How to Get Through a Bad Day

8 ways to give yourself a boost when you need it most.

We’ve all been there. Those days where nothing seems to go right, and everything leads you one step closer to curling up into a ball right in the middle of the classroom, grocery store, parking lot, etc. Maybe school has you stressed, or the stars just aren’t aligned -- either way, bad days are kind of inevitable. But there are a few things we can do before they get to human-ball levels of bad. Here are our eight tips for getting through a bad day!

1. Consume Good Content

The concept is simple: good in, good out. After all, it’s pretty hard to be in a bad mood when you’re watching dogs have a pool day or a baby eating mango for the first time. Find something that makes you smile, laugh, or think happy thoughts.

Here’s some of our faves to get you started:

The school where people train to be Santas
A pufferfish makes a masterpiece in the sand
This saxophone player’s mesmerizing performance
A dog picking and eating a tomato from the garden
Making a tiny Thanksgiving meal for a hamster

2. Get A Little Physical

In the words of pop icon Gloria Estefan: get on your feet! Exercise has a lot of mental benefits, so try to get moving however you can. For some, that may mean going for a run, and for others it could be a few simple stretches or holding a child’s pose.

3. Play Some Bops

Grab your headphones or play it out loud for the world to hear -- just make sure you’re listening to your best pump-up jams to get you feeling a little lighter. Bonus points if you incorporate tip #2 and dance along! It may or may not be prom season when you’re reading this, but our Ultimate Prom Playlist should do the trick.

4. Reach Out

Your instinct may be to try and figure things out by yourself, but it’s more than okay to reach out to friends or family for a little boost. Sometimes we just need to get out of our own heads and vent for a bit, ask for advice, or have a totally unrelated chat.

(If you’re going through a hot moment, you can always reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.)

5. Let Yourself Feel It

Now this one might feel a little counterproductive, but sometimes it can be more helpful to feel the negative emotions and get them all out instead of trying to distract and act like they aren’t there. Set a timer for 15-ish minutes, let yourself feel what you need to feel, and then once it’s up, focus your energy on doing something about it.

6. Tidy Up

Whether it’s cleaning yourself or your surroundings, tidying up can make a big difference in how you feel. Try quick fixes for your space like making your bed or decluttering your desk. Or literally wash a bad day away by taking a shower or bath.

7. Plan Your Next Day

This day has been rough, and that’s okay -- but what’s next? Keep things moving and start planning the way you’ll make tomorrow better. Pick out a cute outfit to wear, prep a yummy breakfast, or make plans to see your friends. Tomorrow’s your second chance!

8. Spread Positivity

Research shows that doing good for others can also help you feel good. If you’re having a bad day, chances are someone else is, too -- make a positive impact, and you’ll feel that energy come back to you.