Toxic Day; Go Away!

I hate bad days. I know we all have them, but, really, some of them just suck. Here are a few ideas to get through those sneaky little bad days:

1. Laugh

I put on Pandora and pop on my comedian of choice (FYI: Dane Cooke and Jim Gaffigan). How can you continue to have a bad day when you are laughing? Really. It is my number one go-to when I'm having a rough patch at work or home. If you don't know about Pandora, it is a free streaming app (for both desktop and phone) that allows you to stream music (and comedians) for free.

2. Drink

No, not that kind of drink, although, I'm sure many of you have had those kind of days. I'm talking about having a comfort drink on hand. My choice is always hot cocoa. But, I do have herbal teas and even my favorite soda, on hand at work. Sometimes I need to take a mini-drink-break. If you have the kind of schedule that allows for you to dive out for a moment to go to Starbucks or Jamba Juice, take that time to rejuvenate and hydrate.

 

3. Pray or Meditate

Prayer should've been number one. I pray throughout the day to God. Little things. Big things. But, when I'm having an intense moment, I duck out to the bathroom or my car, and say a prayer. Meditation is huge for me as well. Sit at your desk and breath in for the count of seven, hold for four, and breath out for eight. Repeat ten times. I use this technique, hourly.

4. Walk

Get moving. Get out of the office or house and go for a walk. There is nothing better for you than getting your blood pumping and clearing your head. In Arizona I have the advantage of beautiful weather almost year-round, but for you folks in colder climates, I'd suggest just getting out of the office and walk. Anywhere. Even if it's just climbing the stairs.

Bad days come. Good news, they don't last forever. Try these four tips and see how they work.

Toxic Day; Go Away!

October 4, 2016

Why Dogs are Healing!

A girl's night out. That's all it was supposed to be. Bridget Jones, the gals, and laughter. Instead, the lights dimmed in the movie theatre, the smell of fresh popcorn drifted through the air, and the screen jumped to life with the previews. The first preview, A Dog's Purpose, left me a blubbering, whiney, mess and made me wish I was at home snuggling with my pups.

Dogs.

Why are they so darn special?

 1. Tears

Try crying in front of your dog. Do it. Real, thick, crocodile tears. I can guarantee you one thing, your dog will not like it. Instead, he will cuddle up next to you and lick your face. He'll snuggle with you, hoping, whatever (or whoever) has done this to you, will pay. Until then, your furry friend will hope his love is enough. And, it is.

 

2. Love

Feeling left out or out of place? It's as if your dog knows. He will race to greet you the minute you walk through the door, like you are the only human being on the planet. They L-O-V-E you! Just you. It doesn't matter how your day has gone, seeing their little faces (and, I swear, they look like they are smiling) can brighten any sulky, dreary day. The love of a dog has no limits.

 

3. Laughter

Dogs are little comedians. Having a rough day (pun intended) or need a little pick-me-up? Dogs have a telepathic way of knowing you need a good laugh. Whether it's running around the house like a maniac-dog, barking playfully, or just running into walls (oh, that's my dog, Jake, he's the dog-version of Jim Carey); dogs know exactly when to be silly.

4. Safety

Besides barking and biting strangers, dogs have a way of sniffing out the people you bring around as "company" and "friends". If they don't like them, chances are, you shouldn't either. Hey, I can only point to a few friends that my doggies weren't fond of and they ended up being real, well, let's just say, jerks.

 

5. Confidants

My dogs know everything. They know when I'm mad, and who at, and why. I've told them all of my deepest darkest secrets. They know when I'm upset about work, or friends, or kids, or anything; they just sit, obediently, and listen to my stories, and seem, at least to me, to really care. The good news with dogs is they can't tell anyone (but, I don't think they would, even if they could speak).

 

See, Dogs are healing.

I don't know where I'd be without my furry little friends.

One thing is for sure, I never want to find out.

Why Dogs are Healing!

October 2, 2016