Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, baby??

[Enerchi]

Picture the day from hell - late getting up, trouble at home/rush rush rush, traffic to work, crap download by everyone (or so it seems) from the moment you arrive at your cubicle - from the inbox to the big boss, nothing going right, chewed out by someone, deadlines, traffic back home, family/kid/pet issues... then you just can't fall asleep. (OR any variation on that theme which applies to your world)...

How do you pull yourself up and get ready for another day?

Inner strength somehow keeps me going. One of my favourite phrases is: "I can not control people, places or things". I also like "what goes around, comes around".

 

[Loves Vintage]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

This too shall pass.

There are bad days, and there are good days. More often than not, fortunately, they are good. When I'm hit with a bad day, it helps to know that "this too shall pass." When I was younger, I think it was a lot more difficult to KNOW this to be true. But, life experience has really proven it to be true, and so the phrase has a lot more meaning.

That, and well, no one really ever yells at me! Fortunately!

 

[movie zombie]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

can't appreciate the good stuff w/o experiencing the bad stuff.
without bad days who would know they were having a good day?

 

[allycat0303]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I try to think about some awful sick patient I might have come across. It quickly makes me grateful to be alive. That being said, sometimes I want to wallow in self misery: so tv, good book, and chips or chocolate....preferably my husband is watching tv beside me. It's my definition of heaven.

 

[jaysonsmom]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I know this is probably not popular, but for me personally:
Prayer!
That's it.


Same as OP who said:I can not control people, places or things.

 

[Haven]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

Honestly? When things are THAT bad, sometimes I just call in sick. I'd say I do this on average one time per school year.

Otherwise, I treat myself the following morning by driving through Dunkin' Donuts and getting a big cup of their delicious coffee. (I usually brew my own every morning.)

I also like to retreat into my head and daydream. I'll either envision some big life dream coming true, or I'll basically tell myself a story to get my mind off of whatever horrible things are haunting me from the day before.

The thing I do most often is spend quality time with my pets. A good, long walk with the dogs always makes me feel better.

 

[kenny]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I just accept that some days are bad days.

Expecting to be happy all the time is absurd and can lead to stuff like substance abuse and, uhhhh, the need for superstition.

 

[maplefemme]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

My patients and their families, no matter how bad my day is it is no where near as bad as theirs, so anything I can do to make their day better makes me feel instantly better about mine.
Counting my blessings, literally, counting each and everything thing and everyone I'm thankful for really helps. My SO bends over backwards to make my day smoother if he's home. He makes my breakfast, packs my lunch, picks out all my supplements and makes me a coffee to go. I come home, the house cleaning and laundry is done, dinner is ready or he takes me out. I pinch myself how lucky I am to have him, he makes a tough day so much smoother.

 

[Missy]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

My patients and their families, no matter how bad my day is it is no where near as bad as theirs, so anything I can do to make their day better makes me feel instantly better about mine.
Counting my blessings, literally, counting each and everything thing and everyone I'm thankful for really helps. My SO bends over backwards to make my day smoother if he's home. He makes my breakfast, packs my lunch, picks out all my supplements and makes me a coffee to go. I come home, the house cleaning and laundry is done, dinner is ready or he takes me out. I pinch myself how lucky I am to have him, he makes a tough day so much smoother.

Total ditto. I see how most of my patients and their families struggle with all the challenges life has handed them and I realize how many blessings I have to be grateful for. Sure we all have difficult days and sometimes there seem to be many in a row but no matter how difficult or stressful my day can get I am so grateful for all the love and support I have in my life. And I take a deep breath and as Loves Vintage said I think this too shall pass. And ice cream helps too.

 

[monarch64]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I just accept that some days are bad days.

Expecting to be happy all the time is absurd and can lead to stuff like substance abuse and, uhhhh, the need for superstition.

I like the way you put that last bit.

I have a similar philosophy about bad days. Sometimes they just happen, I accept that they're happening and figure tomorrow's another day and an opportunity for a fresh start. I am not above wallowing in self-pity for a few hours, though. Trying to look at the bright side when I'm having all sorts of issues can sometimes make me even more stressed.

 

[Circe]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

Hot baths, red wine, and dark chocolate.

 

[zoebartlett]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I do a few different things:

- treat myself to a goodie from the bakery on my way home from work

- call my mom and a friend (We're all in the same field and it helps to vent to someone who can relate.)

- vent to my husband

- take a mental health day (I've done this a few times over the years.)

- take a nap or go to bed early (Sometimes sleeping off a bad mood really helps. I wake up feeling a bit better usually.)

- remind myself that tomorrow's a new day (sounds corny but it's true!)

I hope things perk up for you tomorrow!

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I think that overall, my problems are pretty small and nothing that a little time and perspective can't resolve (usually). Venting is very helpful - especially with someone who understands you and how you tick. Last week I had a rough week (work news that surprised me, emotional, kid things - all rolled up into one bad week) and I realized, I am a comfort eater. NOT that that was a huge surprise, but it hit me that the first thing I wanted was to get a donut!

