By the Bel: Five Ways to Deal with Crummy Days

 #5 Grab a little exercise – Personally, I find it really difficult to stay angry when I’m walking. Try bike riding (on a safe track if you’re really angry), running, walking, or even punching a punching bag if you have one.

 #4 Gardening – Slow down and create something on a crummy day. It will be beautiful on a better day, get you back to nature, and give you something to look forward to. Try growing food-producing plants such as vegetables and herbs to be able to ‘eat your rage’ in a more literal sense.

 #3 Talk to someone – If you don’t have a trusted adult, teacher, or school councillor, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) to vent and externalise the internal maelstrom of emotion. Someone may be able to help you find your way through the tangle.

 #2 Wash away the bad day – Have a shower and visualise the horrible feelings going down the drain with the water. When you step out squeaky clean, you can picture the rest of the day to be the same.

 #1 Have a good cry – Sometimes a crummy day just can’t be helped and you need to have a good cry about it.

 “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

― L.M. Montgomery

Five ways to deal with your teen’s crummy days (for adults or friends)

#5 Listen actively to what is being said – Ask questions about the crummy day to let them know you’re up to speed with them.

#4 Leave them alone – Sometimes they’ll ask you to just leave them to calm down before anything can be resolved or talked about. This one always worries me personally, but as long as it isn’t a constant silence and they do eventually seek someone out to talk, it should be fine.

 #3 Offer them help – You can offer help, but remember not to try and solve the issue for the person. Working through adversity builds character and fosters resilience. If it’s a matter of helping them study, or preparing for an exam, then sure: Saddle up for the race to the finish line!

 #2 Show them you care about them – A thinking of you card, a hand written letter, or a small, thoughtful gift can lift someone’s spirits.

 #1 Give them a hug – It’s free, it feels good, and most people I know (adults and teens alike) really need one after they’ve had a crummy day.