potter fan like me, you know how the wizards drive away Dementors. They think of one moment when they felt truly, genuinely happy. And from that memory, they conjure a Patronus.

That's where they get the strength to fight off that evil creature that tries to suck out their happiness and fill them with dread and misery. Which represents depression.

Not familiar with the Patronus charm? How about Peter Pan? Remember how they fly? A little pixie dust plus happy thoughts.

Peter Pan fairy dust

7. Accept it.

No matter how optimistic you try to be, things will sometimes go wrong. You may never receive that apology. Forgive them anyway. The sooner you accept the fact that life is not always fair, the easier it will be to go through the tough times. Life isn't perfect, so stop sweating the small stuff.

I grew up gif

8. Pray/Worship/Meditate.

It's hard to give thanks, pray, or worship when things aren't how we want them to. It's hard to focus and find your center. 

But "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Your heart changes when you pray. You humble yourself. You free yourself from those impossible to handle and allow the Miracle Worker to work in your life.

You focus on what is really essential in life. And when you do, you realize that whatever makes your day terrible is but a tiny speck in the universe.

worship song gif

9. Hug your pet.

That is, of course, if your pet is huggable or not, uhm, wild.

Studies show dogs are therapeutic. Why not try getting yourself a furry friend? Their loyalty is beyond compare, too.

toddler hugging a St Bernard dog

10. Remember that it's not permanent.

Seasons change. Today may be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day like Alexander's, but it's only temporary. Experiencing loss, rejection, betrayal, or failure is all part of the package. It sucks, I know, but we wouldn't know our strength and our potential when everything is always okay. We'll never know what a good day is if bad days don't happen. We will not appreciate abundance if we have not experienced emptiness.

Toy Story gif

When you're having a bad day, remember it's just what it is: a lousy day. It's not a bad life. At least it's not unless you make it.

You still have a choice: wallow in misery or turn it around.

You can always choose to feel good even when you're having a bad day.

Trust me. I've had a bad day today, but I still wrote this. 😉

How do you handle a bad day? Do share in the comments!


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Gifs from Giphy

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127 comments

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  1. I love this life lessons. So far I've followed most of these tips, and I think this is the best attitude to go through life. These will always be my go-to rules. Wonderful and useful, my dear :) Kisses

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  2. I paste a big goofy smile on my face and keep on going. After a while the smile becomes real and I am more able to deal with whatever upset me in the first place.

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  3. There are always those pesky bumps in the road that show up now and then.

    Have a bump free day. ☺

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  4. What an excellent post, Lux! It is full of powerful suggestions to chase away the blues. I have used every one in the past, and they work! Have a great day tomorrow!

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  5. Dearest Lux,

    I love your list here! Speaking of humour, I saw something quite a while back...it is a Polish Proverb and is quite funny, and it works for me. When I run into situations or people that affect me in a negative way, I remember the Polish Proverb..."Not my circus, not my monkeys." LOL! It snaps me back into a good mood again. And pets are fantastic, I have a black and white, green eyed cat named Romeo who is almost 2 years old and he is great at keeping me in a good mood. Your posts are so heartfelt, I really appreciate them. Hugs.

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  6. You have a nice post! :)
    A lot are trying to be fine even if they're not!
    Funny yet true..

    Stay in Style
    Karen @ Lookbook Store Blogspot

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  7. Hi, dear Lux! Every one of these suggestions is a gem. When I'm having a bad day I lighten up and find humor in it. I listen to music, dance and have fun. When you are busy having fun you do not focus on your upsets. A "support team" that is entirely in your mind can be just as powerful and help you just as much as connecting with real friends. In my training I was taught to assemble an imaginary group of advisers that I could go to for advice. As members of your dream team you may choose great world leaders, teachers, relatives who influenced you - anybody living or dead who inspires and empowers you. Imagine what your dream team would tell you to do in any given situation. How would they have handled it? It works - try it! "Fire an anchor" and go back in time, remember and re-experience how you felt during the happiest moments of your live. Hug and play with your pet. Animals draw us out of ourselves. Giving them love and affection makes us feel better. No matter what's bringing you down you need to remember that all things must pass, the good times and the bad. You will bounce back.

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  8. Oh, some great ideas in your list. I especially like the dance one too.

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  9. awww i love this! your blog is so inspirational!

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  10. Dance. Even when no one's looking. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  11. Nice all these little tips to feel better!!

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  12. I love such posts. When I am feeling sad going out just for a walk or jog. Also could get a shower and after it all my sorrows go away.

    I loved:
    "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

    Have a blessed day and keep making people happy! Love, Liuba x

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  13. Lux, a great list of advice for a down day, and I love all the little videos you have posted along with it. Hope your day is a happy one!

