Put that bucket of ice cream away…

and do not press play on that sad rom com.

You already know what happens anyway. What I bet you don’t know is why you woke up feeling blue and how to not let it get the best of you. Truth is, we all have bad days. Days where we wake up feeling unmotivated, unloved, and unavailable for existing. It happens. To everyone.

However, there is a way to conquer these blues. Without stuffing your face and wallowing in self-pity. Because, let’s be honest. That’s an unhealthy coping mechanism. Take a deep breath and get ready to turn your day around. I’m going to reveal the secrets for turning that frown upside down and approaching even the darkest day with positive energy.

Get Some Physical Activity In

gif source

It seems like the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling down is work out, however, exercise is a great way to release endorphins, which are your body’s “feel-good” chemicals. Take a walk, do some yoga/cardio, or viciously dance to BTS’ “Dark & Wild” album. Whatever it is, you’ll feel better instantly and it will set a productive tone for the rest of your day.

Eat Some “Good For You” Food

Feeling sad usually means cravings for unhealthy food and snacks. I mean, cmon, Hot Cheetos taste 20x better when you’re crying. Am I right? Just me? Anyways, binging on junk food and takeout is only going to make your blues even worse. Your mental and physical state are intertwined; feed one and the other one eats. So, maybe instead of logging into your Doordash account, eat something that will fuel you. Try a vegan pizza or some apple slices with peanut butter.

Journal. Journal. Journal.

gif source

Whip out a journal and write away. This can help you channel your emotions in a healthy, artistic way and really allow you to be in touch with yourself, what you’re feeling, and why you’re feeling that way. I recommend writing a gratitude list; reflecting over what you are thankful for uplifts your mood and outweighs the bad. If you’re tempted to cut out pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio and make collages, do it. It’s, um, therapeutic.

Have A Dance Party/Concert For Yourself, By Yourself

There’s nothing that boosts your confidence and mood like dancing around and singing in the comfort of being alone. Put on that empowering playlist and let your body take over. Don’t be afraid to belt out those Biggie Smalls lyrics; we ALL are talented. In our heads. For my fellow kpop fans: Silenced fancam, 3D audio, light stick. Thank me later.

Read/Watch Something That Makes You Inspired

A good book/tv show/film can work wonders for your mood. Escape into a different reality for a while and immerse yourself in something that makes you happy. I recommend “Ladybird,” “Mid90s,” “Hello, My Twenties,” and Rose McGowan’s “Brave.” These will make you cry, laugh, and ready to take on anything.

TREAT YOURSELF.

gif source

The last step is perhaps the most important. More often than not, we put our needs aside to focus on other things, whether it be school, work, or something else. However, it is crucial to make sure you take care of yourself and treat yourself to some self-care. Throw on a sheet mask, eat that cookie, and log off social media for a while. Find something that makes you feel at peace and do it. If you’re like me, you put water in a champagne glass and parade in a robe listening to The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale.”

Bad days are inevitable, but if you follow these steps, today won’t be one. Love yourself enough to not let the blues bring you down. You’ve got this!