You know those mornings that start off with a bang? The ones that seem to declare, “Let the stress begin!” before you even open your eyes—before you’ve had your first sip of coffee?
I had one of those mornings several years ago.
I was battling a bad cold, exhausted that morning from several nights of poor sleep. Just after I got up before my first cup of coffee, my daughter appeared in my bedroom doorway.
“Mom, the washing machine is broken.” my daughter said with a worried look on her face.
Not exactly the words you want to hear first thing in the morning. As we walked to the kitchen together, she filled me in. The machine was full of water that refused to drain, and her soapy and wet clothes were trapped inside.
My daughter studied me for a moment. “Mom, are you okay? You don’t look so good.”
I managed a tired smile. “I’m still fighting this cold and probably look as bad as I feel!”
I brewed a cup of coffee—because some things are best dealt with after drinking my caffeine filled cup!
After a few minutes of coffee and wake up time, I made my way to the basement laundry room. Sure enough, there it was the washing machine filled with soapy water and her sopping wet clothes! They were stuck in between cycles and the water would not drain.
I sat down, willing myself not to let this inconvenience dictate the rest of my day. One step at a time, I bailed out the water and hand-wrung the entire load of laundry. It was tedious, but as I worked, a wave of gratitude settled over me.
Modern conveniences make life easier, and moments like this remind us not to take them for granted. Thankfully, after reaching out for help, I learned it was an easy and affordable fix.
That morning could have ruined my entire day—but it didn’t. Because here’s the truth: when a day starts off on the wrong foot, it doesn’t have to stay that way. We have the power to reset our mindset and reclaim the the day!
Here are a few simple ways to turn things around when your having a tough day;
Take a Deep Breath
When stress hits, take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. This simple act can help calm your mind and body, allowing you to approach challenges with clarity.
Find a quiet spot. Step away from the chaos for a moment—whether it’s a quiet room, a bathroom, a peaceful corner, or the nature and beauty outdoors!
Breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times until you feel calmer.
Focus on the present. Pay attention to your breath, helping ground yourself in the moment rather than stressing over what’s ahead.
Prioritize Self-Care
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, self-care is essential toward shifting your perspective.
Start with comfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, sip a warm cup of tea, or listen to soothing music.
Rest when needed. If your body is asking for a break, honor it. Rest is necessary for recovery and resilience.
Hydrate and nourish. Drink water and eat something nutritious to support your body, especially if you’re under the weather.
Break Down the Problem
Feeling overwhelmed? Break big problems into smaller steps. Tackling
them one by one makes challenges feel more manageable.
Identify the issue. Clearly define the problem. In my case, the washing machine breaking wasn’t just about the appliance—it was about the waterlogged clothes and figuring out a fix.
Make a plan. List out the steps needed to address the issue. It might involve troubleshooting, reaching out for help, or adjusting your schedule.
Take it one step at a time. Focusing on one task at a time keeps overwhelm at bay.
Ask for Help
You don’t have to handle everything alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Communicate clearly. Let others know how they can help you.
Share the load. Whether it’s asking family for assistance, calling a friend, or hiring a professional, delegating tasks lightens the burden.
Express gratitude. A simple thank-you goes a long way in fostering supportive relationships.
Stay Positive
A tough moment doesn’t have to define your entire day. Shifting your
mindset can help you move forward with optimism.
Practice gratitude. Take a moment to list three things you’re thankful for. Shifting focus from problems to blessings can change your perspective.
Use affirmations. Remind yourself, “I can handle this” or “This is temporary.” Positive self-talk can make a big difference.
Visualize success. Imagine yourself overcoming the day’s challenges with ease. A hopeful outlook can boost confidence and reduce stress.
Find Humor
Laughter is powerful—it lightens the what is weighing heavy on your heart offering relief in difficult moments.
Laugh at the absurdity. Sometimes, situations are so ridiculous that they’re almost funny. Seeing the humor in small mishaps can make them feel less overwhelming.
Share a laugh. Talk to a friend or family member who always knows how to make you smile.
Watch or read something funny. Taking a break with a comedy show or uplifting book can provide a much-needed mental reset.
Cultivate Gratitude
Finding something to be grateful for, even on a rough day can shift your entire mindset.
Keep a gratitude journal. Write down a few things you appreciate each day, no matter how small.
Express thanks. Let someone know you appreciate them, whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker.
Focus on the positives. Even if something goes wrong (like a broken washing machine), there’s still something to be thankful for—like the fact that it’s fixable.
Keep Moving Forward
A challenging morning doesn’t mean the rest of your day has to be difficult.
You have the power to turn things around.
Set small goals. Break the day into manageable tasks, checking them off as you go.
Stay flexible. Unexpected challenges may arise, but adjusting your mindset can help you adapt with grace.
Celebrate small wins. Even small victories—like handling a problem calmly—are worth acknowledging.
Some days are tough, but they don’t have to define us. With the right mindset and practical steps, we can reset, find joy, and move forward with resilience. Remember, even on the hardest days, life can still be bright and beautiful.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments !
What are some simple things you do to brighten a difficult day?
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