50 Ways To Rescue The Worst Day Ever
[ 28 January 2008 ]
“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn
How to solve an awful day? Clear your calendar. Postpone all social engagements, take time out for yourself & do one (or all) of the following…
Go to Lush & pick yourself up a little treat. A bath ballistic or little slice of shower jelly costs less than some people’s lunch, so it’s not an extravagance, especially when you consider how good it will make you feel! My picks are Fairy Jasmine (absolute hands-down favourite of ALL time!) & Youki-Hi bath ballistics, Flying Fox & Sonic Death Monkey shower gels, Almond & Skinny Dip buttercreams & Creamy Candy & Flosty Gritter bubble bars. I promise, a good hot bath or shower with any of these products will make you feel totally luxurious — & if you’re concerned about water use, you can always invite someone else in with you!
Construct a fort or wigpee & hide in there for a while with your favourite book.
Listen to your favourite songs, but don’t be tempted to mope the day away with Elliott Smith, even if he is your favourite ever musician! Keep it upbeat.
Escape. Go to the beach or lake, take a walk in a nearby forest, play on the swings in a park, stroll through a mall, go to a cafe & order something strange from the menu. Or go & see someone who you know will be supportive & awesome to you.
Utilise the power of the internet! It’s not all procrastination & research, you know! Go to Youtube & type in random combinations of words. Watch odd Japanese cartoons, people lip-syncing in their bedrooms & uncomfortably intimate video diaries. See girls pole-dance in their garages, circus freaks & interviews with your idols.
Go to a florist’s shop or garden centre. Sniff everything. Buy yourself a little something & put it beside your bed & give it a name.
Buy some 5-HTP & pop a couple.
Just go for a walk. Sometimes, immersing myself in crowds of people is the only way to get me out of my own head.
Go to the library or bookstore & read anything by Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra or Francesca Lia Block!
Get a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, a facial, reflexology or reiki. Lie back & bliss out.
Start planning a vacation, an art project, a new haircut, a huge party, a cake recipe or the best smoothie ever.
Sneak into a hotel & use their pool.
Look at these puppies & kittens through a fish-eye lens. SO CUTE it hurts. Usually I am not one of those pet photo people, but these photos make me squee every time.
Dress up like a spy & take photobooth pictures.
Make a huge batch of cupcakes, gingerbread or fudge. Scoff.
Rip up your old magazines & use your favourite pictures to make your 2008 planner more interesting.
Meditate.
Buy a really good bar of chocolate. Go to a specialist chocolate shop if you can manage it, but if not, just buy your absolute favourite from the supermarket. Squirrel it away in your room. Put on some good soft music. Lie down with your eyes closed & eat it slowly. Then have a nap with lots of pillows & blankets up around your ears.
Buy a crystal that you really like, & carry it around with you.
Write letters & seal them with kisses.
Make a pot of tea & drink it while you look out the window.
Read Overheard In New York & laugh mercilessly.
Put on a kimono & run up & down the street.
Go skinny-dipping at midnight.
Take your best friend to a greasy diner, pump the jukebox full of change & dance in your booth.
Drink a whole lot of espresso & sit in front of your typewriter & wait for inspiration/caffeine to strike.
Eat an avocado with rock salt.
Have a good shower & while you’re in there, rant. Have a big rave about everything that happened that made your day so awful. While you do it, tap the side of your hand, near your little finger, if you dare! (Drink water.)
Cut out pictures of Where’s Wally & paste them up in public (but slightly hidden) places.
Buy new stationery.
Photocopy pictures of the most inspiring people you can think of, & stick them everywhere. In the bathroom, above your bed, near your computer, on the front door.
Read or watch Tank Girl.
Buy cute underwear & then parade it around your house.
Go to an aquarium.
Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for.
Design yourself a business card to use ten years from now.
Get some exercise — fun exercise. Put on your favourite Bollywood movie & dance around your living room. Do a yoga class. Take aqua aerobics. Practise handstands. Or just have a tantrum-esque thrash in your bed. That often works for me.
Go to a 24-hour donut shop.
Get your library to reserve you a whole lot of bizarre books.
Have your palm read.
Work out how to prevent having your day ruined like this in the future.
Kiss somebody.
Go out dancing alone.
Learn more about astronomy.
Start an online journal.
Write a list of things you want to do this year.
Walk around with a dictaphone & record the weird noises you hear.
Order a big bunch of zines.
Make faces in the mirror.
Wear a blanket over your head until the day is over.
What do you do to make yourself feel better when the day’s getting you down?
Hyper-love & bunny kisses,
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AWWW ... all of these are such perfect things to do! Thanks and love, Gala-bunny!
I love these ideas! Especially the chocolate/napping combo.