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  14. Lux, I love your tips... I exercise and dance.. both of these help me to feel better. Serving someone else helps me a great deal xox ♡

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  15. ;)very true,

    I write down my thoughts....................

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  16. Dancing is such a good one, or listening to great music

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  17. I so agree with your life lessons here. Espeailly remember the good time and accepted what life has brings us!

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  18. You are a amazing Woman <3
    Love this Post ,and i need this Post ,thank you :)

    lots of Hugs

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  19. A great list! When life is getting me down having a piece of chocolate and taking time to just pet my cat really does help! All that purring -- you have to feel better!

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  20. Hi Lux! You have such a gift for putting videos and images with your words. They are just perfect. And I love each and every one of your points too. Prayer and coffee. Those are my 'go to' things!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  21. Oh yes to dancing, and pet hugging! I try to make myself laugh, laughing always makes you feel better, there is even scientific proof.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  22. Great post. Now I know what to click on when I'm having a rough day. :)

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  23. Amazing post, this is what i need now.
    http://www.thestylegalaxy.com/

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  24. Nice Post !!!!!



    Kiss

    http://www.thetrendysurfer.com/

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  25. great post darling
    would you like to pass from my blog?
    fashion blogger
    kiss

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  26. Thanks for these tips, writing my feelings down always helps me, also dancing! Keep in touch xx

    Join my giveaway
    www.sarahrizaga.blogspot.com

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  27. Great tips! Coffee always helps. I think I already drank 6 cups :D

    xx

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  28. J'adore tes suggestions! pour moi j'aime bien écouter une comédie et en parler à mon mari ou à mes amies ♥♥

    Gros bisous et bon week end

    Manon

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  29. Really good tips! Hugging a pet always works for me. ;-)

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  30. Shake it off Yay!!!! :D

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  31. Attitude is often all about choice! I think it's important to remember that no one can make you feel bad about yourself but you... it's nice to have a go-to list of reminders about how to get out of a bad mood! Thanks for sharing.

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  32. Hugging my cat definitely helps. Drinking tea and reading something cute (such as Chi's Sweet Home) is also helpful :)

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  33. I am sure after writing this, your day became better! I love animals and it the one with the pets is so cute! It's hard to be positive on a bad day, but you definitely can help yourself. Thanks for those tips! The gifs are hilarious!

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  34. These are perfect lessons, Laughter is so true, it always makes me feel so much better :) Happy weekend lovely xx

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  35. Oh yes hugging can make you feel good too :)

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  36. Hello girl! Great blog you have!
    Would you be interested in following eachother on GFC? Let's keep in touch!
    xo from Italy,
    Have a nice weekend!
    Sonia Verardo
    http://www.trenchcollection.com/

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  37. thanks for that :) .. it is something that I needed today

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  38. Hi Lux,

    Very wise words. Just hope that I can implement it when I am having a bad time.

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  39. Great post! So many good ideas to keep us from becoming stuck in a bad day. Many blessings to you ❤️

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  40. This is a great list! I love no. #4 and #9!

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  41. Hi Lux!

    These ideas are fabulous! The one that never fails is hugging my Boston Terrier! My idea of stepping away is "cleaning" off the bad rubbish of the day by soaking in a hot bubble bath and feeling totally refreshed and rejuvenated!

    (='.'=)
    -Lauren
    adorn la femme

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  42. great ideas,always trying to remember the good times is a nice trick

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  43. This is a great list! I just dance and then hug my dog :)

    Rachel xxx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

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  44. Very good tips
    My absolute go to is talking to loved ones

    www.jbshares.com

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  45. I love this list, Lux! Prayer and dancing seem to be my go-to's to feel better. The sillier the song and the dancing the better.

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  46. Great life lessons! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  47. Fabulous! I always take away a smile when I've read your posts. Thank you!

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  48. Amazing post!
    Have a nice week end!
    Photographer Gil Zetbase
    http://www.gilzetbase.com/

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  49. Pantene é uma marca muito boa, né?! ;)

    Adorei as dicas. Quando estou em um dia ruim eu faço algo que gosto - Como beber um bom café.

    Ótimo sábado!

    Beijo! ^^

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  50. Yesterday was a terrible day. I prayed a lot to get out. And then I felt a little better. I went out running and now I feel more balanced... :)))
    I love your posts!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  51. this is a cool and helpful list ... we all have bad days sometimes, so it's good to know in advance what steps we can take to feel a bit better hopefully :)

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  52. All great ways to get over a bad day. I can thoroughly recommend hugging a pet.

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  53. i like to cook on a bad mood day :)

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  54. When I am having a bad day, worship music always draws me back to peace and to His presence. Thank you for sharing at The Weekend Brew!

