7 Methods to Improve Your Day When Everything Stops Going Your Way
Reclaim your days
Ever had one of those days that feels like a cosmic prank?
You wake up late, spill your coffee, and your car refuses to start — all before you’ve even had breakfast. You’re left staring at the sky, asking, “Seriously? What’s next?”
We’ve all had ’em. It’s your day of hell, and you only want it to end. But what if you could improve it?
You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss measures you can take when nothing goes your way. Prepare to reclaim your days.
Method 1: Embrace the Chaos
When the world around you seems to spiral out of control, it can feel like a storm is tossing you. Instead of resisting the uncertainty, this approach encourages you to lean into it and use it to your advantage.
How to do it
When you’re late for work because your car won’t start, or when your to-do list is so long it could touch the moon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s chaos for you. But don’t panic. There’s a way to deal with it. First, take a deep breath.
Instead of fighting the chaos, try to ride with it. Accept it’s one of those days, and stop battling against the current. Just let it flow.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” — Sun Tzu
Why it works:
This might sound like you’re giving up, right? But here’s the surprising bit: acceptance isn’t surrender. It’s strategy. It’s about choosing your battles wisely.
There’s a strange kind of freedom in chaos. This acceptance can make you feel more in control, less stressed, and open to unexpected opportunities.
Sometimes, chaos isn’t a pit. It’s a ladder leading you to experiences you’d never planned but might need. Who knew embracing the chaos could be your secret superpower?
Method 2: Find the Funny in the Frustration
Life can be pretty crazy. Sometimes it feels like an absurd comedy sketch. Even in the worst of times, humor can lighten the mood. After my dad died, my sister and I started making ‘Dead Dad’ jokes. Morbid but hilarious. In this section, we’ll explore the power of laughter and humor as a way to alleviate stress.
How to do it
Ever heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine”? Well, this old saying is worth its weight in gold, especially when the world seems to be playing a prank on you. Here’s what you can do:
Recognize the ridiculous: Take a step back when life throws you a curveball. Try to find humor in the situation. It might seem challenging at first. There’s often a pinch of humor tucked away in the chaos.
Force a chuckle: Doesn’t feel natural? That’s okay! Even if you don’t feel like it, push yourself to smile or laugh. The simple act of laughing can start to turn things around.
Why it works
Laughter is like releasing a pressure valve in your brain, allowing all that pent-up stress and frustration to escape. It’s a genuine stress reliever, providing both physical and emotional release.
Here’s the science bit: laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. So, in essence, laughter is like a free, natural, quick-acting anti-stress drug.
The surprising part? Even if you force laughter, it can still trigger a positive response in your brain. It’s like fooling your brain into thinking you’re happy, and the crazy part is — it actually works!
Photo by Davide Pirotta on Unsplash
Method 3: Change Your Scenery
Stuck in a rut? Feeling trapped in your circumstances? How about a refreshing escape by changing your scenery? Whether it’s a change of location, rearranging your workspace, or simply shifting your perspective, this method can help you find new energy and a fresh outlook.
How to do it:
When everything seems to be going wrong, it’s as if you’re stuck in a never-ending, gloomy tunnel. The key to breaking free?
Make a change in your surroundings. This doesn’t mean you need to book the next flight to a tropical island (though, wouldn’t that be tempting?).
No, the change can be as straightforward as:
Sitting in a different part of your house
Moving your desk closer to the window
Taking a break to walk around your block
Giving your workspace a fresh, new arrangement
Choosing a new wallpaper for your computer screen
Any change, no matter how small, can work wonders. Often, when I get stuck on work or in my head, I move locations, which helps.
Why it works:
It’s like opening a window in a stuffy room when you alter your environment. Your brain gets a breath of fresh air.
Suddenly, you’re not stuck in the same old rut. You’re seeing things from a new angle, and it’s astonishing how that can rev up your creativity and lift your mood. This change acts as a mini-reset for your brain, helping it to break free from the cycle of negativity.
Next time you’re feeling trapped, remember: even the smallest shift in your scenery can change things.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Method 4: Practice gratitude
Sometimes, it’s the small things that make a big difference. Practicing gratitude might seem challenging when the world feels against you, but it’s about discovering those silver linings.
How to do it
I get it. You’re thinking, “Gratitude? On a day that’s going down like a lead balloon?” But hear me out. Practicing gratitude isn’t about pretending the garbage isn’t piling up. It’s about finding a glimmer of gold in the trash heap.
Begin by taking a moment to hit the pause button on the chaos. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on one small thing that’s going right.
It could be as simple as the smell of your morning coffee or seeing a dog playing. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. Just something that brings a little joy into your day.
Make it a habit. Take a few moments to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. Write them down if it helps. And remember, no gratitude is too small.
Why it works
Here’s the deal: our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative things. It’s a survival mechanism from our caveman days. But in our modern world, this negativity bias can drag us down. That’s where gratitude comes in.
Gratitude can shift your mindset. It’s about shifting your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. This can help balance the negativity bias and give you a more positive outlook on your day.