When I’m having a bad day, to make myself feel better I:
- go to the beach
- listen to RATM and stomp around the house
- read inspiring websites (guess which is number one…)
- have a big sort out and throw away lots of needless things
- ring my Mum (she always makes me feel better)
- play something loud and fast on the piano
- sit in my hammock and read a good book
-Even though it doesn’t exist in the US at all, watching episodes of the Mighty Boosh on the computer. It’s like instant happiness.
-Clean. It gets rid of stress and is productive
-Read or watch movies.
make myself new jewellery/scarves/ revamp bags – new items = love!
do myself up! who cares if your not going out, a fresh face of makeup can do wonders
watch black books or any of dylan morans stand up – i rofl till i cry -
We keep tabs on the new videos of schnauzers on YouTube, and provide running schnau-commentary. “Wuff wuff this way mum this way I WANNA GO THIS WAY oh no wait over THERE!”
I love that list!
I usually:
-Put music I know really well up on full blast and sing along.
-Ride my bike around to the milk bar, buy old fashioned candy, then ride to a park and eat it!
-Look at LOLcats (they’re so silly, but they make me laugh for AGES!)
-Give myself a make-over.
-Run around with my dogs.
-Watch The Simpsons, That 70’s Show, or Scrubs. They ALWAYS manage to make me laugh.
-Scribble or draw on a piece of paper about anything.
-Read iCiNG! Heheh ;D
I had an awful Saturday evening. This made me feel much better.
I asked a very nice guy that I have been flirting with on a date. He agreed. I feel better.
i put some up-beat music loud and let it drag me along it’s happy notes.
lie in my bed and stare at the ceiling.
write or paint.
do something unusual.
tear magazines as you said.
watch a chick-flick or a sitcom like friends.
go to tiffany’s (just kidding)
watch breakfast at tiffany’s, marie antoinette or elizabethtown.
hey gala, this should be a podcast!
i love your podcasts!
Heh, just reading this makes my day happier with all of the possibilities!
I sing along to songs on the radio, whether I know the lyrics or not, and then go nap with a stuffed animal. Bad days make me sleepy :)
I wish you had posted this a few days earlier =P. I was having an unbearable day on Thursday!..but at least I did ONE of the things on your list…wear a blanket on my head all day. This list is amazing and I think I might try some of those things when another bad day comes and rears its ugly head in my life.
best article ever!!!
dress in a fancy way and dance and sing around your flat, or/and do the same on the street
say each person you meet something nice
create a new word
travel with you finger on a map
sit in front of your wardrobe and create new combinations from your clothes
re-design your room
write a fairy tale with happy ending
learn how to stand on a head
touch silk or velvet
learn how to make up your lips with a red lipstick without a mirror
look at other people flickr’s favorite pics
think about things and people, that motivate you
force yourself to laugh very loud(believe me after half a minute, you really start to laugh-endorfines)
help people on the street(yes, yes like amelie poulain)
learn how to fold origami
read your favorite childhood book
oh, really one of the best articles. after reading it and thinking of those things i feel soo happy and light and.. mmm. goodnight, sleep tight!
ps. create your dream, and try to dream it!
whenever i have a bad day i make myself a mix cd of happy upbeat songs that i can sing to and go drive around for half an hour or so with the music blasting. if it’s nice out its a bonus to have the windows down. makes me feel tons better really quick!
Tea, a happy dance track (thank you iTunes for playlists!!), buying something small like bright colored tights or a new cocktail ring, and ferrero rochers!!
if i feel my self esteem has taken a beating i take sexy nude photos of myself. i swear, good lighting and converting everything to black and white can do wonders. i have one as my msn profile photo and i smile whenever i see it. i also knit something boring in luxurious wool, a scarf or something so i can’t mess it up and feel worse. or i find my cat and get him to chase wool. watching him watching the wool and pouncing is adorable and always makes me smile.
When I feel down I:
-Watch Kaleido Star or Rurouni Kenshin
-Watch Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School
-Eat Tophy (sp?) covered cookies
-Write on my journal
-Take pictures of random people
-Read Hello Kitty Hell
-Do weird make up on myself
-Read iCiNG!!!
-Make LJ icons on Photoshop
-Play with my dog
-Scream!!!
i love this list!!
when i am having a bad day i usually:
-go out to lunch at the Japanese style restaurant on campus…nothing makes me as happy as the calm environment and a relaxing yummy lunch by myself to de-stress.
-go to the library. i love the peace and quiet there too and i always find something good to read, even if it is just a magazine article to make me forget about my problems for awhile…everyone should have a library card, no exceptions!
-call my sisters, because sometimes there is nothing nicer then talking to someone who knows you best and doesn’t mind just giggling over inside jokes for a few minutes or discussing celebrity gossip (speaking of which, reading celebrity gossip makes me feel better too, oh the drama!)
-send e-mails to my boyfriend and reading ones he has written to me. not only to vent, but to feel good knowing hearing from me makes him feel good (i’m in a semi-LDR)!
Great tips Gala. I have not tried putting rock salt on advocado before. It is nice?
go to a thrift store and walk around, making up stories about who owned all of the items and why they ultimately got rid of them.
