HAVING A BAD DAY? I UNDERSTAND!

Have you ever read Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day? It's
the story of a young boy whose day just goes from bad to worse until he wants to move to Australia, where he's sure these kinds of awful things just don't happen. Have you ever had one of those days? I have.

Last week I had a day where my water stopped working so I couldn't take a shower. I bought shoes that seemed like they fit at the store and when I got them home realized they were too small. Then I got to work and everything was crazy, and my daughter called and was upset because a customer yelled at her. And then I found out that a good friend of mine had tested positive for COVID. It was the kind of day I nicely refer to as "not enough chocolate" and not nicely refer to as "crap-tastic."

What makes it a bad day for you? Did you start your math homework thinking you were supposed to answer the questions that ended in 6, when the syllabus said to answer the questions ending in 4? Did you forget to call your English classmate until the day before the assignment you were supposed to work on together was due? Did your best friend ghost you in the cafeteria? Can you just not figure out how to do that dance move the teacher showed you? Is the coach on your case because you're a step too slow? Did someone say something nasty about your hair/clothes/sister? Do you just want to move to Australia?

The reality is, we all have those days. Other kids, your parents, your teachers, your coaches - everyone. Sometimes it seems like we rolled out of bed on the wrong side, and other days it seems like the universe is out to get us. Do you wonder if there are things you can do on days like this to make the world seem less awful? Here are a few suggestions that are easier, faster, and less expensive than that plane ticket:

• Find a non-judgmental ear to vent to. This could be a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, friend, friend's parent, teacher...anyone who is a good listener. Sometimes just having someone to hear about it, nod, and say it's going to be okay is the best medicine. A hug can also be good if they're nearby.
• Try meditation. There are lots of apps and podcasts that can help you learn to meditate (some are free). Meditation helps you to keep you grounded and mindful and less likely to focus on what else can go wrong.
• Listen to music. Few things can lift your mood like a favorite song or album. As an old person, I find that Jimmy Buffett makes me want to smile and dance. You may like Arianna Grande. Take your pick.
• Settle in with a good book. It's okay to take 20 minutes and read for pleasure if it eases your stress and helps you to relax. Then read some more after you've finished your homework.
• Cook something. If you enjoy food or just like experimenting, trying a new dish or baking a favorite recipe can be a great way to decompress.
• Exercise! Take a walk, ride a bike, lift weights - just move! Moving releases stress like few other activities.
• Find something to be grateful for. This one can be hard on particularly bad days, but it does help. On my very bad day I was grateful that my friend was fully vaccinated so not likely to get too sick. And later I was grateful that my water came back on. And then I was grateful that I had chocolate to eat.

If you struggle with how to handle the tough days, ask the adults in your life for suggestions. They may have strategies to try that they just don't realize they're using. Your friends and teachers might also have ideas. If your day is particularly awful make sure you reach out to someone - being alone in the awfulness can make it worse. 

Remember, no matter how bad it seems, tomorrow is another day. A day that is likely to be less horrible and less terrible, where your shoes fit and the water is hot and plentiful. 

Until next time,

Ms. Nan