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  55. great tips! writing is definitely the thing i use most:-) x

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  56. I do most of these, my fave is to take my dogs for a walk they love trails and just love how happy they get when they are out there :)

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

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  57. You are so good at this! I love these suggestions and will be implementing some of them when I have a bad day.
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  58. I love that there is such positivity and reality in all your posts, it is truly inspiring :)

    See you Lux xx

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  59. Dancing & laughter are the best ~ Thanks for sharing ~

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  60. What a fun and positive post, also those gives made it so much better even! I just try to nap (if possible) watch HIMYM, always helps, or take a bath/shower!

    XO Naomi in Wonderland

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  61. We all have bad days ... but it's only a matter of time before the good days are back :-)

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  62. Great advice for tough days! I'm always trying to make myself laugh a little and then try to look at things in different perspective :)


    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

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  63. Such a lovely post..I needed it badly :)

    www.freshfacebeauty.in

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  64. These gifs make me laugh :) Great advice!! (as always...)


    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  65. Good clips to go with every suggestion.
    Beautiful Lux G.

    Have a fantastic Week!
    God Bless

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  66. I follow the Hug your pet point everytime! Really helps!
    Love,
    Nilu Yuleena
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

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  67. That is really helpful. But, I think, all it needs is the will.

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  68. Lux! How cute is your post? Love it. You have awesome ideas. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith. I am so glad you joined us.

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  69. All of these are a good reminder to me with especially good timing because I have been struggling massively with the case of the blahs recently.

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  70. Hi there, Just stopping by to say “Happy Mother’s Day” to you. I’m sure you are having a fabulous day. I celebrated yesterday when one of my sons and his beautiful wife came to see us….

    As you probably know, we’ve been out-of-town this past week and I haven’t done any blogging much at all. I hope you enjoyed my two Tulip blog posts while we were gone——and be sure and tune in tomorrow morning to find out what we’ve been doing this past week….

    Enjoyed your post today! When I get 'down' ---I do one (or both) of these things: Get outside in nature AND/OR listen to music.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  71. What an excellent post! You gave so many great ideas. I should print this out. :) I am always amazed at how much dancing helps- even though I am not good at it. Hugging a pet helps me too. Thanks for all the ideas!
    ~Jess

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  72. Great post Lux.. I like the idea of dancing :D

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  73. Nice post dear.

    http://teryskills.blogspot.pt/

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  74. How do I handle a bad moment, a bad day? I remember that Jesus lives inside of me. He doesn't just live in my heart, he lives in every cell of my body. It's a continual hug! And he does this because I'm so special to him! He loves me so much that he holds me and never wants to let me go and he never will! Remembering that usually helps quite a bit. 80)

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  75. I good list of reminders for me today! Thank you. I feel better already.

    Lily

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  76. Great tips!
    www.alessandrastyle.com

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  77. Oh Lux... this is just perfect!! Your advice is truly applicable to me today!! Thank you for reminding me of ways to handle these kinds of days.... I have done a few of these, but now off to do the rest!! You are so wise, my friend. These are excellent tips. :)

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  78. Taking a walk is effective. Even though some of my coworkers find me irresponsible for doing it when everyone is cramming, when I'm stuck at something and don't know what to do, I take at least a 15 minute walk because it triggers my mind to refresh. And while on my walk I also grab an ice cream or doughnut :)

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  79. Yes, take a step back and look perspective is a great idea!

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  80. So many good ideas here! I love that you said hug your pet. That definitely works! This is my dog miko: http://happyafterthewedding.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-new-addition-to-family.html Walking and playing with him is like therapy.

    I also like your tip about prayer. I try to say a quick prayer when I am having a bad moment or I feel myself getting angry. I ask Him to help me sort through my feelings and get through them without sinning.

    If I could add something, I would suggest to never say I'm having a bad DAY. Don't let the negativity have your entire day. I always tell myself I'm just having a bad MOMENT.

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  81. When I am having a bad day or feel upset for some reason I always take a step back. It's usually my initial reaction which I like because it is very helpful. And the second thing I often do is go and read, which is basically something I love. So I have two of these nailed down!

    I think maybe talking to the support team and dancing might be the hardest. Mostly because I am not the best dancer xD And also when I am down I do tend to close myself off from the outer world a bit :/

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  82. Oh Luxy!! I love love love this list you compiled. I apply most of this everyday I wake up and it helps me through the day. **big teddy hug**

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  83. Hi Lux! Another great post and look at all those comments! Wow, I feel lucky to have found your blog. Your suggestions are great and there are even a few extras in the comments. Thanks so much for putting it all together!