Aww those are lovely – I’m thinking to use them even when I’m not having the worst day ever! But when it’s really really bad, I usually turn off my phones, my computer and isolate myself in my room with ‘that book I never got around to reading’ and some chocolate. Never fails!
surely its more than coincidence you writing this article today. For I am having the worst day ever.
Whats made me feel better so far, besides reading all these wonderful suggestions, is
ringing my mummy and having her tell me all about when I was little, and the funny positive memories of growing up. (drugs and depression have stolen my memory)
Faith no More really loud usually makes me feel great.
I can’t really think of much else at the moment. Thankyou Gala and everyone for the great ideas.
I’m off to do as many rescue ideas I can!
The other day I just shouldn’t have gotten out of bed, but when I got home from the awful ordeal my husband took me out to dinner, and to see Juno (an amazing freaking movie by the way) and told me that I was beautiful.
Another thing I often do is wash my face and shave my legs. I always feel better after a good scrub and more human after a shave!
See Also: Tank Girl is probably the best thing ever dreamed of ever. The movie is so energizing and the first couple of comic books (‘cause those are the only ones I have) are hilarious! Kudos Gala, as always you have excellent taste.
CatherineL — Yes, avocado with salt is absolutely amazing. My new favourite snack!
Great suggestions Gala!
I’ve written a list of 100 things that make me happy, and when I’m having a bad day all I have to do is read it to feel better and more greatful for the ‘little things’
“Cut out pictures of Where’s Wally & paste them up in public (but slightly hidden) places.”
I think that everyone should do this anyways, just for fun and i know if i was having a bad day and i randomly saw a Wally i would instantly cheer up hehe…
Anyways this article came at a time when ive been feeling crappy 24/7, crying in the middle of the night.. so hopefully it helps _
xo xo
Even if I have a great day tomorrow (which I hope I will!) I’m still going to do as many of these things as I can!
oh I love these ideas! especially the underwear one. I have a pair that says Goddess on the front and I always wear them to job interviews, it makes SUCH a difference :-)
This was a lovely post, and thankyou for mentioning Overheard in New York, I haven’t been on it in a really long time!
Reading it reminds me of when a boy and his dad came into the newsagency where I work, and said something along the lines of:
Boy: Did we win anything on the lottery ticket, dad?
Dad: No, afraid not. Neither did mummy’s lottery ticket.
Boy: (very innocently) Oh. That must be ‘cause our family sucks.
Haha. Thanks for another great post!
xx
Fantastic list Gala! I love this-definately saving for future rough days. Things I do:
-take a shower and totally pamper myself.Exfoliate,shave,ect. then afterwards lotion up and just curl up in bed with a good book to relax
-look thru inspiring websites
-listen to my uplifting play list on iTunes
-go for a walk/bike ride thru my schools gardens
-watch a funny movie
-watch Who’s Line Is It Anyway
-write and send postcards to random people
-call my Mom
-sounds strange,but watch/read something sad and just have a good cry.Makes me feel better after to have gotten the problems out.
-take fun self portraits
-imagine my dream house
-decorate my dorm room
-read fanfiction
-plan out future purchases for my wardrobe
I needed this today – I kicked my boyfriend out for doing something totally unforgiveable. It’s bloody hard because I still love him, but I think I’m going to print this list off and do one thing each time I feel myself getting mopey. Much more productive than lying in bed all day with a glass of cheap wine and weepy, bloodshot eyes.
Now I’m off to the park to push my son on the swings until my arms ache.
Whenever I am having a bad day I buy a blue slushie from the nearest gas station. Not only is the slusie artificially delicious, but it gives you blue tongue, and who can be sad when they have a blue tongue?
thanks for this.
i had a shit day on friday. i am having a slight case of the birthday and this is just the inspiration that i needed to get me thru the next few days.
xox
You guys totally cute me out. I love all your suggestions, too!
Song — Hey baby, good for you. I know it hurts but if it wasn’t working, it’s better to be by yourself. I have my fingers crossed for your heart’s speedy recovery! Big kisses, dollface.
You=the best. My list:
—Play Cuban music and dance around my living room
—Overheard in New York AND lolcats
—Hug my kitty
—Have a good, real, LOUD scream. Works wonders.
Thank you so much for this post, Gala. I had an awful day and was listening to Elliot Smith and being mopey, but just reading your post made me feel 10 x’s better. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a ranty shower to take and tasty chocolate to eat!
Allison — Aw! Elliott! He is great but in my experience he has only ever perpetuated sadness, never gotten me out of it. Hope you feel better soon!
I am a different Allison than the one above, BUT – (*waves to name-twin*)
My (mini) List:
+ Eat a pear
+ Art art art! Art therapy is the best. Decoupage, feltwork, sewing, anything & everything.
+ Hula hoop
+ Moksha yoga & just let all frustrations out into the heat.
