We’ve all had those days… where you’re tired and unable to get anything done. On those days, I often end up reading a trashy book while eating lots of junk food… definitely not a good idea! It’s not healthy and it doesn’t help at all!

But what else can you do?

It feels like there’s no other option, but that’s not true. I’ve figured out several tips to share with you that will change your day from bad to good!

3 STEPS TO A BETTER DAY

1) Choose Joy

I know this is SO classic and might seem obvious, but you can choose to (or not to) rejoice! Stop yourself before you get down in the dumps and literally force your brain to choice joy. I have so many things to rejoice about, but sometimes I forget about them. One way to combat this is to make gratitude lists! Write down things you’re thankful or blessings you’ve had recently, and post them on your wall or mirror. You could keep a list of encouraging verses or answered prayers – whatever encourages you and helps you to choose joy!

In his word, Christ calls us to rejoice – in the Lord and through him – which means that it is very, very important.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Romans 10:11

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

2) Pray

Prayer is so important, but I have to admit that I forget to do it sometimes – when it would be the most helpful! Maybe you need patience with your siblings or family or contentment with a hard situation – prayer can help! God says to bring everything to him, and that includes our struggles and hard times.

Next time you’re having a bad day, take a moment to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to help you combat fear, insecurity, covetousness, ungratefulness, or whatever it is that you are struggling with!

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

3) Get something done

It might not be something hard or complicated, but getting just a little thing done is so encouraging! Here are some easy, simply ideas of things to do:

Take a walk or do a short workout video
Write a note to a friend
Look at your goals for the week, month or year
Write in your journal
Read a chapter or two of a book
Make tea, hot chocolate, or coffee – for yourself or a neighbor or friend who lives nearby
Make someone a meal or dessert
Talk to a friend or relative on the phone
Make a gratitude list
Fold some laundry – your own or someone in your family’s!
Offer to come over and help someone with their kids
Work on your to-do list!

In case you need some way to remember all this (I sure do!), I made a simple printable that you can tape to your wall, mirror, or anywhere you want to put it!

It’s a 100% freebie so you don’t need to sign up for anything – just click the link below or save the picture 😉

3 Steps to a Better Day Printable