Ever have one of those days where it feels like the entire day just got off the rails? Life starts to feel out of control. While your rational brain knows these are all little insignificant things happening, the impact has worn on you and you just want a reset button.
We had one of those mornings today.
A bad night of sleep, while already sleep deprived, plus early rising toddler and misbehaving preschooler.
I was emotionally done with today before 8am.
Since I, clearly, cannot actually check out of the day before it's really began, I started my bad day reset tools. These are the things I use to get in a better mood, clear my head, and mother in a less irritated fashion. I start with whatever sounds good at the moment, or just pick one at random.
Drink Water and Have a Snack - When I'm having a bad day, I stop taking care of my own needs because I'm going into crisis mode. Taking 5 minutes to have a snack (preferably with protein in it) and a big glass of water helps me start the train of properly taking care of myself again.
Get Outside - This instantly gives both me and the kids some breathing room. Get some Vitamin D and go slow. You don't even have to go anywhere. Some of our best walks have been going very slowly around the block inspecting all the bugs, flowers, and other critters we find.
Hot Beverage - Something about warm drinks makes me instantly feel cozy. Coffee is my go to, but you could also go for the soothing chamomile tea option.
Aromatherapy - My husband won a bunch of essential oils and a diffuser at his company Christmas party and I have been making excellent use of them! Lavender is an obvious go to when stressed out, but I find mixing it up with other scents helps me snap out of my mental funk. My favorites right now are the Uplift, Fresh, and Focus blends from Everyone.
Pamper Time - If I can take a break (maybe during naptime, have the kids play outside, or have a movie afternoon) I like to do some pamper time things. I make a DIY foot soak with epsom salt, baking soda, and some essential oils. Use a rice sock. Give myself a hand massage with yummy smelling lotion. Sometimes my muscles need a little reminder to stop holding all the tension.
Get Moving - Once the kids are in a more cooperative mood (or at least occupied) I get moving! Turn on some music that makes you happy and have a dance party. Stretching is super great for getting me in a better mood. I will often do my Pilates/stretching rosary to get me reset both physically and spiritually.
Call on Helpers - When it feels like the above tools are not working (which happens sometimes) I call in reinforcements! I might call my husband just to commiserate. Text with a friend. Go to the park and introduce myself to someone new. The goal is to get me out of my mental rut and get re-grounded in reality.
What are some of your bad day reset tools? Do you do something totally different?
These are some great ideas, and I think I employ most of them. My favorites are something warm to drink (usually straight from Starbucks) or turning up some loud music and rockin' out to my jam!
ReplyDeleteI'll try and think of some other fail-safes for me!
Coffee house dates have saved me so many times! Especially on rainy days. I walk down to a neighborhood coffee place with the kids, they split a pastry, and I get a cup of coffee I did not make myself. It's a little treat that can brighten up the day!
DeleteThese are great tools! I think as a mom I feel my days often get derailed:)
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a mom fact of life. Depending on how upbeat I feel/the level of emotional reserves I have available, I can roll with life for a bit. It makes me feel so much better to have this list of options so I can stop the avalanche of overwhelming! Because that avalanche feeling is more of a when than an if.
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