-drink rubicon mango juice mixed with milk! – listen to japanese-cute-girl-pop-techno (like PERFUME) – Draw comics of you and your mates – buy yourself a new funky umbrella (regardless of weather..) – take any gadget you have (like a cellphone/ipod) and buy stick on rhinestones and blingify it! – personalize ANYTHING. – buy hello kitty stickers and decorate the place. – learn a new odd type of dance (cwalking – i’ve just started and I can ALREADY feel my legs tone up) or glowstringing (less rigorous but it’s oh so much fun)
Zainab – my ex used to love doing the C walk!! Hahaha he used to fancy himself as a Bangali gangster..I found it adorable.
hmmm.. when I’m having a lousy day I..
- watch Scrubs/Ugly Betty(selected episodes only!)/Family Guy/Who’s Line../The Simpsons/a pretty episode of the O.C – go find some Movenpick chocolate icecream – eat salami sticks :/ – take a shower, use tons of bodywash & then moisturizeee!! feels lush. – read anne of green gables, or one of the girls’ annuals I used to collect – trawl through iCiNG & read the decor/style articles :p
-play Hasee Bounce on Neopets. Cutest game evahh. – go through my lj communities & put fabulous inspiring things in my memories – paint my toenails fluoro orange – go browsing on trademe – read the rad passages in flb books. – watch the 99 luftballons scene from Scrubs, or sing along to 99 Red Balloons by Goldfinger
-listen to ‘Give It Up To Me’ – Sean Paul, ‘Good Life’ – Kanye West, ‘One Thing’ – Amerie, ‘Peach Plum Pear’ – Joanna Newsom, XR-2 – MIA, ‘Driving Me Wild’ – Common ft Lily Allen,
This is the illest, real-est, most rad post of the week. Thank you, Gala. Everyone needs a little taste of this love.
Sometimes I like to go to one of the busiest touristiest most glam spots in the city and stand just next to the center of it with my headphones playing “Overture” by Patrick Wolf. Close my eyes and pretend: I am wearing a fabulous heartstopping outfit underneath a cozy dark long wool coat, and the sun is beaming down while there’s a cool breeze, and I’m playing on the violin the unknown theme song to everyone’s lives.
I’m so happy to read this on what is, in fact, one of my worst days ever :(
So my suggestion is what actually cheered me up…
Visit with friends, dress up, and play pretend! We’re all college juniors and seniors, supposed adults, but donning our boots and long coats and outrageous accessories and pretending we’re the scrappy crew of a space ship is never out of the question.
Also, cook and eat dinner with friends who love you and aren’t putting any pressure on you. It tastes so much more delicious!
I found today that one thing that is extremely… happy producing, is jumping wildly around your room in tights (or leggings) while listening to some crazy pop music (My band of choice is The Polysics).
It was even better since I just got back from an Andy Warhol exhibit and I was all dressed up. Oh I just wanted to stand there in front of all his self portraits forever. How I love Andy, I bought some cute banana shaped bowls and an inspirational Andy poster that says…
“but I always say,
one’s company,
two’s a crowd,
and three’s a party.”
The one I really wanted was sold before I got to it though, it said “I think everybody should like everybody.”
LISTEN TO LE TIGRE!!!! & DANCE BAY-BEE, DANCE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER DANCED BEFORE!!!!!
GALA, I LOVE YOU! This is such an incredible list, and exactly what I needed! I’ll comment with my suggestions when I have time, but for now, I’m printing this post out to put on my wall. EPIC.
you are a LIFESAVER.
today, my boyfriend informed me that our monogamous relationship was a little low on the monogamy, on his side.
WONDERFUL. just what every girl wants to hear.
well i just found 50 things that i’ll be doing today to cheer myself right back up!!
THANKS GALA!!!
xoxoxox
“today, my boyfriend informed me that our monogamous relationship was a little low on the monogamy, on his side.”
Urgh, you poor thing! It’s great that you seem to have a sense of humour about it though. I know EXACTLY how that feels and it’s HORRIBLE. I’m sending loads of love and hugs your way!
Hugs to everyone who is having a crappy day.
I like to make reading lists. Good sources:
- bookstore catalogues – The BBC Big Read list – “A Round-Heeled Woman” – “The Diary of Virginia Woolf” – “Negotiating with the Dead” by Margaret Atwood – short story collections with lots of different authors, I find out what else the writers of my favourite stories have written, and then I add them to the list.
At the moment I have at least three reading lists, and I haven’t even started going through the books I’ve mentioned for the books they talk about yet! I just love planning my future reading, whether I’ll ever do it or not.
One of the things that really works for me is to get beside water. Whether that’s a fountain in the city, a waterfall in the hills or the crashing waves at the beach, it just eases my mind and elevates my mood in most, if not all, circumstances. I read somewhere that it’s something to do with the negative ions? Any scientists out there? Apparently this is always why the best ideas come to you when your in the shower with no access to a pen and paper!
