We all have them. The days where we aren’t ourselves. The days when nothing comes together the way we’d like. The days when we want to throw in the towel. A bad day can take you by surprise or show up right on schedule.

For me that day was yesterday, and every 28 days from yesterday I have another bad day. I have an infusion every 28 days to help slow and stop Multiple Sclerosis from attacking my body. The day after is my bad day. It’s a dull hangover without the amazing party the day before.

While I start to physically feel better by noon, the afternoon seems to last forever, nothing gets done and I forget that I will feel better tomorrow. My brain knows it’s a medicine thing, but my heart forgets and can’t understand why I can’t write, or think clearly. My spirit and spunk and creativity is shot. On some bad days I fight through, on others, I give in.

Bad days can be fueled from the inside or the out, and while happiness is a choice, the occasional bad day is bound to appear. I feel fortunate that I can schedule my bad day each month, but when you can’t, you can be armed with a few helpful tips to make the bad day better.

When you have a bad day

• Be Kind. Treat yourself as kindly as you treat someone you love on their bad day.
• Cancel things. If you have a jam-packed calendar on your bad day, do a little shuffling and give yourself room to recover.
• Keep things in perspective. This to shall pass. Instead of getting lost in the drama of your bad day, remind yourself that you’ll be feeling better soon.
• Call a friend. Don’t call to complain or commiserate, call to say hello. Call to say I love you.
• Move it. If you are up for it, take a walk or engage in vigorous exercise. A little heart racing might pull you out of your slump.
• Nap. Maybe moving isn’t the right answer, but instead rest and recovery call your name. Close the blinds. Close your eyes. Take a nap.
• Laugh. Read or watch something funny if it’s available.
• Trust. You know what’s best for your body. Don’t dismiss that intuition.
• Give. If you have the energy, work on something for someone else. It will help you to think of someone besides yourself.
• Give in. If you are tired, rest. If you are sad, cry. Give your body and brain exactly what they need.

This week I had my 63rd infusion and 63 days that were not so hot (some better than others). I could complain about all that I’ve missed during those 63 days, but instead I can only be grateful. I’m grateful for my health and grateful for my many good days.

Even the most optimistic, joyful people have a bad day. It doesn’t make you weak to admit you are suffering. The best thing about a bad day is when the next morning washes over and you can really enjoy and appreciate the good life.