I am all about positivity and productivity. But I don’t wake up every day with those things automatically programmed into my brain. I don’t wake up every day motivated to make the most of the day in a foreign country on a shoestring budget. I don’t wake up every day wanting to climb a mountain and take 100 selfies. Some days, the stoke lies in wanting to stay in bed all damn day and feeling like I’m bad at pretty much everything.

Throughout my teens and early 20’s I struggled with anxiety that would prevent me from leaving the house. It would build on itself and create a cycle where I felt insecure and incapable of anything.

I am not 100% free from anxiety today, and I probably never will be. But learning how to deal with whatever comes up, and being mindful and productive about it, is a huge favor you can (and should) do for yourself.

Here are three great decisions to make ANY DAY—but especially when you feel like crap.

1. SAY NO TO NEGATIVITY

Listen to your thoughts and ban the negative ones. A thought like “I am not good enough,” or “I will never get this done” will not help you be better. Notice the thought and say BYEEEEE. Eliminate negative thoughts from your brain. They are not allowed, kick them out. Slowly move toward replacing them with a positive or productive thought.

2. GSD
(Get Stuff Done). Start with something small. Take a shower! Get dressed! Drink a glass of water! DO SOMETHING AND YOU WILL FEEL BETTER. I keep a list of projects I want to accomplish. When I hear myself being negative or unproductive, I force myself to do something on the list, even though I reeeally don’t want to. I feel better 100% of the time once I get something done. It is hard to GSD when you feel totally swamped and overwhelmed, but start small and you’ll find some momentum. Whether it is making an appointment, sending an email, cleaning, taking out the recycling… whatever, doing SOMEthing gets the ball rolling. You don’t have to run a marathon. Just do something.

3. TREAT YOURSELF

What does that mean to you? Think about what will feel good for your body and mind. And do that. For me, that is: getting out of bed early, yoga, a hot shower, eating a huge healthy meal, drinking a ton of water, writing in my journal, sitting in the sun. Maybe it’s totally different for you. Do what makes you feel good, worthy of love/success, and supported. YOU should be your #1 fan before anybody else. And if you don’t currently love yourself, ask yourself what changes you can make to head in that direction. Be kind to yourself.

Feeling bad from time to time is normal. Bad days are normal.

I originally wrote this post with regard to bad days while traveling… they happen. But ultimately, making the most of every day is important ESPECIALLY when that day doesn’t involve a new country or a gorgeous view. Then, when you do have that inevitable bad day while on the road or the trail, you’ll be prepared to tackle it. To look it square in the eye and make the best of it anyway.

These three decisions, any day, anytime.