Anyway, great post, Gala. I’ve submitted it to stumble, so hopefully you’ll get some stumblers as new readers.
Love you list
Have it saved!
-I have a long bath with a glass of wine and a book with my computer sitting on top of the washing machine playing music! (The washing machine is in the bathroom!)
-Karaoke! You can scream, make a fool of yourself, spend time with friends. It is great!
-Bake some cake! Then eat it
- Journal then glue in all the pretty things around me..
- Knit
- Go to a garden/park, lie down and have a nap!
I watch Dylan Moran or Who’s Line Is It Anyway?. Sooooo funny. I take my camera everywhere with me and take photos of things I like. I like buying a big bunch of flowers and putting them in a pretty vase. I call or visit my boyfriend and if I have to have a good cry. I do the ranting in the shower thing too. I just found out that someone I trust has been talking about me behind my back. : ( I think I might need try some of these things today xxx
watch Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!
...nothing better then a good dose of felicia, tic & bernadette (RALLLLLPH) :D
I was having a bit of a crappy week but today made up for it and now I’m feeling on top of the world! I stayed in bed with my boyfriend til midday, then got up and ate lunch while watching Black Books. Then we wandered round Clifton Hill and Westgarth taking photos of street art until we were hot and tired and then went to the pub for a nice cold pint.
THEN I met up with my dad who is in town for the week and we ate dumplings til we burst.
PERFECT!
This is sure to give me some inspiration! I often find bad moods really hard to kick.
But I have a couple of successful methods – one is to go op-shopping/thrifting, and the other is to watch “Empire Records.” Either of those usually kicks it. :)
These are wonderful ideas. I must read or watch Tank Girl! I love Jamie Hewlett so I must hehe! :] When I’m feeling down I do some of the folowing:
+ play really loud music and belt out my favorite songs.
+ take a bubble bath with candles while drinking sparkling grape juice out of my wine glass.
+ bake! & get lost in a world of yummy!
+ lay by the window & daydream.
+ take a walk. looking at the sky is calming.
Sooo that’s what I do for a better day sugar. :D
the puppies & kittens through a fish-eye lens reminded me of a SouthPark episode, Craig had a show “Animals Close Up with a Wide-Angle Lens”, and it was the show with the highest ratings because they said everybody loves and no one can resist the cute animals :)
I’m printing this.
It would actually be fun to print a whole punch and hide them in random public places to cheer those who find them up.
I like using my favorite mug from a thrift store or the overly huge one I bought from a Disney store with Tinker Bell printed on it and drinking a nice warm something. Whether it be hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or my wonderful peppermint tea.
Gala, you have the uncanny ability to post about something almost precisely when it’s on my mind. This list is like a greatest hits compilation of my most treasured pick-me-up habits, and it’s very nice to have a reminder. Might I suggest offering a fold-out PDF for wallets or pocketbooks (with a few blanks to add our own)?
thanks char!!
it really sucks but sitting around wallowing in self-pity isn’t going to help me move on… so i’m giving the list a try!
<3
xox
A few weeks ago I had a kind of nervous breakdown because of huge problems with my studies, and to calm down I took my dog for a walk. At first I cried everything I had, and when my mind went blank I just walked and looked at the sky and the trees and my dog being all bouncy and stupid; and by the time I came back I was feeling much better.
What else? I listen to music as loud as possible. I take care of myself, like taking all the products I can find in the bathroom and using them. It boosts your confidence. I eat something I love, usually chocolate or sweets. Or I go for a walk in a park or in the woods and take Polaroid photographs.
i am pms-ing horribly this week and want to cry all the time, and this post made me smile SO MUCH. now i am going to eat veggie chilli tortillas and some chocolate, and then take a really luxurious bath (i agree, sonic death monkey is AWESOME. it’s like washing with a sweet shop. mm.)
xxx
I love this article!
you are SO right about the Elliott Smith. Its so tempting sometimes to wallow in sorrows with music, but not always good for you. Even though I love him with the power of a million burning suns!
xo, B
Sing, Play the Piano/Guitar etc. Music soothes the soul. Even better WRITE music, a haunting melody to channel your angst , a peppy jingle to uplift your soul. Play with Mixing Software so you can play a duet with yourself… “I’ve go music in my soul today, makes me feel so good I’ve got to say, sing and everything will be okay” (i don’t know who wrote that I learned it in kiddy choir years and year ago, sing in a round, repeat… cute song!!)
Watch LIVE sports, local non professional is great too, cheap and still exciting!
Coooooffffeeee (or Tea!) with friends, that you can giggle about EVERYTHING with.
GO for a walk/Run… its hard to get me off the couch, so not an athlete but it feels really great AFTER you’ve forced yourself through a little workout.
Do some algebra…design a spreadsheet, bone up on molecular biology methadologies, reminding myself that I have at least half a brain helps pump up my self worth. I am a nerd, and this I embrace!
