Some days are just hard, very hard.

Some days are great, way way better than what I expected. And then there are good days, just managing to keep the head above the water days. And then there are days that are just hard, very hard.

These days are way harder than what we would classify as having a rubbish day, not feeling up to it, and are a little more than a cumulation of almost everything not going the way it should or would like to.

At times, it's our minds that can't be pinned down, at times it's our body that gives out or it could be a range of emotions playing havoc.

I have hard days like anyone else. There are times where everything is out of control and frustration levels hit the record height, there are days when I am anxious-when things are uncertain when I don't have control over outcomes, and like many for others, anxious about change.

Here's what I learned about managing a hard day,

Breathe, and breathe and make sure it's deep breathing. Slow down, observe yourself, and observe your thoughts and body reflexes. What is happening here, what is that is going on in the mind, and is also reflected in the body.

Be with the mind and body fully and observe what's flowing through within. Our thoughts, body reflexes are indicators of what is not going right.

At times, it's control i.e.control of situations and outcomes. The report that did not come to you on time. The person who didn't move fast enough at the cash machine led to a tailspin. The response that you didn't get, the support that did not come. There is no point trying to control it, fact is one can't make the person at the cash machine move faster or respond, act the way we expect, or we would. A lot of anxiety stems from our urge to control the situations or outcomes. And when we are not able to, frustration sets in our responses.

Calm the mind, slow down even for a few minutes, empty the thoughts, or listen to my favorite song - it's only 5 mins 18 secs long. Or have that cup of tea or that supertall glass of water. Hydrating helps. So does taking that short walk or the lunchtime workout or if time permits, tree bathing. It's like taking a short break, that time out ( whatever length of time I can possibly do then), and resetting.

I also review what is happening around me with my favorite rule- In 5 years will this matter? This is a great yardstick that has not only helped me to calm down and gain perspective on a hard day, it has also helped me make some critical quick decisions. The 5-year rule brings a quick shift and is also great in helping come back to the here and now.

Another tool is, what can be reasonably and realistically done to turn the day around. Can I do it, without particular superpowers or becoming Wonderwoman? Am I ready to do it? There are two outcomes that either result in quick action or acceptance of the day and the situations as they play out.

Either way, both methods bring a quick shift in perspective and energy within. Further, how I am receiving energy from the environment and the energy that I am giving to others.

Finally, I remember that I have a great track record of making it through bad days. There are many hard days that I have made it through in the past, and successfully, and they were days that passed.

Having said that, each day is precious and I would like to save them from the 'hard day' category.

I learned as a first time HR Director and mum of two young boys one in primary and the other facing terrible twos that I can get through any day, no matter what the day throws at me, no matter how hard it is if I am at 100% physical and mental fitness. And I started prioritizing time for physical and mental fitness-it became non-negotiable time like brushing your teeth, you can not not have time for it.

Here's what I learned- get out, get active. Get some quiet time, that quiet cup of coffee, or meditation even if it is for a few minutes. Make time for myself and my passion. Watch that film I love again. Read, play an instrument, grab that drink, sort out that mess, give Jamie Oliver a run for his money, prioritize the girls' night (or boys' night) that has fallen off the priority list - calendar time for my passion or what gives me joy.

Practice self-care, so that when there are days where everything is out of control my physical fitness, and mental health is at the highest level of awareness, positive perspective, solutioning to help glide through them.