A while back, I wrote a post on 5 Things You Should Do Every Day. That post ended up going viral on Facebook and has been one of the most-viewed posts I’ve written in a very, very long time!
Just for fun, I thought I’d write a post that was the opposite of that post. Because it’s important for us to remember that just like small good decisions can positively impact our day in a big way, so seemingly minor poor decisions can also negatively impact our day in a big way.
So here are 5 Ways to Ruin Your Day (it probably goes without saying that these are meant to be tongue-in-cheek!):
1. Stay In Your Pajamas All Day Long
This is highly effective for encouraging you to be unproductive. Rock those sweats, wear your frumpiest t-shirt, don’t fix your hair, and whatever you do, don’t shower or wash your face.
The sloppier the look, the better it helps you feel like spending your day doing absolutely nothing. As an added result, you’ll probably also feel grumpy and just might start snapping at your kids, your husband, your neighbor, or even the dog.
TIP: If you want to take things a step further, also consume a significant amount of junk food and do lots of sitting and lying around. These things will kick the un-motivation up a notch and guarantee that you accomplish almost nothing.
2. Mindlessly Browse the Internet and Flip Through TV Channels
Whatever you do, while you’re wearing your PJs and snacking on foods with no nutritional value, do not read or watch anything that has any redeeming value. Some of the best suggestions for mindless browsing would be things like: cat videos, celebrity gossip sites, or blog posts about subjects you have zero interest in.
The more you can distract yourself with things that do nothing to help you, the greater your percentages of day-ruining will be.
Tip: Do try to have multiple forms of media playing at the same time — if you can be watching a cat video on your computer, have your browser open to a celebrity gossip site, and be flipping through channels on the TV all at once, this increases the mindless browsing factor and will help you use up even more time ineffectively.
3. Stew About Everything That is Wrong in Your Life
You have so much wrong in your life. I mean, just think about it. No, don’t just think about it. Start listing it off.
Maybe even write a blog post or Instagram or Facebook post about your lack of blessings? This will help you solidify your stewing and further encourage you to feel frustrated, grouchy, and annoyed by everything in life.
Once you’ve created your Un-Blessing List, take a lot of time to hash and re-hash over and over again just how much your life stinks, how difficult everything is, and how stressed you are about it all.
TIP: If you can, definitely call or text or tell someone in person all about how bad everything is in your life. The more you can camp on the negative, the more negative you’ll feel.
4. Start Project After Project, But Don’t Finish Anything You’ve Started
Think of all of the projects you’ve been putting off. Today is the day to start in on them. Only be sure to just get out all the supplies, begin working on them, and then move onto the next project.
I really think if you can try to tackle 10-15 different project starts today, that would be the best recipe for ruining your day.
TIP: The more materials you can get out and the bigger mess you can make, the better. If you need to go shop for a bunch of supplies, do it. However, just get all the supplies, lay everything out, begin working, and then move onto the next thing. Don’t finish things or put anything away.
5. See if You Can Stay Up At Least 4 Hours Past Your Bedtime
This final point is one of the most important. The later you can stay up past your bedtime, the more you’ll set up tomorrow for being ruined, too.
Whatever you do, don’t accomplish anything in those last few hours. This is key. Just spend your time on frivolous, meaningless things. And do make sure that you hit at least your second or third wind.
TIP: Do not set your alarm for the next morning. Or if you do, hit the snooze button at least 15 times. Set up tomorrow to be unsuccessful, too, by getting up late and tired.
Jyri says
A calling phone!!! I hate the phone sound 🙂
Crystal says
Oh, man…as I am sitting here at 9:37 a.m. in my pj’s, browsing the internet with a full sink and piles of laundry…I realize I must get dressed and get moving or my day WILL be ruined 🙂
Sarah says
This is great Crystal! I have been acting this way all week, no wonder I feel so crummy. Staying up late to binge watch Scandal on Netflix is soooo not worth it! Thank you for the gentle wake up call. I am so grateful for you and your blog!
