5 Quick Ways to Fight Your Bad Days

We all have our good and bad days, however, it is very important to know how to handle those days so that you don't spiral deeper into your issues and problems.

When it comes to fighting your bad days, you have to be willing to want to change your habits and recognize the signs of when you're starting to feel bad. Seeing the signs before it is too late is key to having too many bad days. I've learned this lesson the hard way.

During my second year, I didn't recognize the signs that I was sad and fell into a deep depression that I didn't fully recover from until a full year later. I was barely passing my classes and failing some at that and that became my norm; however, at the time I didn't recognize that it was a problem.

I continued to go out and repress the feelings that I felt which made it worse. When I finally came to the terms of reality, I realized that I was doing things that were healthy habits but I didn't do them soon enough and they weren't as prevalent in my daily routine.

After speaking with my therapist, family, and friends, these are the things that I am reminded to do when I don't feel like I am being my best self or am starting to feel negative.

Below I've compiled of things that I've found to be helpful when dealing with bouts of anxiety and depression through my own personal experience.

1. Listen To Music

I've touched on this subject before (actually in a previous blog!) and I still believe that it's one of the best forms of therapy. I've been around music my entire life so naturally, I find comfort in music and it's not just one specific type. Your mood should dictate the type of music you listen to! I have playlists on Spotify that matches every type of mood that I could be in. When I'm dealing with depression I tend to listen to sad/slower albums on repeat like Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey or BALLADS 1 by Joji.

Here's a playlist for when you're feeling down. One for when you're feeling like sunshine. And one for when you're feeling invincible.

2. Exercise

Personally, this is the one suggestion that I rarely follow. I know I'm a bit of a hypocrite. However, when I was younger (in high school), when I would lift for track, I would be tired but I would have this "high" of wanting to lift heavier weights. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.

There's tons of materials online to make the perfect workout and since everyone has different needs, I'll let you explore that on your own!

3. Bake or Cook Something

I love food and when I have down days either all I want to do is eat or I don't want to eat anything at all. There are a few things that I always have to have in my kitchen to ensure that I am not eating too much or too little on these days. I always have to have some type of chip and frozen pizza. Literally any type of chip, but I am a big fan of kettle-cooked chips. I am proudly a chip muncher and I find it very relaxing to hear the crunch of chips when I'm stressed (but only from myself, of course).

Momma's Homemade Chili

1 lb of ground beef (or meat alternative)

2 cans of whole tomatoes

2 cans of crushed tomatoes

1 small can of tomato paste

2 cans of kidney beans

2 cans of chili beans

1-2 packets of chili seasonings

Brown the ground beef in a saucepan. Then add cooked ground beef, beans (you don't have to drain them!), tomatoes and spice packets into a large pot. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once it's cooled, serve with all the fixings (cheese, sour cream and chives- or whatever you like to add)

Better than Chiptole Corn Salsa recipe

Banana Bread recipe

"Slutty" Brownies - Sorry I don't have a better name for these :)

One packet of Cookie Dough

One container of Oreos

One box of Brownie Mix

You can use any type of Cookie Dough and Brownie Mix from the store so buy what you like. First, you'll want to prepare the brownie mix with the directions on the box. Then, you'll start to create the layers to bake the bars. Essentially, you're going to layer the cookie dough on the bottom (make sure the layer is even so it cooks evenly!), Oreos in the middle and Brownie Mix on top. Make sure you put the pan on the highest rack because if the cookies cook too fast, the brownies won't cook and it'll be a mess. When it comes to baking, I use the brownie directions because that'll be a lower heat than cooking cookies.

I've made these bars for so many different occasions and they are a crowd favorite. When I make them at home, they don't last for more than two days. They may not be too good for your health they are darn good for your soul.

4. Use an App!

I understand that therapy can be daunting and expensive (even in my own experience). That's why sometimes when I'm in between sessions since I go every two weeks or so, and I feel myself getting trapped, I tend to get relaxation tips from Calm. It's one of the best apps that I've come across that deals with stress reduction

Come on, tell me the sound of rain isn't the most relaxing thing. This app is perfect if you can find voices soothing and relaxing. I am extremely excited to have a book read to me by Matthew McConaughey

5. Write Down Your Thoughts!

This sounds so little but it is so important! Being able to condense your thoughts and be able to physically see them in front of you is key! Although this may not stop thoughts from running rampant in your mind, I see it as a way to gain more control. I used to hate writing. And I still do on some (most) days. But the days when I seem to be the lowest, writing my feelings and keeping track of them is healthier than trying to remember them solely based on memory. I have a journal and I keep it next to my bed whenever I have bad dreams or when I want to journal right before bed. Your journal doesn't have to be anything fancy, I found mine at Target (on sale) for like $5. Best $5 I've ever spent.