Don’t Let Bad Days Ruin Your Financial Future

Bad days are inevitable. Some days are very bad, and depending on how you cope with those days, they could be the most financially devastating days of your life. I’ve seen so many people fall into a financial hole because of depression, substance abuse, and poor diet, among other causes. It’s heartbreaking to see your closest friends dealing with pain that you cannot fix. It’s tougher when the person who is dealing with it is you.

Admit your day was bad and move on – it may sound easier than it actually is, but admitting your day was terrible is a great start to moving on from it. You can dwell on how bad it was and look to therapeutic shopping as a remedy, but that will often end in buyers remorse, which is another depressive state. Look for outlets that allow you to process your frustration like reading, coloring or spending time outdoors.

Avoid shopping to lift spirits – therapeutic shopping can devastate even the biggest bank accounts. Once you’re sad and you find that shopping lifts your spirits, there isn’t a store big enough to satisfy your demand. When you’re feeling down, call a friend, visit a park, and do anything other than going to the store. The store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, I promise.

Keep a journal – one of the best ways to offset bad days is to review the good days you had in your journal. Every day is a new beginning, so you don’t have to dwell on whatever has you down today. Write in your journal at least a few times a week to keep it current and relevant.

Dive into a hobby – thinking about taking up painting? Or do you want to learn how to play the guitar? Both of these hobbies are a great way to challenge yourself without breaking the bank.

Volunteer – whether at the local animal shelter, a senior center, or to help the veterans, there are many ways you can volunteer your time. This is also a great way to meet like-minded people who care as much as you do. Websites like Volunteer Match are a great place to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

There are many ways to distract yourself from the pain of a bad day. Especially when there are a string of bad days line up together, it can get tough to focus on the big picture. Know that impulse shopping, drugs, alcohol, and junk food aren’t the answer. Focus on yourself in the dark times and you’ll come out stronger and happier in the long run.