Rough day? Try this

Be thankful

“Identify at least one gratitude daily,” says Dr. Judy Ronan Woodburn, an Advocate Medical Group clinical psychologist in Bloomington, Ill. “It could be something as simple as seeing a pretty bird, getting a chance to pet a dog or someone holding a door open for you. Acknowledging gratitudes and blessings – even in the midst of difficulties – can help us keep a healthy perspective.”

Anne Lipira, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., and Rev. Kevin Massey, system vice president of Mission & Spiritual Care for Advocate Aurora Health, share similar tips.

“Something I practice every day is counting my blessings first thing each morning,” says Lipira. “Make the decision to focus on the positive. There is always something to be thankful for! There are studies that show practicing gratitude enhances your overall well-being and has a unique relationship with life satisfaction!”

“Express gratitude,” says Rev. Massey. “Evidence shows that expressing gratitude improves physical and psychological health. I personally thank a volunteer every day when I am in our sites of care.”

Feel like you’re having a rough day, week or month? Experts from across Advocate Aurora Health offer tips to help you find the good in every day.

Manage stress

“Meditate for five minutes at your desk,” suggests Dr. Donna Williams, a family medicine physician at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill. “Only have a five or ten-minute break? Take a brisk walk around the block, office or through the house. A couple other ideas: learn a few yoga moves and do them at work or when stressed – downward-facing dog, chair pose, etc. Or, look out the window and watch the birds or squirrels for a few minutes.”

“Take several two-minute breaks to decompress and relax throughout your day,” says Dr. Chemely Pomales Rosa, a licensed clinical psychologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

Small changes. Big differences.

“Make your bed,” says Dr. Julie Varga, an emergency medicine physician at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. “I make sure mine is easy to make. No extra decorative items. Straighten out the comforter and top sheet, fluff up the pillows and done in 35 seconds! And more importantly, I take time – 5-10 minutes for myself – every morning to set a high vibrational intention for the day and feel the happiness of it in my body.”

“Try to squeeze in a little physical activity most days, even if your brain is telling you to skip it,” says Dr. Kiran Bojedla, a family medicine physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. “On days I feel tired or overworked, I often find the endorphin release from a run or short workout made my day better. It doesn’t have to be much – even a short 20-minute walk around your neighborhood can give you a feeling of accomplishment and boost your mood.”

Quench your thirst

“One thing I try to do every day is get the recommended amount of water in me – six to eight eight-ounce glasses.” says Ed Bendoraitis, an exercise physiologist at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, Ill.

“As a dietitian, I’d say my quick tip would be to carry around a reusable water bottle to make sure you’re hydrated throughout the day,” says Kelli Phelan, a clinical dietitian at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. “This will help regulate the processes in the body, and you’ll notice that on days when you do drink water throughout the day, energy levels and digestion improve.