6 Simple Ways to Stop a Bad Day in Its Tracks

6 Simple Ways to Stop a Bad Day in Its Tracks

By Jaime Pfeffer

Bad Day Stopper #1 – Call a friend.

There’s a reason the classic song, “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers has stood the test of time: we can all relate to feeling vulnerable and needing to lean on another person at various points in life. Talking out loud about what’s going on in your head and explaining it to someone else helps in myriad ways. For starters, it can assist in clarifying the things we’re worried about according to Reachout.com, a not-for-profit mental health site that specializes in helping young people to get through tough times. Saying things out loud often makes them less frightening or stressful and can add clarity.

Bad Day Stopper #2 – Get outside.

There’s a reason people use the acronym G.O.D. to mean Great Outdoors.

Simply look around the next time you leave your house or office, and you’ll see the handiwork of the Divine everywhere you look. From the gorgeous petals of the peachy-pink hibiscus flower to the intricate crystal patterns of tiny snowflakes, the Universe’s indelible footprint can be found everywhere in nature—making it an opportune place to calm your mind and shift your day.

Bad Day Stopper #3 – Visualize.

Do you have a tendency to rehearse old wounds or project future catastrophes in your head when you’re stressed? If so, try something new the next time you find yourself at the helm of a bad day: visualize things going right.

While this trick does take a concerted effort, it will be well worth it once you get yourself off the “bad day” track.

Here’s how you do it. Instead of flooding your mind with potential catastrophes, put your imagination to good use and conjure up some positive scenarios instead.

As simple as it seems, it’s important to note that, as humans, we are hard-wired toward the negative. In fact, studies show our bias toward negativity lies in the brain. Most scientists and researchers believe it stems from our need to dodge danger in order to survive. Psychologists refer to this as the negativity bias and it can strongly influence your behavior, your decisions, and even your relationships.

But that doesn’t mean it must dominate our lives or that it can’t be overridden.

Noticing and being aware of the tendency to negatively project future possibilities is a great first start in disabling the negativity bias when it isn’t needed.

Another fantastic thing to do—and perhaps one of the quickest and most impactful on this list? Visualize positive scenarios. 

Got a flat tire? Visualize help coming quickly and easily.

Wake up with a sore throat? Imagine it gone by morning’s end. Better yet, visualize yourself telling someone you know, “I feel so much better! I’m so happy I didn’t worry about this!”

Sure, it may seem totally out of the question at the moment because your body or circumstance is telling you something different, but when it comes down to it, what have you got to lose?

Bad Day Stopper #4 – Surrender.

Although it can be difficult to do, one of the best ways to stop a bad day in its tracks is to completely surrender.

Throw your arms in the air, take a deep breath in, and exhale it out by saying, “Ahhhhh.”

Stop fighting whatever it is you’re fighting for and take a step back.

Commit to the idea that maybe you don’t know all the details going on behind the scenes. And believe and have faith that everything is working out in your favor.

In addition, I usually say some sort of verbal statement such as:

“I now surrender all energies, thoughts, and feelings about this person/place/situation to you, Universe. Placing my trust in you, I ask that you handle this as you see fit. I ask you to do this in the highest and best interests of all those involved.”

Bad Day Stopper # 5 – Start over.

One of the best tools I’ve ever learned in stopping a bad day in its tracks is the idea of starting my day over—even if it’s the middle of the day. Sometimes, all it takes to do this is a conscious decision, a few deep breaths, and some good old-fashioned acting. Pretending it’s a great day and acting as if it is, can help change everything for the better.

Other times, I need a little more—like a splash in the face with some cold water or the physical act of crawling back into bed and reemerging as if I just woke up and am starting a fresh day. Whatever the case, the important thing is to trick your mind into thinking you’re starting anew.

Bad Day Stopper #6 – Zoom out.

 Another effective tool for stopping a bad day in its tracks is to take a higher perspective. How? One way is to imagine you’re an observer of your life. Take a metaphorical “step back” and imagine watching your day play out below you. Take out as much emotion as you can, and see things from a higher, more objective perspective.

Bad Day Stopper – Conclusion.

Please know my aim is not to minimize any trauma or pain that may come your way. My goal is to help you recognize the power of your thoughts and the things you say—and to realize you are paving your future with your perspective with the things you say. You do have power over the things you say, the things you do, and how you choose to react.

About Jaime

From success coach to teacher, to intuitive and author, Jaime Pfeffer wears a variety of hats. After struggling with anxiety for years, Jaime experienced a spiritual awakening and her life has never been the same! Today, her words and inspiration appear everywhere including Forbes, Washington Post, Thrive Global, Hay House, Body Mind Spirit Guide, NBC, and many more. Jaime helps people do what she did—create the lives of their dreams—with easy, fun, and effective methods. Her mission is to uplift, helping people feel consistently happier, more abundant, and confident in their lives. Visit jaimepfeffer.com for information or consultations.