Why Not . . . Fix a Bad Day?

There are days when even when you walk out the door with a spring in your step, you still can't seem to catch a break. Perhaps incessant demands, unexpected delays, last minute changes or any number of events beyond your control occur that render you dumbfounded as to how the day shifted from where you intended it to go. As much as we'd like to make every day blissful, stressless and obstacle-free, there are days when we have absolutely no control over the events that will occur.

While it would be ideal if we could press the restart button or take a time out to catch our breath, sometimes these options aren't made available when we desperately need them. So in order to combat a day that is quickly going badly and you feel as though you might be losing all control, I'd like to share a few remedies to help you end it in the manner in which you began it - with a spring in your step, a hopeful smile on your face and a reassured state of mind.

And since the most powerful remedy for my "ugly" days are my dogs, I thought I'd let these images of dogs working their magic while you make your way through the post.

1. Control What You Can

We always have control over what we say and what we do. It is during such stressful times that it demands more self-control to not rip into someone who most likely is not to blame simply to relief our frustrations, but then we only take our day from bad to worse. When you feel out of control, remind yourself that the day will end, you will find your the pillow to finally sleep upon, and aim for the goal of applauding yourself for watching your tongue and your temper. You'll sleep far better knowing you did.

2. Find Time to Power Down

When you get home, shut off your devices, turn off the television, and just breathe. No noise, no demands, just separation from the day that is thankfully winding down. Click here to read more about the benefits of unplugging.

3. Time with Loved Ones

For me, when I cross the threshold into my home and hear the quick pitter patter of my dogs' feet, it is their smiling, wiggly happiness in seeing me that lifts my mood instantly. Whether it is your dogs, your children, your spouse or your closest friend, try to spend some time with them or at least hear their voice on the phone. Being able to let your hair down, vent if necessary and just be in the company of those who love you provides an amazing burst of joy. 

4. A Good Night's Sleep

A good night's sleep is the remedy for so many things - beauty, health, creative process - and it can also be wonderful therapy after a tough day. Often we need more sleep on such days than we might have thought because our minds are doubly strained and exhausted. Respect what your body needs and be sure to grab some restorative shut-eye.

5. Write it Out

Sometimes the safest and best therapy is to pick up your journal or computer and just write. Simply putting your frustrations on paper can act as a release to organize why you became so frazzled and uptight. Sometimes we don't realize in the moment what has set us off, and when we take the time to assess after the events have taken place, we give ourselves an opportunity to learn and handle similar situations differently.

6. Exercise

Involve yourself in some form of exercise. For example, when I step into a yoga class and have to hold a pose, there is nothing else on my mind except for my muscles screaming at me for not keeping them in better shape. And when I finish, I feel a sense of accomplishment which may not have been achieved during a bad day.

7. Don't Drown or OverIndulge your Stressors

Keep your eating and drinking in check on days when your patience and nerves are frazzled. In fact, don't put yourself in a situation where your willpower will be tested. Instead, make yourself a simple, yet comforting meal (or purchase take-out at your favorite eatery), come home and fuel your body with something that will leave you feeling good about at least one thing you had control over during the day - your diet and health. 

8. Take a Bath

Surround yourself with warmth - literally. Soak in a hot bath and close your eyes. Necessary me-time is not a luxury; it is mandatory.

9. Refrain from Making Significant Decisions

Do yourself a favor and put any big decisions on hold when you run up against a day that just isn't working in your favor. Tomorrow you will be glad you heeded this advice as you will have averted another day of frustration caused by rash decision making. Often instead of making the right decision, we simply make a decision to get it done, but really the only thing we're doing is making more work for ourselves down the road. 

10. Slow Down and Have a Cup of Tea

Insert the hot drink of your choice - hot chocolate, coffee or tea - whichever you prefer. The main thing that I find when I heat up the water to have a cup of my favorite tea is that it slows me down. I have to find time to enjoy it, press pause for a moment and enjoy the warmth. This may also be a wonderful time to close your eyes and have a mini-meditation session to clear your mind.

While there are many things we can do to control the outcomes of our days, sometimes it's just out of our hands. On these days remember these 10 tips for making it through without having regrets when it finally ends and hopefully feeling a little bit better as you unwind in the evening. 

