What makes a day feel good?
Maybe it’s a clear mind, less pain, a moment of connection - or just getting through your list without stress. For caregivers, older adults, or anyone navigating change, the idea of a “good day” can shift over time. But identifying what makes a day feel better can help you build more of them - on purpose.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to define what a good day looks like for you, and share simple, sustainable ways to bring more of those moments into your life.
Why It’s Important to Define “Good”
Not every day will be perfect - but when you know what makes a day feel more manageable, meaningful, or uplifting, you can:
- Build routines that support your wellbeing
- Focus your energy where it matters
- Spot patterns in mood, energy, or memory
- Recover faster after a hard day
- Communicate your needs more clearly to others
A good day isn’t always about productivity - it’s about feeling more like yourself.
Step 1: What Does a “Good Day” Mean to You?
Take a quiet moment and ask:
- When was the last time I felt steady, clear, or content?
- What did I do that day? (Even small things count.)
- How did I feel physically? Mentally? Emotionally?
- Who did I speak to? What did I eat? Did I move?
- Was I in pain or rested? Did I feel connected?
Your answers might include:
✅ Waking up feeling rested
✅ Having a short, meaningful chat with a friend
✅ Remembering appointments or staying on track
✅ Experiencing less pain or fewer symptoms
✅ Laughing or doing something creative
✅ Feeling supported by others
👉 Related reading: How to Feel More in Control of Your Memory
Step 2: Look for Your Anchors
Your anchors are the things that help hold the day together.
For example:
- A slow, calm morning routine
- Taking medications or supplements on time
- Drinking enough water
- A midday rest or walk
- Checking something off your list
- A moment of music, reading, or sunlight
When these small habits are in place, you’re more likely to have a day that feels steady - even when surprises happen.
Step 3: Use Tools to Stay On Track
Life can get busy or overwhelming. Technology can offer a gentle nudge to keep the basics in place. The Elli Cares app is designed to help you build good days, one small step at a time.
With Elli, you can:
✅ Set daily reminders for hydration, medications, meals, and movement
✅ Track your mood and symptoms - so you can reflect on what helped
✅ Send or receive supportive video messages
✅ Let loved ones quietly stay in the loop when needed
Step 4: Notice (and Name) the Wins
A good day doesn’t have to be dramatic. It might simply mean:
- You felt less rushed
- You had one laugh
- You completed a small task
- You asked for help when you needed it
- You felt connected to yourself or someone else
Celebrate those things. Write them down. Say them out loud. This builds confidence and momentum.
Step 5: Plan for More Good Days
While you can’t control everything, you can stack the odds in your favour. Try:
- Building a consistent sleep routine
- Scheduling something to look forward to
- Keeping easy meals or healthy snacks on hand
- Getting gentle movement each day
- Taking breaks when your energy dips
- Asking someone to check in once a week
And if your day goes off track? Be kind to yourself. A single hard day doesn’t undo your progress. Research shows that small, consistent habits have a powerful impact on mental health and daily wellbeing. According to Psychology Today, building just one or two steady habits can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase overall life satisfaction.
👉 Related blog: Feeling Frustrated With Yourself? Here’s a Kind Reminder
Final Thoughts: You Deserve More Good Days
A good day looks different for everyone. For some, it’s finishing a crossword. For others, it’s feeling pain-free for an hour, remembering a task, or simply laughing with someone who cares.
At Elli Cares, we believe in real-life wellbeing - not perfection. With small habits, daily support, and tools designed for how life really works, we help you create more moments that feel steady, safe, and joyful.
👉 Learn more at www.elliapp.co
Related Posts:
