Are you having a bad day? If so, don’t be surprised… we all have them. In fact, for most people, a bad day at least once per week is a common thing. It could be caused by any number of things. Maybe it’s Monday and you would rather be anywhere than at work. Maybe you don’t feel good. Maybe you just paid the bills and have barely enough money in your account to cover getting to work and back for the rest of the week. Maybe you are tired of friends who put your down and managers who make it their mission to cause you misery.

Whatever the case may be, the truth is that bad days happen… but that they don’t have to define you. In fact, changing your day from bad to good may be as simple as changing your outlook.

Here are 5 ways to turn your day around. Next time you are having a bad day, try one or two of them out. Odds are very good that utilizing these ideas will turn your frown upside-down and give you at least a better appreciation for your situation.

1… It could always be worse

It doesn’t take much brain-power to imagine things being worse. Consider this, and try to be thankful that the worst-case scenario is not your scenario. It could always be worse, so be thankful that your bad day is not infinitely bad.

2… Make a fun plan

Having a stressful day at work? Text your friends and see if some of them want to do something fun later on. Or text your spouse and plan a special date-night. Looking forward to something is a great way to get your mind off of your current woes.

3… Talk to someone

Talk to a friend, a family member, your spouse, or even the coworker in the cubicle next to yours about what is wrong. It might be difficult to do sometimes, but talking to other people about your problems can be very therapeutic.

4… Read motivational quotes

The internet is full of motivational quotes. Sometimes these little snippets of wisdom can give you the fuel you need to get you through the day.

5… Count your blessings

Everyone has things to be thankful for, and making a list of the good things in your life can often cause you to see that, though your day might seem bad, your life is actually pretty good!