~JOIN THE CONVERSATION: What remedies have you found to be an elixir to a bad day? Please share below in the comments or on TSLL Facebook page.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Journal Regularly?

~Why Not . . . Take a Deep Breath?

~Why Not . . . Get a Good Night's Sleep?

All images available here.

Rules Of Style – Jennifer Aniston

I must admit, I have been a fan of Jennifer Aniston’s casual, cool style for quite some time.  Maybe it’s California, maybe it’s being an actress, but it seems to me, it is just who Jennifer Aniston is – a girl who doesn’t let the fashions consume her.  This is admirable when it is clear, she certainly has the means to don the latest fashions season after season.

After paying close attention to the dresses, designers and styles Aniston chooses to wear whether she is on the red carpet or during the day, it is evident that she tends to prefer to keep it simple with her choice of clothing and the colors so that her own beauty can shine - a strategy that is working very well for her.  Her color palette is very neutral – black (a lot of black), golds, grays and denim blues – and her beautiful mane of hair and bronzed glow seem to be her accessories of choice. And with accessories like those you certainly don’t need much else to shine.

Since FRIENDS ended in 2004, Aniston has created her own film company, starred in more than a handful of films and demonstrated that her architectural taste is just as impressive as her acting.  (View Jen’s interior style as shown in Architectural Digest’s February 2010 issue.)

With all of the commotion around her, she seems to be very assured of where she is going, what to devote her energy to and what to ignore. One of my favorite interviews she gave was to Elle US in the September 2009 issue. Jennifer is interviewed by a close friend and appears to share a bit more openly about her day to day life. Click here to read.

One thing that seems to add to her zen-like approach to life is her participation in regular yoga classes. To learn a bit more about her instructor and routine as shared in SELF magazine, click here.

All-in-all, Aniston, what the public sees at least, is someone who is intriguing both in her wardrobe choices, as well as her lifestyle.  Have a look at a few of the key components to Jennifer Aniston’s stylish life.

Tousled Ponytail 

T-Shirt & Blue Jeans 

Gray 

The Sunglasses

Tom Ford sunglasses

 

Black & Jewels 

Just Golden 

All Black

 

Long Sleeves, Short Dress 

Leather Jacket 

Dog Lover 

 

Get Fit With Yoga 

Strapless

 

Gray & Black 

Gorgeous Tresses

 

A Casual Confidence

With time and experience comes wisdom, and a sense of calm and comfort in one’s own skin, and Aniston certainly seems to have achieved this over the course of her career. Who she is now is someone much more intriguing than who she was when she was just beginning on the series FRIENDS.  And it also seems she has become more radiant. With that said, Aniston is proof that confidence is much more attractive than youth and good genes. (No pun intended.)

To view other Rules of Style:

*Tory Burch

*Katie Holmes

*Natalie Massenet

 

Images: (1) Source (2) Architectural Digest (4) Source (5) Source (6) Source (7) Source (8) Source (9) Source (10) Source (11) Source (12) Source (13) Source (14) Source (16)  Source (17) Source (19) Source (20) Source (21) Source (22) Source (23) Source (24) Source (25) Source (26) Source (27) Source (28) Source (29) Source (30) Source (31) Source (32) Source (33) Source (34) Source

Why Not . . . Revel in Simple Pleasures?

Sometimes an abundance of “stuff” is simply too much.  Life isn’t about how much one can acquire at the point of farewell to our lovely planet; it is about moments, memories, and finding more of these moments of pleasure and happiness than the alternative.

One of my favorite magazines, The English Home, inspired me with regards to today’s post.  After sharing a handful of English simple pleasures, I began to think, what events, moments, or things would I consider simple, yet at the same time bringing an overwhelming amount of pleasure?  Here are a few that immediately came to mind.

Fresh Flowers

The farmer’s markets in the area are about to begin, and I can’t wait.  One of my favorite finds during the first few weeks are the bundles of peonies that can be picked up for quite a bargain.  What amazes me each time fresh flowers are brought home is that change in the mood of the decor and the inhabitants.  Something oh so simple, yet full of pleasure.

Breakfast In Bed

To wake up without an alarm clock and then to be quickly told not to get out of bed because breakfast will be served shortly – heaven!