And of course makeup has already been mentioned, but its so powerful when you have that “i just want to curl up under a rock, i’ve had a crap day, I’m tired and I look attrocious…’ feelings sometimes what you need is just to wash your face, and apply a new one. You feel, like a new person.
Do a self photoshoot, dressup, make up, play with camera angles, don’t focus on the uglies, use a digital so you can delete every icky take and then keep the pretty ones. Focus on those… a little narcessism in moderation can make a world of difference.
I actually bought everything with honey in I could find from Lush today got cool books out from the library and will be making my favourite King Prawn stir fry for dinner. I actually find listening to sad music helps, I cry and cry then I get sick of crying put on something happy like ‘Generator’ by the Holloways and dance around smelling like honey.
* Text your best friend and ask him/her to tell you something that made them smile today
* Pick a reward for yourself that you’ll get if you truly shake off the horrible miasma of your bad day
* Wear your most comfortable outfit and eschew mirrors for the rest of the day
* Use a peel-off mask on your skin — ripping off the mask bits is so theraputic, seriously, it’s like you’re shedding the shit of the day
* Camwhore with your favourite stuffed animal
This is perfect for my best friend who’s having a the worst day ever today…im going to email her this right now!
I love to hide out in my basement, wrapped up in a huge comforter and plug in a good movie and have a good cry.
I always feel tons better after that. :3
Avocado and Lemon Juice and Black Pepper is a taste sensation, and no added salt!
Also try Pawpaw and Black Pepper!
Hey Gala! Thanks for the lovely article, it really made my day and I have lots of new ideas for when I’m feeling down.
Here are some little things:-
-Watch Disney channel – not all of the shows are aimed at little kids, they are good for teens too. It also sends out good messages, makes me laugh, and feel momentarily lost in other peoples lives for a while.
-Listen to music that reminds me of New York (where I want to live – not in England!!) such as: Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall, New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, Suite from the Devil Wears Prada by Theadore Sharpio (spelling?!)
-Laugh at Ugly Betty – the dramedy set in yup, you guessed it, New York! Since the show started, people have been asking: “When will Betty get a make over?” but I love her just the way she is, loveable and dorky at the same time (lol).
-Add to my scrap book – looking over all the old photos and thinking back to my old memories is so nice and always puts a smile on my face.
-Take my dog for a walk – the fresh air seems to cheer me up and even if I feel tired or lazy, once I get out there I feel so much better for it.
Thanks again Gala,
Alex xoxox
LOVE you
Some days when I am having an awful day I will watch a really sad movie. Sounds weird because you’d think it would depress me even further but most of the time it involves something so awful that I can just bawl my eyes out. By the end, my problems seem so silly and petty compared to something bigger that could happen. I also love that at the end there is often a sense of relief and closure. I feel very emotionally connected to the world so knowing that there are bigger issues out there makes me want to learn not to sweat the small stuff. If I’m not in the mood for a good cry, I will do some of these:
-watch Sex & the City. Always makes me want to be an optimist.
-call my mother. She never judges me and usually calms me down
-watch Anna Karina clips or clips of any woman who inspires me
-lay in bed and drink sparkling juice (pomegranate apple is my favorite)
-clean my apartment
-take a shower. I can think so easily and more rationally in the shower than anywhere else. This sounds corny but sometimes I will write either my problems or something positive on my body with washable marker and concentrate on it before the water and steam washes it away.
hi gala! to cheer myself up i like to.. – call my mom or best friends. it’s always nice to hear a reassuring voice. – write in my journal..this normally releases a lot of pent-up frustration or sadness for me. – visit friends in my dorm – go for a coffee with lots of cream and sugar and cinnamon – go for a walk to walgreens or the bookstore, and spend obscene amounts of time perusing books, magazines, makeup products, nothing in particular – get my nails done..it sounds cheesy but i can’t stand raggedy nails and i’m so pleased when i look down to see clean, shiny nails! – take a long, hot shower then don some lacy, frivolous underthings and flop down on the sofa with a good read (right now, it’s lolita. i love it!! thanks so much for mentioning it was your favourite :) ) – take a whiff of peppermint oil. mmmm – work out. – cook gallo pinto or bake something really scrumptious like mint chocolate-chip cookies, and blast music really loudly while i’m doing it(right now i’m obsessed with kanye west’s album “graduation”, songs from juno, and feist!) – watch amelie.
have a lovely day!
i LOVE LOVE LOVE this article..thank u gala for posting it…i’ll print it and put it on the wall in front of my bed…greets from italy… :.)
First off, I’d like to say: Fantastic piece! It’s so helpful and inspiring. My personal favorite is the one involving a chocolate bar & a nap! Two of life’s greatest things :]
I’d also like to share a little (or maybe not so little) story with you of how your blog has really been improving my life & boosting my confidence. A few days ago my history teacher was off on another one of her tangents, this time talking about her shopping trip that weekend. She said she had gone to the mall and found (what seemed to be) a simple long sleeved tee shirt, so she bought it. Once she tried it on at home she realized it had poofy sleeves, and then described it as the “Ugliest thing she’d ever seen”. Then she said she was wearing it under her sweater and everyone begged to see it.