Sabrina @ D23 Mom says
Yes to all of these!! Especially #4. I always have great ideas and plans, and overlook the fact that I have no time. I am starting to declutter a lot of my craft items, because I have finally realized that I just don’t have time for all of that.
Sharon says
So funny….but so true! I would add pessimism to the list. Don’t let one bad thing (or maybe several) ruin your day. Don’t think, “well, I woke up late, my hair looks bad no matter what I do, I can’t find anything I like to wear…it’s going to be a bad day.” Sometimes good days and happiness are a choice. A rotten attitude will equal a rotten day!
Theresa L says
Don’t put on uplifting music to sing along to. Find every sad song or better! The news! That’s always good for bringing you down!
Luba says
Here’s my list: put God, your health, and your relationships on the back burner.
Grised says
I would laugh if I wasn’t so depressed…more often than not my days are exactly as you described ? at least I can now clearly see what is wrong and will try to do the opposite. Thanks for posting!
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} I’m cheering for you! One babystep at a time. You can do it!
Theresa L says
I’ve battled depression my whole life and sometimes just getting out of bed is a mountain to climb. Climb it! Ask God for help! He will help you! *HUG*
Terri says
I understand.. I’m a mom of 4 beautiful full of life kiddos.. I work.. Am finishing up nursing school in August but with my body being on overload I’m either very depressed or so stressed I’m sick!?. This post just didn’t make me laugh.. Instead I feel bad as a mother and wife.. It’s so hard fighting depression and chronic illnesses.. I pray we both can start to enjoy the little things in life again and fight for ourselves and our families! One day at a time! Just try your hardest it’s all you can do.. And never ever be afraid to ask for help and seek medical attention! Depression is a serious illness and the battle can be won! Prayers!
Sandy says
Why are you watching me all day? This was to be my secret. Now everyone knows!! LOL It does hit to close to home though. Great post.
Crystal Paine says
I cracked up reading this comment. Sorry!! 🙂
Sandy says
That’s O.K. I meant for you to laugh at it. Better to laugh than cry.
Teresa says
This post made me laugh because sometimes I can relate to some of these and I think today was one of those days! Great Post!
Dusty says
Have my in-laws show up uninvited. I have to be mentally prepared to deal with them and prefer it when they show up when my husband is home. My mother-in-law seems to keep her cattiness more in check when he is there. Otherwise, I get put down about everything and my kids get in”terror”gated. ::::sigh::::
WilliamB says
I get what you’re saying but for me, #1 is very much ~not~ true. My most productive days are characterized by staying in PJs all day. (Staying in PJs does not guarantee a productive day.) What happens for me on these uber productive days is that I wake up and get going before I get dressed. Since I’m on such a roll, I don’t want to break the momentum by stopping to get dressed – I might not get started again.
YMMV.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
Thanks for the humorous post! My tip for having a bad day: Hit your snooze at least three times so that you are rushing, rushing out the door. You are then guaranteed to forget your lunch (or your children), not have time to pray, and feel behind when you arrive at work.
Nichole says
Timely post. I’ve been struggling for what seems a while. Part of it is having to put my dad in a nursing home. Me being only 33 and him 55. Hardest thing in my life! Struggling with being present with my family even though my Dad is NM and we are in AZ. I looked up your 5 ways to a happier home because I need more of a happy heart.
Out of my funk a little bit today. Taking a shower…putting on something I like and having fun with my makeup and actually getting things accomplished today!
Chris says
But I like cat videos. ???
Crystal Paine says
😉
Debbie says
Science backs up watching cat videos!
They increase joy in your life!
Love the article! All the points are valid and true. Just not the cat videos! Lol
Jennifer@TheIntentionalMom says
#3 Yes, yes, and yes! #5 LOL!!!! This was good for me today….thank you!!
