Picture this. You’re walking home from school or university and the strap of your backpack breaks. As your bag smashes to the ground, your worldly possessions start spilling out. One of your text books even flings onto the road, only to be run over by oncoming traffic. As you reach out to save the book from more damage, you trip over the curb and have an intimate moment with the road…

Okay, this may be a tad on the extreme and very literal side of things, but you get the gist.

Bad days happen to us all. No matter if the bad day is occurring in your mind, or is a physical manifestation in the world, they’re not fun!

But with the right thinking and some helpful words, you can get past these days and look forward to brighter ones.

1. You always have another chance; it’s called tomorrow

Bad days are not forever. Remember that. What may seem like the end of the world today, might only be a blimp on your radar tomorrow. It’s a new day and a fresh start.

2. Look at every situation as an opportunity to learn

Not all learning is done in the classroom. We become the people we are through our experiences out in the world. If today has been hard, stand back, dust yourself off and look at what made it difficult. There is wisdom to be taken from every situation. 

3. Remember all those times you’ve bounced back from a bad day; today is no exception

Think of bad days as a way to build resilience. Every time you bounce back you strengthen the mental muscles that allow you to move past difficult times and recover quickly. There’s no keeping you down!

4. Bad days help you appreciate good days

Having a rough day every now and again gives you the perspective needed to look at the larger picture and appreciate the good times you have. When it all feels too much, think of those moments with family and friends and give yourself the chance to smile.

5. Every time an opportunity closes, another opens

When your life feels over, rebuild it. That’s the wonderful thing about life. You are in control and have the ability to build and shape your days as you please. Think of closed opportunities as the beginning of another even greater opportunity.

6. Cherish the imperfections; life doesn’t need to be perfect for you to be happy

We often make the mistake of believing that the happiest of people live perfect lives. This is not always the case. The most outwardly happy people may be fighting their own inner battle and putting on a show for the world. Cherish the imperfections; you are significant no matter how your life appears.

Finally, if someone you know is having a bad day, reach out. A few kind words and an offer to listen is all it takes to let someone know they’re not alone.