This poor babe has been pretty miserable since yesterday with all manner of snotty crusty goop, hacking cough, a warm forehead and a grumpy lack of sleep.

As evidenced by this photo, however, sometimes all it takes is a new hairdo and a warm washcloth to wipe away all the crusty snot in order to feel just a little bit better.

I think it’s the same with myself, in these busy mothering-of-littles days. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with it all, and just want to dramatically fall onto the floor and weep with that toddler-like freedom that she fiercely claims as her own. I forget how to shake myself out of my funk and start over and just breathe. Reflecting on this today in between wiping noses and administering saline solution and comforting owies (they’re always worse when you’re sick, you know) and offering the third snack distraction of the morning, I figured perhaps I should be a little better prepared for Those Kinds of Days (including the ones where grouchiness is the only illness to speak of).

So, here is a list of my top five ways to snap out of a funky day. How to press the restart button on a gnarly day. It’s never too late until the day is done, and although it sometimes feel absolutely dramatically hopeless, it’s really truly not. It’s never too late to adjust your attitude, expectations, and heart.

I think I shall print this list out and put it on my fridge. You know, for those times of Dire Straights. Perhaps they could help you too.

5 Ways to Restart a Bad Day

1. Music. The funkier the better. We have a station on Pandora called Jump Around Radio. This morning so far it has played the Fresh Prince of Bellair theme song, the “Everybody Dance Now” song, and that one where the chorus is all “I’ve Got the Power!” (you know the one?). Whatever works for you – maybe lullabies are better for your particular situation. Either way, music has magical powers for mood changing – use wisely (fair warning – if you desire to continue in your wallowing misery – DON’T play that Everybody Dance Now one. Its powers are unexpectedly insidious, and may cause mirth in even the grumpiest of family members. You’re singing it in your head right now, aren’t you?).
2. A little bit of pampering. Is it TMI to admit that sometimes pampering includes changing out of my jammies before 11am? Getting dressed, washing your face with a steaming hot washcloth (ahh, so nice!), brushing your teeth and flossing, doing your hair, putting on earrings, maybe makeup. The whole shebang. I realize that some people do these things every single day, but I know many stay-at-home mamas just don’t get to these things, especially when you’re in survival mode. The same goes for the littles – hair brushing, teeth brushing, and hand lotion (coconut oil) with a little massage are totally soothing to them.
3. Let go of plans for the day. Ask what the pressing need is, and address it. If sitting on the couch and reading stories all day and having pancakes for dinner is what it’s gonna take to avoid Meltdown Mayhem, then just do it. Just do it. Seriously.
4. Treats. If the clinging is at a lull and you have a spare moment, consider making a treat to distract and lift spirits. I remember being sick and having a popsicle working miraculous wonders for my health. While I try to stay away from sugar and artificial colours these days, there are lots of healthy treats that soothe a sad and grumpy spirit. This recipe for homemade chocolate pudding is one of my faves. Sometimes a tea party (with real tea, of course) does wonders. A blanket fort in which to eat the treat and sip the tea is a total bonus.
5. Change of pace! Sometimes on One of Those Days all I feel like doing is crawling into a hole of grumpiness and not emerging until reinforcements arrive (poor Daddy!), but if we make the effort to get out of the house and go somewhere (anywhere, really, provided they aren’t sick and going to infect everyone in a 10-meter-radius) it really helps keep the whining to a minimum, and can make a potentially disastrous day become, dare I say it – enjoyable?

Hpo now I’m off to nurse my grumpy snotty toddler and read some (more) stories. Hoping your day is lovely!

What’s your reset button?