And the benefits don’t stop there. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can:
Reduce stress
Improve sleep
Improve overall well-being
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean
Method 5: Indulge in a guilty pleasure
When you feel down in the dumps, it’s okay to relish in the simple pleasures. This section will show how guilt-free self-pampering can be just the ticket to transform your less-than-stellar day.
How to do it
Who can resist the lure of a bit of guilt-free fun? Ponder on those simple pleasures that put a spring in your step, giving you a much-needed break from the daily slog.
Perhaps it’s that slice of triple-chocolate gateau you fantasize about during your lunch break or the latest episode of that reality TV show you’d never confess to watching.
Or, maybe it’s those quieter, more tranquil joys: a luxurious bath, a couple of chapters of your current page-turner, or a cheeky power nap.
These are not monumental, world-changing deeds but gentle, understated acts of self-love that you can subtly sprinkle into your daily routine. The icing on the cake? They needn’t drain your wallet or compromise your health.
Photo by Hanna Postova on Unsplash
Why it works
These blissful moments trigger a release of dopamine in your brain, the feel-good neurotransmitter that leaves you basking in a warm, pleasurable glow. It’s your brain’s way of giving you a hearty high-five for treating it to a little slice of heaven.
But the cherry on top? These guilt-free indulgences serve as potent forms of self-care. They’re a gentle nudge reminding you that not everything has hit the fan, and on those tough days, that can shift your world from bleak to beautiful.
Method 6: Connect with someone
You’re not alone on this journey. Reaching out to others — friends, family, colleagues — can provide emotional support and help you gain new perspectives.
How to do it:
Feeling down and out? Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. Everybody has bad days. Reach out to your people — a friend, a family member, or even a coworker.
It doesn’t have to be a heart-to-heart or a therapy session. You could chat about your favorite show's latest episode or catch up over coffee. The aim is to remind yourself that there are people in your corner.
If you’re ready to talk about your day, go for it. Unload the weight of the day, and share your concerns. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. You might find that by opening up, you’ll see things from a new angle.
And if you’re not big on talking, that’s cool too. Being around others, even virtually, can help you feel more connected and less like you’re facing the world alone.
Why it works:
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection and companionship. When we open up to others, our body releases oxytocin. It’s a hormone that helps reduce stress and increases feelings of trust and bonding.
Moreover, connecting with others can provide us with a fresh perspective. They may offer insights or advice we hadn’t thought of.
And here’s a golden nugget that might surprise you: asking for help is okay. We often see asking for help as a sign of weakness, but it’s not.
It’s a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that we can’t do everything alone. Sometimes, we all need a lifeline, and there’s no shame in reaching out for it.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Method 7: Chart a New Course
At times when everything seems to be going wrong, it can feel as if you’re drifting aimlessly on turbulent waters. It’s all about reminding yourself of your power to shape your own path, no matter how stormy the waters might be.
How to do it:
Ever felt a little adrift? It’s an unnerving sensation where everything seems to go sideways. During these turbulent times, charting a new course can make a significant difference.
Identify a Goal: Start by pinpointing something you’d like to achieve. It doesn’t have to be a monumental task like climbing Mount Everest. It could be as simple as making it through your day or wrapping up that pesky report for work. The key is to pick something manageable yet meaningful to you.
Break It Down: Divide your goal into bite-sized tasks or steps. Smaller tasks are easier to tackle and provide a sense of progress as you tick them off.
Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on the prize. Distractions will inevitably pop up, but try to stay centered on your goal. If you veer off course, no worries! Realign and keep moving forward.
Why it works:
Setting a new goal provides a sense of purpose and direction amidst the chaos. The act of working towards something can shift your focus away from the negatives, channeling your energy into something productive instead. It’s like being a captain at the helm of your ship, reclaiming control amidst the turmoil.
Moreover, achieving these goals, no matter how small, can boost your confidence and morale. Every small victory is a wave that pushes you closer to the shore.
It’s a tangible reminder that, despite the mayhem, you have the power to shape your day and steer your ship toward brighter horizons. It’s about reclaiming your power when everything around you seems to be spiraling. So, why not give it a shot? After all, you’re the captain of your ship.
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
When life seems against you, it’s completely normal to feel swamped. Armed with these seven strategies, you’re prepared to spin your day on its axis.
Embrace the reality that tough days are part of life, but know you’re neither helpless nor alone. Employ these empowering tactics and hold on to the comforting truth: you’re the one at the helm.
Life might toss you some wicked curveballs, testing your resolve, but remember this — you’re built of sturdy stuff, oozing with resilience and capability. On those gritty days, clutch your toolkit close and confidently flip the narrative.
There will be days when everything that can go wrong will go wrong. But you?
You’re resilient.
You’re tenacious.
You’re unstoppable.
Ready to level yourself up and become the best version of yourself? Download my free journaling guide now.
Maggie Kelly is a freelance writer who writes about mental health, self-help, and psychology. Contact at maggiepkelly@gmail.com
