I've had some pretty awful days. Days where I slept through my alarm and barely made it to work on time. Days when people got on my nerves and said things that really just made me mad. Days when everything that could possibly go wrong, did. Days that were just so busy, I felt like I barely stopped to breathe. There are days when I feel so organized and accomplished. Then there are days when I feel like I'm riding a roller coaster that only spirals down. Life can often feel like organized chaos; the demands of every day cause you to rush around and some days seem wayyyy longer than others. I've had a few of those days myself, and simply put, they are "crazy days." If you try to tell me you've never had one, I'll know you're lying. Seriously, everyone has bad days. It is an unavoidable part of life. Stressful situations can get the best of us if we let them. The trick to surviving these crazy days is not to let stress have the final say. Here is the best how to guide I could put together on surviving the crazy days we have all experienced...
Tip #1: Take a deep breath. This seems easy enough, but its actually very difficult to take a minute, stop, and slow down. The business can overtake you and frustration mounts throughout a crazy day. The most productive way to let off steam is to just breathe and collect yourself before continuing with whatever task is at hand.
Tip #2: Find something that helps you release the pent-up energy and emotions. A crazy day is bound to produce crazy emotions. You might feel like crying, screaming, pulling your hair out, or just blocking everything and everyone out. Whatever you are feeling does not have to determine your actions for the day. I realize this is difficult to practice, but we have to get it all out in a way that is still God-honoring. Find your medium for de-stressing. Two ways I release stress are through my music (listening, as well as playing) and my writing. There are a lot of other ways people can give their brains a break. Find what helps you and make it a continual practice in those times when you are at your wit's end.
Tip #3: Smile through the stress. Yes, I placed the words smile and stress in the same sentence. No matter what kind of day you are having, wearing a smile somehow seems to make it better. It might not necessarily make YOU feel better, but wearing a smile could potentially brighten someone else's crazy day. You could be helping someone else through your own struggle, and that should make a bad day worth it. Force a smile when you walk by that person who has been getting on your nerves and seems to be enjoying it. Smile at the kids who have been noisy all day. Smile at the annoyed cashier when you fumble for your money in the check-out line. In the midst of chaos, always find a reason to smile.
Life isn't a bed of roses, so you have to do your best when you're put to the test. Reflect on those crazy days and how your words/ actions affected those around you. How can you improve? Did you honor God while you were stressed out? Don't forget that people are watching, and you must be a good example, despite the circumstances. I hope you found a little humor, as well as truth in this post. Here's to surviving the crazy days! You can make it!
Here are some lyrics to a song that relates to this post:
I lost my keys in the great unknown And call me please 'cause I can't find my phone
This is the stuff that drives me crazy This is the stuff that's getting to me lately In the middle of my little mess I forget how big I'm blessed This is the stuff that gets under my skin But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing It might not be what I would choose But this is the stuff You use
Forty-five in a thirty-five Sirens and fines while I'm running behind Whoa
To break me of impatience Conquer my frustrations I've got a new appreciation It's not the end of the world
-Francesca Battistelli