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Use these attitude adjustment tips to make life easier. All are simple ideas that will brighten your days!
We all have bad days. Days when nothing goes right…and we feel like giving up. Days when we’re tired, and don’t have the energy to think positive. Days when we are drowning in the sea of comparison, and we just need something to make us feel better…or something to brighten our dark day. When we’re in the middle of one of those crappy days, what we need is an attitude adjustment. We need concrete and specific ideas to help us break out of that bad mood. Easy ways to turn a challenging day into a good one.
Journaling
Journaling does not have to be complicated or time consuming to be meaningful. You do not need a special notebook or an elaborate system. I keep it very simple and use my monthly calendar. Each day, I jot down a few short notes, usually things I am grateful for. If you are just beginning, simply start with one thing. Gratitude has a quiet way of shifting perspective. It is simple, grounding, and one of the easiest ways I know to gently adjust your attitude.
Walk Outside
I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this works. A walk outside is like hitting a reset button, and it can turn your day completely around. I realize that weather and other circumstances may sometimes prevent you from utilizing this tip, but if you can, do it. A few summers ago, when our little dog, Kelly, was sick, walking outside literally saved me. And after she passed away, walking got me out of the house, and helped with the “feeling sorry for myself” issue. Now, Millie (our little dog) and I walk every day, and we both feel so much better when we get home. You don’t have to go far, and you don’t have to walk for a long time. It’s simply the change in your surroundings and fresh air that do the trick.
Light a Candle
When you light a scented candle, two things happen. First, a peaceful feeling descends as the flame is lit. Second, the aromatherapy generated as the candle burns helps calm your restless heart. Peace and calm are two things that can turn a bad day into one that’s very good.
Pray
Prayer is a very personal thing, and I would never try to tell you how to do it, when to do it, or how often to do it. I will say this…saying a prayer for patience, or forbearance, or simply for a blessing, can change your attitude instantly.
Take a Nap
Like a walk, short naps act as that much needed reset button on days when you are weighed down. Sometimes the simple act of closing our eyes, and taking a break from the world, can turn our attitude around. It also gives our minds a chance to slow down, and reconsider what made our attitudes crappy in the first place! (See our neutral bedroom HERE.)
Say Thank You. Say No.
Taking a moment to thank someone, even for the smallest thing, is a simple way to shift your outlook. Gratitude has a quiet way of softening a day. At the same time, learning to say no can be just as important. One of my favorite reminders comes from Anne Lamott. “No is a complete sentence.” When something will add stress, worry, or overwhelm, it is enough to politely decline. No explanations required. Both gratitude and healthy boundaries create space for peace, and together they can change the tone of a day more than we might expect.
Buy Flowers (one of my favorite attitude adjustment tips)
I have been preaching about this for as long as I’ve been blogging! Treating yourself to a bouquet of flowers will instantly make you smile. Does it get any better than that?
Bake Something
You need to have some time for this tip, but it will definitely be time well spent. Heading to the kitchen when I’m stressed always makes me feel better. It occupies my mind and my hands, which helps to ease the stress. It makes me feel productive and accomplished. Many times I give away whatever I’ve baked, which also makes me feel good…and helpful. All of these things are positive, and all are wonderful attitude adjustments.
Organize One Space
Have you ever opened a drawer or closet and felt instantly irritated? Most homes have at least one spot that quietly causes stress. Choosing just one space to organize, no matter how small, can make a surprising difference. It brings a sense of order and relief, and it often changes how the whole day feels. This does not have to be a big project. One drawer. One shelf. One small step at a time. There is something very steadying about opening a space and finding exactly what you need, right where it belongs. (Get the details for organizing your spice drawer.)
Read a Book/Watch a Movie
One of my favorite attitude adjustment tips is to step away from the world, relax, and go someplace you’ve never been. There is no better way to do this than to read a book, or watch a movie. Like the baking tip, you need some time, but sinking down into a comfortable chair, with a cozy throw blanket, is worth the juggling it takes to work it into your schedule.
Plant One or Two Herbs
This may seem like a stretch, and it does take a bit of planning, but I promise it will brighten your day. The way fresh herbs smell, and being able to use them in your cooking, are two very uplifting things.
Don’t overthink this. Root herbs can almost always be found in the produce section of grocery stores…so just pick one or two up when you are shopping. Use whatever container is handy…and order the potting soil online. In no time flat you will have an herb garden right in your kitchen, and a smile on your face. Tip: before I added the potting soil to my blue colander, I lined it with coffee filters.
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You are such a warm hearted person, I’m glad I found your postings. It is always a pleasure if you send a new article. Bus I miss your beautiful monthly calendar in 2026. It was always a part of my office decoration and I enjoyed it very much.
Hi Heike…I sent the link to the calendar to your email. Enjoy!
I love this post. It was just what I needed. When I’m feeling down, I lack the motivation to do what I need to do to get out from under. All of these tips are doable and enjoyable. I will refer to this often when I feel stuck. Thank you, Ann!
Love this… great takeaway and reminder for daily living.
It’s so easy to get bogged down and let yourself dwell there!
Thanks!
Thank you for this endearing post on a cold gray Ohio morn.
My favorite Hallmark birthday card says:
Less Crappy
More Happy!
Thank you, Ann, for this wonderfully inspiring post! All those ideas are excellent and a good reminder how simple things can make a big difference in moods and attitudes. It was a refreshing read and I know I’ll refer to it often during these dark and cold months! And actually, throughout the year!
Great suggestions! Reading the Bible, especially the Psalms is uplifting & encouraging! Psalm 100
Thanks for your great blog!
I enjoyed reading your suggestions and will give many of them a try. Thank you!
