We’ve all had those days where nothing seems to go right from the very start. Sometimes, it even feels like the whole week is one giant snowball, rolling downhill and picking up more and more problems, and even while betting on your favorite athlete on 22Bet, you win not as much as you expected. But don’t despair — bad times don’t last forever.

Let’s figure out how to combat bad luck, at least from within ourselves. Here’s our top advice.

Don’t Undermine Your Own Feelings

First, stop telling yourself or others things like:

• “You’re not the first one to go through this.”
• “Others have it worse.”
• “I wish I had your problems.”
• “Don’t be upset,” and so on.

Yes, it’s true: you’re not the first person who’s had to retake an exam, been turned down for a date, or lost a wallet. But that doesn’t mean you should just plaster on a smile and wave it all off. Everyone has the right to feel emotions (including negative ones) and to let them out. Bottling up problems is dangerous because they tend to pile up, and one day you might snap over something as trivial as cold coffee.

Accept the Situation

It’s never fun to end up in the hospital during a vacation, but sometimes things just can’t be helped. Realize that this is temporary. Think about how you’ll treat yourself at the end of it all for getting through the tough time.

Find the Silver Lining

Every unpleasant situation has its upside. Lost your passport? Now you can take a better photo, instead of cringing at the old one. Stuck in quarantine? What a perfect excuse to binge-watch your favorite series, soak in the bath, or pick up knitting. Keep thinking along these lines.

Analyze Your Mistakes

Think about why something happened. Not because you’re unlucky, but because you overlooked something. This mindset will make you stronger and wiser, so the next time a similar situation arises, you won’t be thrown off balance.

Mistakes Are a Sign of Progress

The only people who don’t make mistakes are the ones who do nothing. Can’t conquer a climbing wall? Can’t master a new dance move? That’s a sign you’re moving forward and growing. Not everything comes easily — some things require more effort. You’re not a failure, the challenge is just a bit bigger than expected. Enjoy the process, and success will follow.

You’re Not Alone

Don’t keep your problems to yourself. Find someone who can help or just listen without offering advice. Even an online therapist will do the trick.

Let Go of Self-Blame

Don’t blame yourself for everything (even if, technically, it’s your fault). It won’t make anything better or easier. Stop being so hard on yourself. Forgive, and start thinking about how to fix things instead.

Don’t Dwell on “What Could Have Been”

“If only I had done this differently…” you think for the hundredth time. But it’s pointless — the situation has already happened, and it’s no use revisiting potential actions or words. This will only deepen your feelings of guilt and resentment.

It’s Not the End of the World

Got dumped? It’s upsetting, painful, and frustrating. But you’re still alive, healthy, and beautiful. Why dwell on the past when you can start fresh? People find love even at 80. While we’re not suggesting you wait that long, we certainly don’t recommend wallowing over someone who’s already left.

There’s More Ahead

Yesterday you failed an interview, and today you broke your favorite mug. But tomorrow there’s another interview, and that cute mug with Bumblebee on it has been eyeing you from the store shelf! Isn’t that a reason to gather your strength, analyze your last interview, prepare better, and reward yourself with a new mug after you ace the next one?

Find the Hidden Benefits

Sometimes the negatives show you that you didn’t really need what you lost. Your boyfriend left? Yes, he was handsome, but he never bought you flowers, rarely called, and didn’t pay much attention to you. Failed at the robotics competition? The level wasn’t right anyway, so now’s the time to try again next time.

Think About It Tomorrow

Scarlett O’Hara’s famous advice has saved many. Problems can feel overwhelming in the heat of the moment, but after a good night’s sleep, they often seem less scary, and sometimes even solvable. Don’t rush to fix everything immediately. Do it with a clear head, free of unnecessary emotions.

Don’t Rush

Sometimes you want to fix everything at once because delays lead to new frustrations. But remember, working through problems isn’t always quick. What matters is that you’re moving forward. It’s better to pace yourself and later be pleased that it finished faster than expected.

Take a Break

Sometimes fatigue and overload prevent us from achieving what we set out to do. Take a break, get some sleep, and enjoy a good meal. Don’t overestimate your body’s endurance — it’s not built to handle endless pressure. Give yourself a breather, even if you don’t feel particularly tired. Avoid burnout, exhaustion, apathy, and sleepiness.