Friday's Five Favorites!
I had planned a different post for today, well yesterday but sometimes, ok often, life does not go as I plan. It seems like the end of the world has come to my house the past few days. We've had a number of wars and too many natural disasters, my carpets are the proof. To say it's been frustrating would be an understatement! Because of this I changed my mind on what this post would be about. So here are my five favorite ways of dealing with the hard days.
1. Escape! After a long frustrating day I often look for a way to forget about it. My first choice would probably be to escape to the gym or go for a run but because of the hubby's schedule that's often not an option. Then I turn to a good book, a movie, or get caught up on my favorite blogs. The main thing is I need to stop obsessing over how irritated I am with life.
2. Pictures! I'm very much a visual person and just looking at pictures of when my kids are actually happy or even better sleeping, make me feel better about life. Often after a rough day with the kiddos I look through my blog and try to focus on the good. I also try to keep pics of them sleeping where I can see them, like on the fridge.
It's hard to stay mad too long when that face is looking at you from your fridge.
3. Compare! I know this sounds wrong but really this often helps me. I don't mean go comparing your weaknesses to other strengths, in fact when I'm feeling a little depressed I try to avoid pinterest. Anyway, I try to look at a family that might be going through something hard. I have a friend who's 5 year has a lot of physical problems and recently just had a major surgery. When I'm annoyed with my almost 5 year old I think of that dear friend and instantly become thankful that he's healthy. I guess what I'm saying is it's not hard to have a positive outlook when you look at the good instead of focusing on the bad. I know easier said than done!
4. Music! There are numerous studies out there about the positive affect that music has on people. I don't need any expert to tell me that it makes me feel better. I love cranking up the music and getting something done. When I'm in the car by myself I sing at the top of my lungs to make myself feel better. I usually turn to fast paced, upbeat music that gets me going but sometimes I need turn to religious music that reminds me how good God really is.
5. If all else fails, I turn to S.O.S. therapy. For me this means SCREAM OR SLEEP. Honestly there are days that leaving me wanting to scream (hopefully not at or around my kids.) But when I do scream a little I feel better, let it out! And for me, sleep can solve any problem. It is the best escape there is and when I wake up, I usually have a more positive outlook. In general life goes better when I'm well rested.
So, there you have it a day late and a dollar short. That's how it seems to go around here most of the time. Hopefully this helps someone out there, even if it's just to know you're not alone.
Thanks for sharing Julie! I'm glad I'm not the only one that has days like that :)
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