Bad day? Give it 24 hours.

So much can change in 24 hours.  When you’re having a bad day, remember this.

Give it 24 hours

Twenty-four hours ago, I was at home with three kids and my husband.  I was trying to get my kids to focus on their virtual learning and to quit asking for screen time. I was trying to get something done at work while constantly being interrupted by kids and my own meandering thoughts.  I was exhausted and tired (I know, that’s the same as exhausted, that’s my point).  I was in a routine where my days were all feeling the same, and every day was a repeat of the last.

But now, 24 hours later, I am sitting by a pool.  I spent the first 2 hours of my day walking on the beach with my husband and spent most of the afternoon sitting by a pool and reading, and now I am writing this and drinking an overpriced daiquiri.  I am happy, and I am finally relaxed.  It’s not that I wasn’t happy or appreciative of all I had 24 hours ago, but I definitely wasn’t feeling the same way I am now.  I was not in the same state of mind.

This situation reminds me of how much can change in 24 hours.  And you don’t always have to fly to the beach to get that drastic of a 24-hour change.  It would help if you remember that you’re going to have a bad day at times, but tomorrow can be better. I have bad days all the time.  The kids are frustrating. Some random silly thing is frustrating.  Something at work is frustrating.  It could be anything. It doesn’t matter what it is.  But what I often try to remember is that I’ll feel better the next day. That’s the critical part.  So many things pass.  Yes, not everything passes, but many of the things we get so worked up about do indeed pass. The moment passes.  The feelings pass.  The rain passes. The sun comes out again. 

I have days where I am feeling unhappy, tired, unhealthy, and have no energy.  Then I have days where I feel happy, healthy, full of energy, and ready to take on the world.  The difference is often just 24 hours.  Sometimes it’s hormones that separate that 24 hours.  Sometimes it’s the weather, my perspective, or my environment. 

It is important to remember that when you’re having a bad day, a bad moment, or a bad year even, it can change so quickly.  Give it 24 hours.

Be thoughtful and proactive

If you’re in tune with why you’re having a bad moment or bad day, you can set your perspective and expectations to know what to do to make the next 24 hours better.  I’m not suggesting you just sit and wait and hope that things will magically change in 24 hours.  Yes, sometimes that’s the cure.  And sometimes it’s not.  Sometimes you’ll need to be patient and let a moody funk pass.  Sometimes you’ll need to be proactive to make sure you see a change in 24 hours.  Be optimistic that you can and will change your next 24 hours for the better.  Make the choices you know will help to make the next 24 hours better. 

Three things to make the next 24 hours better:

1. Plan ahead and take care of something to make tomorrow easier. Tidy the house before you go to bed.  Prep your clothes for tomorrow.  Think about what you need to do tomorrow, and instead do it today. 
2. Write down, tell yourself, or tell your partner 2-3 things you’re grateful for right now. It could be right now in this moment or about your life more broadly.  The practice of gratitude will start to improve your mindset immediately.
3. Take care of yourself physically. Get a good night’s sleep.  Drink plenty of water.  Make healthy food choices.  Avoid sugar and junk food. 

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