I loved this post and the way you presented these steps to an attitude adjustment. At this stage in my life, all of these are doable and I know they will work (and have). Even small shifts in what we’re doing can help break our focus, especially when it’s consuming. Thanks for the reminders and ideas!
Wonderful ideas ! Heading into a bubble bath with a good book soon !
Thank you Ann!! I needed this reminder today.
Hi Leslie…I’m sorry about Lily. I know what you mean about crying and walking at the same time. After Kelly died, when I was walking, and no one was around, I just let the tears come. There were a few times I had to stop and compose myself so I could see where I was going!
Ann, Just reading this post made me happy. It reminded me to slow down and take time do many of the suggestions you offered to feel better.
Thank you, Ann for the realistic suggestions when in need of a pick me up…winter months can be difficult when forced to stay inside. I’m off to get some much needed groceries and some flowers!
Such wonderful ideas and tips. Perfect for a cold windy day in Virginia. I believe I will talk a walk! Have a lovely day and a good weekend!
Great tips today, Ann. I think I’m going to try some of them this weekend. This is the first weekend I’ve had that there were no deadlines and no demands. It’s the perfect time to work on me.
Take care.
I am a new follower and love the herb garden in the colander idea! Thank you so much for that!
Thank you, Ann, for this inspirational post. Such wonderful ideas & suggestions. Yours is my favorite blog! You are so real & personal. I loved hearing about & seeing your new house. And my heart ached when you shared with us Kelly’s passing. Please know you are reaching & connecting with us in such meaningful ways.
Great tips !! I really needed this today due to recent events in my life. Thanks !
Ann,
Thank you for this post! I love the words “No is a complete sentence”! I’ve been trying to tell my husband that for years. I’ve learned to say it but he hasn’t. I’m sending it to him and I think I will have it printed!
A
This post was just what I needed this morning! Beautiful and simple ideas on this cold day. Always look forward to your emails.
Ann,I love this post.All your tips are excellent.I have been overwhelmed with some health issues recently.Usually when I get overwhelmed, I clean, organize or rearrange things in the house.Also have been burying myself in the AMC channel watching old black and white movies which I love.I especially love your little blue colander that you made into a planter,very creative.You’ve just made me add a few more things to my Better Homes and Gardens list !!
You are like an identical twin. I use all these ideas, and notice that with this freezing icy weather, I surely miss my daily walks in Williamsburg. I read you everyday and I too recently downsized from a large home with gardens to a townhouse in town. Adjustments can be stressful, but joy can be found in many situations.
Ann, we are so thankful for you! You never disappoint and always seem to post things when we really need them! Thanks for being “special you”! Have a blessed week!
I would add getting a library card and checking out books to the list of mood picker uppers. I love coming home with new reads and not having to store them forever. Libraries are a place of community and that is something that lifts my spirits right now. If you like cozy mysteries, Richard Osman has started a series that is quite fun, The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice.
Hi Stacey,
I, too, love cozy mysteries! Quick reads, comforting and not gruesome! 😊
They always make me feel good.
What a wonder way to brighten your day. Love seeing emails from you and this one is a great help to chase away the winter chill. Thanks for sharing, Ann! I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Hi Ann.
Your blog is my absolute favorite. Why? Because I feel that you are real. I retired in 2018 after 19 years as a middle school principal – 33 years in the same school where I started as a home economics teacher. After I retired, I felt lost so now I do lots of “part time” things on my own schedule. It fulfills the part of me that will always love education.
On the flip side, I have ALWAYS been the home ec person – loved decorating, cooking, crafting, etc. I LOVE season decor, etc. However, once I retired, I feel like I’ve lost my passion for these things and I can’t figure out why. I know in my heart it’s a motivation thing but can’t figure out how to get over the hump. I have so many projects I want to do yet can’t seem to get “started” on any of them.
So, needless to say, I enjoyed reading your post today. If you have any other ideas to share with me to help get my “passion” back, please do share.
On a side note, I think another reason I’m drawn to your blog is because it appears that our favorite color is the same – NAVY!!!!
Loved your comments. I too suffer from inability to get started on projects I want to do. Will try some of these suggestions.
Perfect timing. I love This post! Just forwarded your blog to my cousin, she will also love it~
Thank you for this post, Ann. I’m definitely going to put several of your suggestions into action. Life can seem overwhelming at times, especially in this time of the pandemic, and winter doesn’t help either….I’m definitely a summer person. Thanks for reminding us to take care of ourselves because we’re no good to anyone else if we’re not OK ourselves.
This is one of my favorite posts. There are so many good ideas, helps, and thoughts. I’m an older adult and these are areas that I can do over time and many on colder shut in days…and they will brighten the day! Thank you.
Great post, Ann. I needed this today. I’ll add one, too. When I’m feeling the “grump”, sometimes I can shake if off by doing a quick rearrange of furniture, or accessories. Brightens and freshens my attitude AND my surroundings, and keeps me busy so I don’t focus on self. Most of the time I run across some little thing that I decide I can bless someone else with, too. (An extra bowl one of my kids might like, a plant cutting to give a neighbor, etc.)
Thank you for this post!
Ann, your list of ideas are not new, but it is very beneficial and helpful to see them listed together. I read your blog all the time and love the realistic things you share. Frigid cold temperatures in northern Indiana have kept us inside for several days. I started a puzzle and today did some organizing of all the Christmas totes that had made it to the basement, but not put away. It felt good to take care of that.
Thank you for your blog of ideas for the “regular” person.
Blessings to you and your family.
Kim
Love this post! Just what I needed to read today. Thanks
Thank you so much for these timely tips!! Just what I needed today. I feel better already :)
Terri