15 of the Best Affirmations for Bad Days

If you are human, chances are one day you wake up, roll out of bed, and are in a bad mood. Your confidence seemingly disappeared overnight, and you don't want to go to work or have any human interaction, even with the people you live with. Even feeding your dog or cat seems like too much. Hey, we've all been there. Here are 15 affirmations to help you get back to feeling like your old self on the days you "wake up on the wrong side of the bed."

1. "I always focus on the positive." Now, I know it might be hard to focus on the positive, especially when your anxiety is through the roof and every noise, light, and smell gives you sensory overload- believe me, I've been there. Take a deep breath and think of three things that you are grateful for in your life. It could be anything from "being in good health" or "having a roof over my head." You can write them down, say them aloud, or take a few minutes to appreciate them internally.

2. "Happiness is a choice, not a condition. I choose to be happy today." Now, that's not to say you aren't allowed to have bad days but don't fall into the trap where you're just giving an excuse to be in a bad mood every day or to mistreat others during those bad days.

3. "I am in control of my emotions." Repeat this one on days you feel incredibly overwhelmed. You might not always be able to control what's going on in your life, but you can always control your emotions and, more importantly, your reactions. Which coincides right along with the following:

4. "I am in control of my thoughts." What you think becomes your reality. Think positively.

5. "I deserve to be happy." Yes, yes, you do! Shout this one from the rooftops and write this in lipstick on your mirror. You deserve to be happy, and no one, not even you, should get in the way.

6. "I am a positive, bright person." Remember, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.

7. "Every day is an opportunity to start over." If you're like me at all, every time I get in a bad mood, I feel like I "ruined" my day. I have to remind myself that every day is a fresh start, and if my day doesn't go to plan today, I have a chance to try again tomorrow. This brings me to my next point:

8. "It's only a bad day, not a bad life- Ashley Purdy." Okay, so this isn't an affirmation, but it's one of my favorite quotes, and I had to add it to the list because it's important to remember on tough days.

9. "Every situation allows me to learn and grow." Before you break down on a lousy day, pause and think of what you are being tested on. Is this an opportunity for you to become more resilient? To gain more self-control?

10. "Nobody is perfect. I am allowed to make mistakes." Say it again for the people in the back! And to the perfectionists, you aren't robots. Cut yourself some slack.

11. "I allow myself to feel whatever I need to." Take a bubble bath, light a candle, sing, cry, and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel without guilt.

12. "This too shall pass." A reminder that the mood you are in, the things you are going through, and the stress you are feeling are all temporary.

13. "I choose to take care of myself." This can be anything from journaling how you feel, going outside to soak up the sun, meditating, or working out - anything to boost your mood. Just because you are in a bad mood doesn't mean you should slack on taking care of yourself. It doesn't have to be any of the things mentioned above, just doing one small thing on a rough day is a huge accomplishment.

14. "I am ready to make the most of my day." Saying this affirmation aloud or writing it on paper tricks your brain into believing you feel that way, even if you don't even feel like doing the dishes. Remember, the thoughts you think become your reality. Make sure you are choosing good thoughts.

15. "I enter today with optimism, joy, and gratitude." This is a powerful affirmation to say as soon as your feet touch the ground in the morning. No matter what mood you might be in, you will speak it into existence.

Love,

Emma