You ever have those days where you just want to scream at people? You know those days – when nothing seems to be going right, or everything happens at once with everyone clamoring for your attention or help? And if one more person asks you a stupid question – you will SNAP!

Those days are HARD! Even the little things – someone chewing gum, or snapping their fingers – is just plain irritating. It makes it hard to stay calm, and not yell at someone just for existing. And many times it will make the day feel like it’s Monday again, and makes the week feel like a year. I was headed home from work today after a rough week – only to realize it was only Wednesday…. Bummer.

When I was young, hanging out with friends partying to blow off steam really helped me get over days and weeks like this. But as I got older – became a parent, a wife, needing to get a full eight hours of sleep and not to mention the lack of a decent metabolism – I needed to find other ways to deal with the stress. Working at the child development center, I would volunteer to give breaks in the Infant rooms so I could hold a baby, be in a quiet space, and just focus on the demanding routine of an infant. Sometimes if I needed to bang around things, I would head to the kitchen and wash the dishes.

Both of these had a common theme – physically demanding, repetitiveness that allowed me to focus my thoughts on the task at hand, and not wander. It was soothing and satisfying to slam the giant racks of dishes down on the belt to run through the industrial size washing machine – methodical and calming. Surprisingly similar to the gentle handling of infants and their care – methodical and calming.

After work de-stressors included walking the dogs with the kids, or friends – something and someone else to focus on. As a teen – when gas was much cheaper – I would just drive and get purposefully lost on back roads to clear my head, listen to music, and not think about what was currently bothering me. With gas prices, and a slower metabolism – walking became a great alternative. At each location and each new workplace, I have found a way to exert some physical energy.

By the time I’m done with a lap around the building, or a quick walk with one of the dogs, I have calmed and refocused on what was frustrating me – and usually have a new solution or plan to address it. Getting out of your head can be hard sometimes – and even harder when the week and everyone around you seems out to get you – but its necessary to pause yourself to find a way to get back to the calm. What works for you on those types of days to clear your head and refocus?