“It’s like sliding down a rat hole,” I told my daughter when she complained that she couldn’t dance with me today.
Towards the end of the day, right before her meal, she said this. Despite having a wonderful and fun-filled day with her grandparents, my wife, and me, she started complaining. She chose to be upset over the day’s joy.
Like my child, sometimes we too end up in the rat hole of complaining, angst, and frustration after a long day’s work. It starts with one complaint, then a volcano of complaints erupts, and your mood becomes even worse.
In order to end your day on a high, you can do the following two things. It is the same advice I gave my daughter.
Step 1: Ask yourself what you are grateful for today.
It does not matter if you were thankful for nothing today. Thank yourself that you are still alive. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude before sleeping improves sleep, mental health, and overall well-being.
Step 2: Practice self-care rituals.
Every night, have a pre-sleep ritual. Be kind to yourself. Do your hair, apply moisturizer, drink some water, set the bed, dim the lights—do everything to prepare yourself for a good and deep sleep.
Even though these rituals may seem like something from a K-Drama, self-love is the ultimate secret to happiness.
Every day should be celebrated, even for small victories.
There will be bad days. To end the day on a high note by being grateful for what you have will keep you grounded.
You will experience more serenity as the universe acknowledges your gratitude.
I know my daughter loves it, and so will you.