“Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them…”

Having a bad day? Don’t stress, we are humans after all. Without bad days, how are we expected to appreciate the good ones? We all face struggles and difficult times… but hey, they will pass. In fact, you will grow from these experiences and appreciate the better days.

To stop you reaching for the family size bar of chocolate in order to drown your sorrows (which we know you will instantly regret!), we have come up with five things you can do to banish the blues and see that there really is a light at the end of every tunnel.

Practice yoga

Yoga gives us that feel good factor, helping us to generate a positive state of mind. It works wonders on our circulation, leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and gets our endorphins (feel good hormones) flowing. The aim of yoga practice is to resolve internal tensions and bring out inner happiness. Plus the focus on your breath will help rid of stress and anxiety, leaving you positively glowing!

Take a long hot bath

Unwind at the end of a long, hard day with a warming bath. Did you know that taking a bath raises our body temperature and heart rate, which in turn means we perspire and release toxins from our body?

We love adding a few drops of lavender oil to ease our muscles. We also love Epsom salts in our bath to draw impurities from our body and replenish our cells with magnesium. This is a sure-fire way to guarantee a deep nights sleep.

Spend time with your loved ones

Studies show that we are happiest when we are spending quality time with our nearest and dearest. Social engagement is the most efficient way to rein in that stress or sadness. So, instead of heading home to wallow in your own self-pity, organize a drink with a friend or even hang out with your mumma. Try to talk your problems over with them, as after all, a problem shared is half a problem!

Practice gratitude

I’m sure the last thing you want to hear when you are having a bad day is to practice gratitude. Yet, this one is something we must practice. Gratitude immediately puts our situations into perspective. Turning negative feelings and thoughts into positive ones can do us a load of good. We all have bad days, but try to think what you can learn from the experience – you are stronger for it! Give yourself a pat on the back and keep you head up! Tomorrow is a new day…

Meditate

Taking a few minutes a day to practice meditation is the perfect way to dispel any negative thoughts that niggle away at us. Learning to create self-awareness will open our brains up to a realm of positive thinking. We take the journey of self-love very seriously over here at Hip & Healthy, because once you start to love and accept yourself just the way you are, the more you will start thinking positively.

Words by Flora Crichton

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