5 Ways to Get Through a Tough Day Without Failing

A tough day can come at any time, and while you may bristle at the thought of working toward a specific outcome, plans or resolutions are of little use if you’re not willing to put in the effort. You might feel like you have no choice but to go through life one day at a time and deal with whatever comes your way, but in reality, there are plenty of ways to get through a challenging day without failing. Here are five ways that will help you cope when the world seems too much to handle.

Take a Walk

Walk around the block, take a short stroll or hop on one of the many bicycles that are available in your area. Getting some exercise can clear your mind and help you process things better. Getting some fresh air and a change of scenery can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed. You can also take a guided walk with a local park staff member or a professional. Tell them what you want to see and do and they can show you around. Sometimes just walking in a natural setting can help you process information better and be more relaxed.

Talk to Someone Who Understands You

As hard as it is to admit, you’re more likely to get through a tough day without fail if you talk to someone who’s going through the same thing you are. Having a conversation with a friend can be a great way to start the day and bring some solace and understanding to the situation. If you’re wondering how to talk to someone about your day, a good place to start is to ask, “What was good about today? What was bad about today? What can I do to make sure it doesn’t happen again today?” and what you can do to make it better.

Set Some SMART Goals

Having specific goals can help you cope with the situation at hand and get you back on track. Break down each day’s activities into smaller goals so you’re less likely to forget about what you set out to do and feel like you’ve accomplished something. Try starting with less complicated goals and working your way up to more difficult goals as you progress through the day. If you have trouble making goals, try writing them down on paper so you can see what they look like and feel. While SMART goals are specific and measurable, they also provide you with permission to not finish a task: “I will not drive 45 minutes to get to work because I don’t want to take that risk.” You can also use SMART goals to structure your day so you’re less likely to miss important tasks: “I will not miss work because I know I have to be there for my family.” SMART goals are also a great way to show you have a purpose in life: “I will spend time with my family because I want to, not because I have to.”

Read Something Relaxing

Reading can be a great way to relax and take your mind off things, and while you don’t have to read heart-warming reads with happy endings, some lighthearted books can help you process and escape from the day’s problems. zombies, mermaids and other happy animals are always a good option. If you’re not sure where to start, try a free online book suggestion tool.

Quit Watching TV

Again, not all TV is created equally and there are plenty of shows and movies that provide a lot of entertainment value but are otherwise not very helpful in coping with life’s day-to-day challenges. While watching TV will give you a quick escape, the scrolling news headlines and click-through-it-all social media posts can be filled with negativity, so turning off the TV and spending some time doing something relaxing will help you process information better.

Conclusion

When life tosses you a tough day, it’s important to be prepared for it. Use these ways to get through each day without failing and you’ll be well on your way to a brilliant finish to the day!