I know we all have bad days, I’m sure every Princess out there has had a day where she’s thought ‘This is the worst day of my life.’ Sometimes it really is, but often its just the accumulation of lifes little stresses, concerns and misunderstandings that wear away at us until we find it hard to smile. Some days everything just seems to go wrong from the moment we wake up.
I think having a positive outlook on life definitely helps minimise these, but there are also little things we can do to rise above bad days and create some joy. Following your dreams and doing what makes you happy in the long run is important, but its also necessary to enjoy each day as much as we can and some times that means taking control of your time and creating your own little bit of happiness. I hope these suggestions will help in doing so.
Stop and breathe. When we are stressed we tend to let it affect us mentally and physically, which leads in to a vicious cycle, making us feel more overworked. Take a moment to pause, take some deep breaths and let go. Look around you, notice the beautiful things, birds calling, children laughing, a flower growing out of the pavement. Remove yourself from the situation for a moment and just clear your mind.
Smile. Yes its corny, but it works. Some days I like to collect smiles, while I am out and about I smile at strangers and everytime I get a smile back I count! 1 from the bus driver, 1 from the little old lady at the shop, 1 from the security gaurd and so on. Each smile is like a little bit of sunshine and it doesn’t take many to make me feel a whole lot better!
Treat yourself. It doesn’t hurt to give yourself a little treat now and then. Whether its an ice cream in your favourite flavour, a new hair clip or the simple luxury of time to do something like watching a favourite movie or having a nice bubble bath. Sometimes these little pick me ups can be the one nice thing in an unpleasant day, and that makes them valuable. The trick is not to do this everytime something little goes wrong, but reserve it for when you really need it otherwise it loses the novelty.
Spend some time outside, weather permitting of course (although I like walking in the rain aswell.) Being in natural surroundings is both relaxing and grounding. Take a walk, sit in a park and read a book or just relax. My favourite way to unwind is to go to the beach, there’s something about the breaking waves that washes away my cares. If you find this effective you might be interested in the theory of Biophilia.
Go and make someone elses day. Honestly, you’re probably not the only one having a bad day. Have a look around you, at your friends or colleagues or school mates and think of something nice you can do for them. Maybe help them with a task they’re finding difficult, offer to buy them lunch or a coffee or just give them an honest compliment. You’d be amazed how much of a difference a little thoughtfulness on your part can do to bring happiness to others, and like laughter, its contagious.
I wish all of you a beautiful day and hope these ideas might make your grey days a little sunnier 
March 10th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Especially the first tip is really usefull! I have those days were I get all stressed out from school and can’t focuse right… next time I will just stop and take a deep breath! Cause everything will turn out fine x3
I hope you have a happy day too Princess!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Thank you for posting this!
I felt really upset about my day so far but now that i’ve read this I’m going to try to turn it around.
So thankyou very much!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:43 am
This princess lesson is perfect!
Just this morning I caught myself wishing that I could go back to bed and sleep until the day is finally over. I do feel better after spending some time outside, walking through the park, now that I think about it… Thanks a lot Princess Skye!
March 11th, 2008 at 3:14 am
This is so useful!!!
All of them are in their own way!! But now a days I’ve been so stressed because my son was ill one week, and now that he’s OK, my husband is the one who’s ill, and I haven’t slept well for more than a week. I have to wake up to give him the medicines, I’m so tired and feel like a ghost.., but every time I see He’s better thanks to my cares.., that, really, makes me happy!!
March 11th, 2008 at 4:35 am
I am really glad you wrote this!
Today I knew which were going to be my timetables for the rest of the year in school and got stressed because, from now on, I will be half of the day and more into the school and it is not my favourite place to be… But it makes me smile when I get back home :3!
March 11th, 2008 at 7:01 am
oops! I’m sorry, the name went in wrong! haha. Forgive me!
March 11th, 2008 at 7:03 am
This is what I meant to write in my under my name:
Thank you for this princess lesson Miss Skye, this really did come just in time for me. Just reading this made me smile and help me get back to how I used to be; happpy, honest, and child-like, much like a little princess. But lately I had lost all of that and been extremely down, so far down that I never want to experience that again. Once again, thank you, you always know what to post on your lovely site to help bring me back up.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:04 am
thanks for thim sorta already having a horrible day, so these should really help!!
March 11th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Lea - Yes, breathing is very important. Many of us breath too shallowly anyway. Thank you!
Lilly - *hugs* I hope your day turned out far better.
Alina - whenever I feel too emotional, sad, angry, upset I always go for a walk. Its the best cure in the world <3
Sistinas - I hope that your family feel better soon! They are so lucky to have you to care for them.
Sora - I hope you can find some pleasant things at school that make it a nicer place to be.
Princess Desi - We all go through phases like this, don’t worry, there’s always sunshine on the other side if we choose to look for it <3
Heather - I hope your day improved greatly!
March 14th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I adore this post. You have such a wonderful outlook on life, Skye. I could definitely learn a thing or two from you.
Please keep writing these amazing entries! I certainly appreciate all of them! :)