She took off her sweater and unveiled a basic looking shirt with poofy sleeves and…it looked exactly like a shirt I owned. The class erupted with laughter and they all joked that it looked like something from a bad 80’s wedding. I actually thought it looked cute and I liked my version of the shirt, but I felt really awkward and just nodded and smiled along.
I went home and looked at the shirt in my closet. I hated knowing that everyone in my class probably thought it was hideous. I felt so stupid for wearing something so “ugly”.
But then I thought back to iCiNG and all the confidence YOU have. You wear bold outfits, you’re never boring and you just ooze confidence. That’s why we all love this blog so much.
Then I realized that if I like something, I should wear it. So, the next morning I threw on that shirt and went to history class. Nobody said anything, but I did get a few disapproving glances. I knew everyone was probably thinking “Oh my God, can you believe what she’s wearing? It’s so ugly” But that was OK. I thought my shirt was stylish, I thought it complemented my skin tone & my shape. Maybe to them I looked like a tacky 80’s bridesmaid, but to me, I looked like a girl wearing a top she loved, a girl who dressed for HERSELF. And that’s who I am :]
Thanks, Gala!
When I am blue, I:
-Organize my closet/bookshelves/desk
-Try out new hairstyles (especially turbans!)
-Take photos in myself in said hairstyles with crazy outfits to match
-Burrow into my bed with lots of extra blankets and pillows, read a good book, and drink tea
-Do yoga
-Plan out my outfits for the rest of the week (reduces the next morning’s stress tenfold!)
-Read my poetry and stories from when I was a little kid
-Watch silly movies on the phone with my best friend(s)
-Call my uncle
-Play around with coding on my website or chat program profiles
-Watch BBC
-Break out the Flying Circus DVDs
-Answer all my emails
-Plan vacations
-Start countdowns to exciting events that are coming up in my life
-Write!
awesome article ;-)
i laughed so hard last week – my boyfriend was quoted on overheardinnewyork – as “gassy man” lmao
I just bought a pint of fresh strawberries and ate every last one while listening to Pedro the Lion.
“Dress up like a spy & take photobooth pictures.”
This is my favorite of the completely brilliant list! :) I’m going to have to try a few next time I’m having a really awful day. :)
My favorite things to do are: go antique-store shopping/thrifting, go to the library and browse through the art and decorating books (visual inspiration and beauty somehow always lift my mood!), watch shows/movies that make me remember happy times, make myself a big bowl of popcorn and curl up with a good book. Books always help any bad mood, imho… especially those that really take you to a different place than the present!!
The Vicar of Dibley is my saviour : ) Especially the last christmas special with Richard Armitage.
Or when she gets drubk :)
Thanks Gala for your tips
Gala, any tips on things a girl can do to really relax? Your list is brill (coincidentally I made 3 different kinds of cupcake today!!) but see, I am a major worrier and am wondering what I could do that would have more of a lasting calming effect as opposed to being a quick pick-me-up cheer-me-up? I don’t know if that makes sense, I hope it does. Beyond yoga and swimming I can’t think of anything relaxing I could do. I am clearly out of practice!!! Help please?!
+ watch Amelie
+ then read Harry Potter
+ while eating and drinking decadently
+ SMILE! :P
A — EFT is the best thing ever for getting rid of worry, nagging doubt, or practically any negative emotion you have. Read this! http://galadarling.com/article/more-eft-information xxx
gallop my pony while listening to the mars volta. :)
Copy out poems or quotes and leave them in library books for other people to find
love
OOOOH just thought of another one — watch youtube clips of your favourite tv-show characters, the ones where they FINALLY get together.
In our house these kinds of trusty strategies are known as ‘Taking One’s Mind Off One’s Problems’:
Watching some comedy – repeat viewings of Flight of the Conchords episodes got me through an extremely harrowing time last year.
Soaking up the glories of nature – a countryside walk at sunrise is a fave, but work with what’s to hand.
Loud music – searingly emotional guitar-driven power-ballads, or whatever works for you. Something with energy!
Reading – well-loved childhood epics like Harry Potter, Narnia or the Chronicles of Prydain are good&uplifting.
Pretty photos on the internet.
Looking back over my blog posts or old photos.
Ranting to my most trusted confidant.
Revisiting the iCiNG archives – esp. Daily Outfits !
I’m new to your site, and found this page at the perfect time. I was having the most awful day, but just reading this list cheered me up! Thank you so much!
I walk down to a random stoe with a few dollars and go to the party isle! silly string and pin the tail on the donkey brightens my day!
Very good :D
I buy a pack of luminous felt tips and colour a whole book in in them. I don’t know why.
Either that or watch either the IT Crowd or the Mighty Boosh (both English comedies for those who are not familiar with them).
