Let’s be honest: life can be a total jerk sometimes. One minute, you’re cruising along, and the next, you’re knee-deep in chaos wondering how the hell you got there. But hey, we’ve all been there.
I’ve had my fair share of those days where everything seems to go wrong like spilling coffee on myself right before a big meeting or getting stuck in traffic when I’m already late.
The good news? There are ways to keep your sanity intact when the universe starts acting up.
Here are 16 tried-and-true tactics that will help you stay calm, collected, and maybe even laugh a little when life gets seriously shitty.
1. Go For a Sanity Stroll
When everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control, sometimes the best thing you can do is just walk it off.
The other day, after a particularly stressful call, I grabbed my shoes and hit the pavement. No destination, no agenda—just me, the sidewalk, and my thoughts. By the time I got back, my mind was clearer, and the problem that seemed insurmountable suddenly felt manageable.
2. Declare a “Me Day” and Don’t Feel Guilty About It
You deserve a break. Sometimes, the world feels like it’s constantly demanding something from you, and you just need to unplug.
I used to feel guilty about taking a day off, but then I realized something—one day of rest can do wonders for your mental health. Trust me, the world can wait.
3. Spread Some Good Vibes
Giving to others can do wonders for your mood. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture; even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in how you feel. It’s like a little reminder that not everything is as bad as it seems.
4. Become a Professional People Watcher
Ever find yourself sitting in a coffee shop, sipping on a latte, and just watching the world go by? It’s one of my favorite ways to de-stress. Observing others going about their day, without having to engage, can be oddly soothing.
It’s a mini mental vacation, and the best part is, you don’t even have to leave your seat.
5. Turn Yourself into a Knowledge Sponge
Whenever life throws a curveball, arm yourself with knowledge. I’m a big believer in this one—whether it’s figuring out a work problem, understanding a relationship issue, or just trying to decode why my plant keeps dying.
Diving into research gives me a sense of control over the situation, and it usually leads to a solution. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when you’re up against life’s challenges.
6. Be a To-Do List Ninja
Here’s a pro tip: write your to-do list the night before. It’s like giving your future self a gift.
I started doing this after realizing that waking up without a plan made my mornings chaotic. Now, I wake up with a clear idea of what needs to get done, and it makes the day a whole lot smoother.
7. Flex Your Strength Muscles
On those days when life makes you feel like a total failure, grab a pen and write down 20 things you’re good at. Seriously, do it. This isn’t about boasting—it’s about reminding yourself of your strengths when you’re feeling low.
You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for, so remind yourself often.
8. Take Baby Steps, My Friend
Let me tell you a secret: you don’t have to do it all at once. There was a time when I felt paralyzed by everything I had to do so much so that I ended up doing nothing.
Then I learned the power of baby steps. Just doing one small thing—sending an email, cleaning up a corner of my room, whatever—helped me build momentum and get back on track. Progress is progress, no matter how tiny.
9. Rediscover Your Inner Hobbyist
Remember that hobby you used to love before life got so damn busy? It’s time to bring it back. Doing something you love just for the fun of it can be a powerful antidote to stress.
10. Say “Hell No” to the Non-Essentials
You don’t have to do everything. Prioritizing is your new best friend. I used to say yes to everything, and it nearly drove me to the edge. Now, I’m all about trimming the fat—saying no to things that don’t serve me or my goals.
Life gets a whole lot easier when you focus on what truly matters.
11. Snooze Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)
Sleep is your secret weapon. Seriously, getting 7-9 hours of shut-eye can make the difference between handling life like a boss or falling apart at the seams. Prioritize your rest—it’s the foundation for everything else.
12. Let Your Inner Child Loose
Life is serious enough—sometimes, you just need to do something silly. When I’m feeling particularly stressed, I’ll blast some music and dance around my living room like no one’s watching (because no one is, thankfully).
It’s ridiculous, it’s fun, and it’s a great reminder not to take life too seriously.
13. Ugly Cry If You Need To
There’s no shame in letting it all out. A good cry can be incredibly cathartic—it’s like hitting the reset button on your emotional state. Plus, you’ll feel a million times better afterward.
14. Mind Your Mental Chatter
I’ve learned that the way I talk to myself can make or break my day. If I let negative self-talk run the show, everything seems worse. But when I catch myself and flip the script to something more positive, things start looking up. It’s a practice, but it’s worth it.
Remember, you’re the narrator of your own story—make it a good one.
15. Get Those Thoughts on Paper
Journaling is like having a conversation with yourself that no one else can interrupt. I started journaling during a particularly confusing time in my life, and it became my go-to tool for clarity. Just getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper made them less overwhelming.
16. Remind Yourself That This Too Shall Pass
When life feels like one never-ending storm, it’s easy to forget that it’s just weather—it will pass.
I’ve been through enough rough patches to know that nothing lasts forever, not even the bad stuff. Whenever I’m in the thick of it, I remind myself that it’s just a chapter in the book of life, not the whole story. It’s a simple mantra, but it works.
Don’t Let Unnecessary Stress Get To You
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it drag you down. With these 16 tactics, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever crap life throws your way.
These strategies have saved my sanity more times than I can count.
Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but it’s not okay to give up. Keep these strategies in your back pocket, and when things get tough, pull them out and take action. Now go out there and kick life’s ass!
