5 Ways to Feel Better after a Bad Day

The Power of Friends

Who better to relate to your own frustrations than a good friend? Whether you pour out your feelings, have a good laugh or simply chitchat, friends can help turn a bad day around.

When women are stressed, we experience a surge of oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone. When we seek solace in friends, more oxytocin is produced, which has a calming effect. 

Belton mom Cara says that after a rough day, “I usually sit on my back deck with a neighbor momma, drinking iced tea and chatting.”

Exercise

Ever notice how a brisk walk or a game of tennis makes you feel better all over? Medical research proves that exercise has a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.

Darla, a Mission mom of two, says that she relieves the stress of a bad day by “walking with Summer Hits of the '80s (Pandora channel) cranked up on my ear buds.”

Whether you hit the gym for a sweat session, swim a few laps in the pool or simply stroll around your neighborhood, you are bound to feel better, mentally and physically.

Laugh

No joke—laughter can lighten your load mentally. Just like exercise, a good chuckle releases endorphins.

Whitney, a Belton mom of twin 3-year-olds, says that she tries to find something to laugh about after a bad day. “A good full-on belly laugh always makes me feel better!”

I love to watch funny YouTube clips when I’m feeling down. Videos of silly dogs and crazy cats make me laugh on their own; seeing our own puppies’ reaction when they hear barking dogs or meowing cats and can’t locate the source cracks me up.

So call a funny friend, pop in your favorite comedy or rely on your family to provide a few laughs. You’ll soon be saying, “What bad day?”

Alone Time

After a tough day of juggling kids, work, appointments and more, do you daydream of escaping to a tropical island by yourself?

Ahhh…alone time. As busy parents, it’s what we often crave but rarely get. Even a few minutes by ourselves, away from chaos, does wonders for our mental well-being.

Carmen, a Belton mom of three, says that after a bad day, “I like to do something just for me....a mani/pedi, a new pair of sandals or a purse. Nothing too expensive, but it puts me in a good mood.”

Olathe mom Beth agrees that alone time is a necessity. “I run an errand. I’m still being productive, but it also gives me a chance to have a breather.”

Create

Busy hands are sometimes the best stress reliever. I’m not talking about changing diapers and wiping mouths; you do that all day! Take a break to do something you enjoy but don’t often get the chance to.

If you’re an artist, sketch or paint. If you love to bake, whip up your favorite dessert. If gardening is your thing, put on those gloves and dig around in the dirt.

Amber, a Belton mom of two, says, “I crochet—some days more than others!”

Tisha Foley loves alone time after a bad day. She and her family live in Belton.