Living the experience of walking the Camino de Santiago with enthusiasm and great eagerness is the general tone of all pilgrims. Like any journey, expectations are always positive, along with the adventurous component of walking in the open air. However, there are good days and bad days, and sometimes, just like in our daily routine, we can have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago. Yes, one of those days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed… It seems like the world and the elements are against you, and you see a bad day coming on the Way.
In case of bad weather, feeling tired, receiving bad news, etc… What do you do if you have a bad day on the Camino de Santiago? How do you overcome a day that starts off badly? In this article, we will give you tips for dealing a bad day on the Camino and all the moral support you need to stay encouraged.
Talk to other pilgrims
When facing a difficult day on the Camino de Santiago, do not underestimate the power of a good conversation. Along the paths to Santiago, you will always find other pilgrims, and talking to them can be a source of comfort and motivation. Moreover, they have also had bad days, and both of you can help and learn from each other.
The Jacobean routes are full of people from all over the world, each with their own story and experiences. Sharing your concerns or simply chatting with other pilgrims about important or light-hearted topics can improve your mood and give you a different perspective. This is part of the spirit of the Camino and the motto and ancient greeting of every good pilgrim: ultreia et suseia. That’s right, dear pilgrim: keep your spirits up, just like the Way and life, always moving forward and upward.
Pilgrims facing a bad day on the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way.
Rest and eat well
One of the most important pieces of advice when doing the Camino is to rest a lot at night and be well-nourished. And remember: before, during, and after each stage. Fatigue and hunger can worsen any situation. If you feel unwell during a stage, find a comfortable place to rest, take in some fresh air, and recharge with a snack or a nutritious meal. Additionally, don’t forget to stay adequately hydrated and drink regularly: take care of your health and listen to your body, which is asking for water when it sweats.
On all the Jacobean routes, you will find fountains, shops, bars, and restaurants where you can replenish your energy. Sometimes, a short break and a bite to eat can make a big difference in how you feel. And in the worst-case scenario (you run out of water or food, lost your wallet, etc.), ask for help from fellow pilgrims or locals. If you are walking the Camino alone, you are never truly alone.
Seek the beauty in the small details
On difficult days on the Camino, try to change your negative perspective and look for the positive: it’s better to see a glass half full than half empty. Enjoy the small details that make the pilgrimage special: the beauty of the Camino is also in the eyes of the beholder. “Outer beauty is the visible part of inner beauty. It manifests through the light that shines from everyone’s eyes”. Follow this advice from one of the most illustrious and famous pilgrims, Paulo Coelho: be like him.
A flower by the side of the path, the charm of the villages, the sound of the wind through the trees, a herd of animals with their offspring… The Camino is a treasure trove of sensory and spiritual experiences that we sometimes fail to appreciate. Paying attention to these small pleasures can help change your mood and give you the strength to carry on.
Pilgrim on horseback resting and reflecting on a stage of the French Way.
Accept that you can have a bad day
Recognizing that you are having a bad day is the first step to overcoming it. Walking the Camino de Santiago is both a physical and mental challenge, for which you need to be well-prepared. It’s okay to feel tired, frustrated, or sad; we are all human, and it’s normal. Accepting your emotions, rather than fighting them, can be liberating and an important step in overcoming them.
A bad day can happen to anyone. Don’t dwell on it too much: pause, reflect, and move forward. As mentioned earlier, you can talk to other pilgrims or rely on your fellow travelers if you are walking the Camino in a group. And if you feel like it and can afford it, take a day of rest.
Put your pride aside and ask for help
If things get really tough, don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s medical assistance, guidance on the Camino, or even calling a taxi. It’s better to be safe than sorry: the pilgrim community is known for its solidarity and mutual support. Put your pride aside and ask for help; it’s an act of courage and wisdom, the best advice for the Camino and for life.
In the face of a bad day on the Camino, embrace a more pilgrim attitude
Remember, every step on the Camino de Santiago is part of a larger experience. Whether you are planning a route to Santiago or are already on the Way, we hope these tips help you face a bad day. Stay motivated; each step brings you closer to your destination! Remember the saying: “No pain, no glory“. And if you liked this article, don’t forget to apply it to your experience or share it with your fellow pilgrim friends. Buen Camino, always!
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