Four-legged Friends

Yesterday, I was talking with a colleague about the joy our pets bring into our lives.  They really are daily reminders as to how easily life can be enjoyed if only we would stop fussing and fretting.  Who else can we depend on without fail to come home to and be greeted with so much enthusiasm you would have thought the queen was coming to visit?  And happiness, just take your pup on a walk, and they’ve found nirvana.  Too many times we make it more difficult than it needs to be when it comes to searching for happiness. Most certainly something to think about.

Blankets, Books & Goodies

Cuddling up with books, magazines or a worth-while news article, accompanied with a cozy blanket and something sweet to nibble on  - my definition of a lazy and pleasurable day.

Time Alone

I came across a quote recently that stated “One can be alone, without being lonely” and while I find this to be absolutely true, it’s funny how so many people fight having time to themselves.  They say they crave it, yet when given the opportunity, usually don’t know how to be comfortable with it. Feeling comfortable being with one’s self is an acquired skill, but the key to being comfortable with it, is being comfortable with who you are and finding peace in that.  Bravo to you if you’ve found your peace.

Afternoon Tea

An opportunity to meet with a friend,  leisurely conversation, hot tea and treats as well  - the Duchess of Bedford — one of Queen Victoria's Ladies in Waiting – definitely came up with a grand idea to overcome the “sinking feeling” one often feels in the late afternoon.

Click here to read part two in this series for a list of even more simple pleasures you may wish to indulge in.

Oh, how I can’t wait to bask in one of these pleasures soon. So what are your simple pleasures?    I can’t wait to hear!

Images: (1)  Oscar Falk (2) Source (3) Source (4) Wet Behind The Ears (5) Source (6) Oscar Falk (7) Source

Find Your Sunshine

A couple of days ago I was fortunate enough to take my dogs for a walk while the sun was shining as though it was a foreign object and it was bragging about what it could do, and much to my amazement we seemed to have the park to ourselves.  As my two spaniels ran around to their heart’s content, they also picked up half of the mud that was left over from the rain the night before and decided to bring it home.

To their chagrin a bath was next on their to do list and mine as soon as we arrived home.  My young Cavalier King Charles took the bath like a champ, grinning and bearing it the entire time, but none the less he was a star and did very well for only having had a few baths in his young life.  As I was fiddle farting around the house, I started to look around to see where he had gone.  I finally found him soaking up the sunshine that was streaming through the windows shining on my stairs going upstairs. There was no need to rush and get the camera because he wasn’t going anywhere.  He was exactly where he wanted to be.  He nonchalantly poked his head around the corner when his name was called, but he was not about to miss out on some much needed love from the sun.  Soon, my English cocker found out about the secret, and they had a little chill session for a bit.

While this was one of the sweetest moments my two dogs have shared together, and I will never forget it, I was also reminded that even though we all go through things that we maybe don’t want to or maybe have forced upon us, it is ultimately up to us to “find our sunshine”, to push forward and find the good in what may seem a challenging or not so desirable time. 

Maybe you have been thrown more work than you feel is your fair share, or maybe your monetary income is less than expected, and you aren’t able to enjoy the things you once used to,  or maybe life has thrown you more than you feel you can handle. Whatever your burden may be,  there is an opportunity to be seized, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time. 

For example, use that extra face time with your boss to demonstrate how competent you are and prove without question a raise is more than well deserved, or use the downtime that you now have because of limited funds to get creative.  After all, the time shortly after the Great Depression turned out some of the most creative and widely used innovations:  scotch tape, beer in a can, helicopters, a jet engine, the board game Monopoly – who knew?  The sunshine that we find may only last but a few minutes, but we must seek out opportunities for they will not necessarily land at our feet and will be gone before we get done complaining.

Opportunity is often difficult to recognize; we usually expect it to beckon us with beepers and billboards.

 ~William Arthur Ward

If all else fails and you still can’t find your sunshine, at least not right at the moment, I’ve included some below. 

 

My baby Norman peeking around the corner.

Let the sun bathing party begin, Oscar has arrived!!

1. Royal Holloway 2.City-Data 3. Planet –C1  4. Maremma, Tuscany 5. Andrena 6.& 7. Simply Luxurious