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