As for my day - today was a GREAT day! I had an extra day off from work, walked the dogs with my daughter (that NEVER happens!), spent quiet time reading a book, chatty emails with friends, web-surfed... it was a great day And I think because it was so good, it made me appreciate it so much more, then my mind wandered back to last week .... hence, the posting!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

-Concentrate on my gratitudes. I try to make time to list 3-5 things I am grateful for everyday. Even when everything seems to go wrong, I have so many blessings.
-Remember most things I "get to," I don't "have to." Perspective is everything.
-Remind myself it is never too late to start my day over.
-Breathe deeply.
-Call a friend.
-Vent to a coworker (free therapy! Haha).
-Sometimes I need a nice, cleansing, cry. I believe tears can be very healing. It is dangerous not to allow yourself to feel your feelings.

 

[OUpearlgirl]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

-Listening to a really fun song like "Love Shack" by the B52's.
-Glass of wine
-Going to zumba or for a run

 

[luv2sparkle]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

Prayer. Faith in the God who is in control even when it seems to make no sense.

 

[stargurl78]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

.

 

[tuffyluvr]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

This is silly, but I always think about one of my favorite childhood books, "Alexander and the terrible horrible no good very bad day". The last line in the book is, "my mom says some days are just like that. Even in Australia."

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

This is silly, but I always think about one of my favorite childhood books, "Alexander and the terrible horrible no good very bad day". The last line in the book is, "my mom says some days are just like that. Even in Australia."

I remember that one!!! We used to read it to our kids all the time!!! The title kind of sums up the sort of day I was imagining when I posted - how cool you brought that up

How are you doing Tuffy? Its been about 2 weeks now (or is it 3?) since your little pup's passing - are you doing ok?

 

[tuffyluvr]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

Enerchi--I'm doing okay, you are so sweet for asking. I'm just trying to keep busy and focus on positive things rather than being angry and dwelling upon things that I can't change. I am still so sad, and the stress is taking a physiological toll more than I could have ever imagined. I've hardly had an appetite for weeks--I've lost 6 pounds and my head has been really hazy. I feel really out of it and not like myself. But every day gets a bit easier.

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

Enerchi--I'm doing okay, you are so sweet for asking. I'm just trying to keep busy and focus on positive things rather than being angry and dwelling upon things that I can't change. I am still so sad, and the stress is taking a physiological toll more than I could have ever imagined. I've hardly had an appetite for weeks--I've lost 6 pounds and my head has been really hazy. I feel really out of it and not like myself. But every day gets a bit easier.

It has been a hard time for you, for sure. Pamper yourself thru this. This thread may actually be timely for you! A broken heart takes a while to feel whole again-- it can't be rushed.

Eat!!! (I could only dream about getting that advice!!)

 

[4ever]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I fantasize about quitting my job.

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

When it's just the odd bad day, I treat myself to every small indulgence I can think of (nice things to eat, maybe a little lunchtime shopping for something frivolous, a lovely bottle of wine to take home that night).

However, when it got to the point where every day felt bad, I made some significant changes - re-trained in a new profession, moved out of the city, did some things that I needed to do to make myself happier overall.

 

[HollyS]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I remind myself that all days are merely 24 hrs long, and this particular day is but a blip on the screen of my eternity. Faith (in what comes after this life is over) is my best defense against the onslaught of Daily Crap.

And . . . I turn on Pandora Radio on my computer at work and choose whatever music will lighten my mood. Sometimes it's quiet and contemplative (today), and sometimes I need to get my boogie on with some classic rock/pop.

 

[kenny]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

How ironic, I find that being an atheist gives me strength.
I accept that many questions are just unanswerable.
There's nothing out there and for an American male this ride ends forever after 75.6 years.
This means it's all up to me to make my life what I want it to be.

I find being fully responsible for my experience to be very motivating.

 

[iLander]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I know that no matter how bad my day seems now, there are days that could be a lot worse.

One day, when I am old, in pain, incontinent, sick, or bedridden, I will wish I had one of these "bad" days back. I have been through a lot of stuff, and I remember how bad it was, and I'm extremely happy not to be in the midst of "awful" right now.

Knock on wood.

Spit three times.

BTW: I think prayer is wonderful for people. If it helps them, then good. More power to them.

Besides Mercury is in retrograde right now . . .

 

[PintoBean]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

A bad day motivator - indulgent take-out for dinner. I guess I've been having lots of bad days...I've put on over 10 lbs lately!

 

[Circe]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I know that no matter how bad my day seems now, there are days that could be a lot worse.

One day, when I am old, in pain, incontinent, sick, or bedridden, I will wish I had one of these "bad" days back. I have been through a lot of stuff, and I remember how bad it was, and I'm extremely happy not to be in the midst of "awful" right now.

Knock on wood.

Spit three times.

BTW: I think prayer is wonderful for people. If it helps them, then good. More power to them.

Besides Mercury is in retrograde right now . . .

That explains why the last two days have sucked so hard. Seriously, not enough chocolate in the WORLD.

 

[mrswahs]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

I just accept that some days are bad days.

Expecting to be happy all the time is absurd and can lead to stuff like substance abuse and, uhhhh, the need for superstition.

 

[HollyS]

Re: Bad day motivators - what keeps you hangin' in there, ba

How ironic, I find that being an atheist gives me strength.
I accept that many questions are just unanswerable.
There's nothing out there and for an American male this ride ends forever after 75.6 years.
This means it's all up to me to make my life what I want it to be.

I find being fully responsible for my experience to be very motivating.

Although I firmly believe that you are wrong in your atheism, I can recognize that you make a great case for complete sanity and living life to the fullest. You are your own best therapist.

You're so darn practical and matter of fact . . . there must be some Scotch-Irish in you.