What a lovely post! Here are my favourite things to do when feeling a little blue:
x visit this website! It always makes me smile and feel inspired. I absolutely LOVE it.
x watch ‘Sex and the City’! Always cheers me up – the clothing, the scenery, everything – it makes me laugh and Carrie is really like the best friend I wish I’d always had! I always feel optimistic and full of hope after watching this show.
x calling or, even better, hanging out with my most hilarious friend or family member.. laughing really is the best medicine sometimes!
x planning a wonderful holiday/adventure!
x visiting thrift/second-hand shops – you never know WHAT you may find but it’s always guaranteed to be cheap and there’s nothing better than unearthing a FANTASTIC bargain!
x buying cute little knicknacks with cupcakes on them! Makes me smile :)
x Playing dress-ups in my wardrobe – finding the silliest, craziest possible clothes, putting them all on and then pulling stupid faces in the mirror! Makes me giggle, but sometimes inspiration strikes and I find outfits I like, too!
x Going for a walk through the city by myself – sometimes it’s just nice to be alone and have some time to think to yourself and let the city inspire you and make you feel better!
x Re-arranging my home/the furniture in my bedroom – sometimes change is good and I love thinking about how I could improve my home’s interior!
x Making collages of inspiring pictures with pretty fabrics, glitter and fake diamantes!
x Hugging my puppy and snuggling with her under a blanket :)
haha This is really funny cause I was having the worst day ever, so I went to Google and typed in ‘What to do when you’ve had the worst day ever’ completely randomly and this pops up. =) I’m really glad I found this website after all. ^^ Thanks so much Gala!!!
xoxo
Sometimes when I have a bad day, I realise how ridiculous I am to be so upset over nothing important.
For example, I laughed to myself the other day when I realised that I would say, if relating my bad day to someone:
“I found out my boy mate didn’t fancy me, even though I didn’t fancy him, then I went to the shop to buy some chocolate, and they didn’t have my favourite chocolate, and then I bought a packet of sun dried bananas, and the worst thing was I couldn’t get the packet open!!!”
I must have looked mad at the bus stop because one moment I was blinking back tears and the next I was giggling :P
Im going to try some of these!! Thanks!
personally I:
-listen to metal or screamo
-eat some cake! or candy
-drink tea and watch anime
-watch a movie (Tim Burton is my favorite)
-talk to a friend
-look at things online
-dream, or put myself in a fairy-tale i created
-sleep with my Deery Lou blanket (its pink with rainbows!)
i love how the comments have even more awesome ideas :)
How did I not see this??
I am so in love with Gala right now. More than I usually am, as hard as that is to believe. I really like how positive you are. I really like your philosophy of celebrating the great things in life rather than dwelling on the negative things or criticizing others.
Kat’s sexy nude photos idea is awesome and hilarious.
I usually go for a walk, go shopping (so dangerous in Tokyo because there are so many rad shops) get a massage if I have a friend or money to go to a spa, clean my room, drink loads of coffee. In Japan I go to Onsen when I’m upset. It is so relaxing to be in a natural hot spring.
these things never fail:
-listen to Harry Belafonte
-wear bright colours
-as Lady Gala said…chocolate!
-wear high heels
-this might sound weird but start to sing random words, just make a simple melody and sing loudly words that first come to mind… hilarious! etc. banana cellphone lover bus station ice cream man dress teddy bear… :)
-and of course tread iCiNG!
I buy g strings and stand on the the veranda with nothing but my g-string
I love your suggestions! The fort-building one brings me right back into childhood. :)
This is so incredably fab!
I’m going to take out two weeks in my holidays in the summer and do every single one of those things!
Some with friends. Like the Where’s Wally one. That made me laugh so much. It’s such a silly thing to do but it’ll be so funny to think of silly random places to put them and think of people finding them!
I am lurking your site!
I love it! I found it looking for info on wigs…
Hugs and kisses from the LBC!
Buy some 5-HTP & pop a couple.
^please take this off, it’s not only adults who visit your blog
Wonderful suggestions! I try to do a little something each day on www.dayimprover.com — every little bit helps for those awful days that hit us from time to time. Thanks for the loving inspiration!
Gala, I love this post. It’s always in my inspiration list. I’ve had a truly horrible day today, made worse by my guilt that in some ways I should be happy because there’s wrong with me. I think I will go and buy myself some fruit and some new teas tomorrow and pamper myself (I don’t have a bath) and take on board some of these ideas. Love it.
-Go window shopping
-Shout at a pillow
-blame random things for ruining your day
-come on iCiNG
-nibble a Bueno. Allow happiness to ensue.
-http://www.funnylists.net/jokes.php?action=read&joke=848
-http://www.funnylists.net/jokes.php?action=read&joke=925
-drink a coke and sit making a “buzz” sound.
-Giggle at pistures of fish
-www.icanhascheezburger.com
Loved the article m’dear :)