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  84. So many great tips here, Lux! My pets are wonderful at bringing me out of a funk. I've been a little down the last couple of days and have been focusing on rest. I totally agree about finding something you enjoy. I love getting lost in a movie which is something I'm planning for today :).

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  85. Great tips, doll!

    Happy Tuesday!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  86. I am usually always smiling and positive, but once in a while I have a bad day. Sometimes I want to be alone, not to affect others around me with bad energy, but sometimes I need that shoulder to cry on. Depends on situation for sure. Lovely post darling. Have a great day. Kiss,



    Mel
    http://livingoncloude9.com/

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  87. 3rd, 8th and 10th. These are actually the things which makes me overcome anything. With the company of good friends and with God, I feel always feel loved and never alone. :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  88. I absolutely love that first quote. I definitely try to find the humour in things. I love to dance for an instant pick-me-up. If nobody is home, I turn on my music and dance and sing like I'm a huge pop star haha My dog also always makes me feel better as does getting outside for some fresh air.

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  89. Great tips!
    I love your gifs!
    xoxo

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  90. So many good thoughts! I often sing when I am down. It really helps, especially praise songs.Thank you.

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  91. Great and positive thoughts, thanks for sharing!

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  92. This was such a wonderful post. I think it's so important to remember, that trouble doesn't last always. I absolutely loved reading this. Amazing post.

    K / House of KTS (formerly known as Pure & Complex)
    www.houseofkts.com

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  93. Such a perfect post!! Just what i needed, Lux! <3 I love how your posts are always so so inspirational!! <3 I love them!! <3

    http://anshul90.com

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  94. Great post. I listen to my favorite music, talk to my best friend, or put in a dvd that I know will have me laughing in no time at all... :)

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  95. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!! nailed it over and over and over again. <3

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  96. I like #1 and #8. It is good to get some perspective and get away from your emotions. Visiting from #RaRalinkup

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  97. I loved this! ACCEPT is so hard but sometime you just have to BE. And hug your pet...brilliant!

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  98. It is true that having a bad day will give us something to compare it with when we have a good day. May God grant you only good days - now that you know the difference. When stuff happens, ask Jesus to fill that empty spot and then find a pet to hug. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story. I enjoyed all your points of suggestions - they are really good !

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  99. I feel a whole lot better just for reading your suggestions! Brilliant!
    Keith's Ramblings

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  100. I think these are all good suggestions. That bad day will turn around with these!

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  101. Have a lovely day Lux!
    Xx,
    Nilu Yuleena
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

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  102. Really valid suggestions, hope to remember them on my next 'bad day' - especially no. 10!!

    Rosa
    Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com

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  103. Write, take a walk...spend money maybe :)

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  104. Thanks for sharing at #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup ! I featured your post this week; hope you'll stop by again!

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  105. Well inspiration is needed to feel good when we are having some bad situations

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  106. You are so inspiring Lux... I love how you find the good in things even when life is tough ♡♡♡

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  107. YUP to all of the above! I always need to physically force myself to step back and walk it off and go breathe and chill out. Then once I can refocus and regain my clarity, it's so much easier to look at the situation objectively and move forward!

    cominguprosestheblog.com

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  108. Hey, Lux! Great list of things to do when you are having a bad day! My Disney heart loves all the references to Toy Story and Peter Pan! Hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

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  109. Love this. And Gilmore Girls is my go to feel good show :-)

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  110. All of these are great but I think the one that we all easily forget is the last one...

    thanks for the smile!
    @spreadingJOY

    Marie

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  111. Thanks for such an upbeat post for when we are feeling down. We can all take some time to do these things to bring our heart joy

    In His Service
    Brett and Rose
    @ChristianRep

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  112. Stopping by from the #JoyHopeLive link up! YES and YES! I appreciate this post since it serves as a reminder that I'm not the only one who has bad days. For #9 instead of pets, I hug my kids. :)

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  113. These are all great tips. I think for me, acceptance and prayer work best. Prayer gives me a chance to put things into perspective. Accepting that some days are just like this gives me the ability to just keep doing the next thing and remembering to breathe.

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  114. I love this post, it is a great inspiration.
    flò

    http://lafloppola.blogspot.it

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  115. Thanks for the beautiful posts and tips to the happy life. I just love to read the whole stuff you shared with us.
    https://copaamerica.live

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  116. This is a most important blog and it’s a very helpful for us . Thanks for sharing .

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  117. Wonderful article, It really useful for me, Thanks for sharing with us.

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  118. This is an inspirational post you have published . Thank you .

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  119. It was so incredible, this one was published. I enjoyed reading it and think it was well-written. I appreciate it.

    Wedding Photo Retouching

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