Debbie Bolen says
Vent all of your problems on facebook! I also need to add don’t read your Bible or pray. Great list.
Heart and Haven says
Refuse to be flexible when things don’t go EXACTLY as planned!
Oh, and never laugh. Laughter will surely ruin all changes of remaining grumpy all day! 🙂
chelsea says
THIS. Oh Crystal, you make me howl with laughter!!! My day definitely goes downhill if I don’t do my quiet time first thing. That is a no-brainer for me!
Jenni says
Lol. Felt the sting on that one. Even though I aim for good days, I mindlessly do some of those…and others!
Gina says
Believe the little voice inside your head that tells you you don’t need to write anything down, you’ll remember it. Then you can enjoy the scenic trip back to the same store for the third time this week, conduct fascinating Google searches such as “Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt in smoothies?” (Spoiler alert: Yes! You can!), and make the belated birthday card section your home-away-from-home.
(Great post, Crystal!)
Roma says
Not getting up early ruins my whole day, so does not reading my bible in the morning. Something about doing those two things really makes me joyous!
Amy F;) says
This is AWESOME!
ok, off to untangle the mountain of scraggly hair piled on top of my head
The Prestigious School says
I think you just described how my teenagers thought they were going to spend their summers!
Ashley P says
Wanna ruin your day? Worry and don’t pray!
My entire universe is spinning out of control right now. It’s SO hard to stay focused on God and remind myself with every breath that He has a plan for me, even if I don’t see it.
Crystal Paine says
My heart hurts for you so much and I prayed for you again this morning. I remembered this Q&A post I wrote awhile back that might have some parts in it that would encourage you: https://moneysavingmom.com/2014/05/keep-hope-alive-everything-goes-wrong.html
Ashley P says
Thank you so much! It was encouraging.
We toyed with the idea earlier this week of sending our kids away to their grandmother’s across state until we can get back on our feet again. My father in law offered to pay for daycare until the end of August, so that bought us a little time to try and find stable jobs. Pray we get something soon. Otherwise, I may lose my babies temporarily. My mother in law had to do that with her kids when they were little. She didn’t get them back until hubby was 10 years old. I REALLY don’t want to do that.
Alaina says
To be honest, I get way more done at home if I stay dressed in yoga pants/t-shirt and don’t shower or look nice. Cleaning and cooking, etc. cause me to get hot and sweaty, especially when it is a day where I am intentionally trying to get lots of things done. So, to be honest, number one just isn’t true for me. If I showered, dressed, etc. before I started all my ‘work’ for the day on certain days I would never get anything done because when I do serious cooking or cleaning I can’t wear anything decent and my hair definitely isn’t looking nice! Also, I have to look nice at work all day, when I come home the yoga pants or comfy capris go straight on. For me it signifies the change from work to home – I can now relax while I do things at home as opposed to sitting at work in front of a computer all day.
I know this is tongue in cheek, so I’m not offended or anything, but honestly there are days when doing these things is good for the soul. Sometimes you need a day to veg – and this doesn’t ‘ruin’ my day – it makes the rest of my days wonderful because I actually rested. I’m really not down with flylady, etc. who say you must get up, get showered, and get dressed to be able to start a good day. For me, it is truly the opposite.
Crystal Paine says
Oh, I definitely agree that some days you just need to veg and relax! {Our family is big fans of the occasional Intentional Comfy Pant Day. But on those days, I still find it makes a big difference if I shower and fix my hair. Otherwise, by halfway through the day, I just feel gross.}
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective… I know that what I wrote here will not be absolutely true for everyone, but I hope it will make people think about how little choices can make a big difference in your daily lives. Or at least to just make you laugh at how what would ruin my day wouldn’t ruin yours at all. 🙂
Alaina says
Yep! We’re all so different aren’t we? I love that about the world!
The things that would ruin my day are: dirty dishes left in the sink overnight, getting lost in the vacuum of the internet all day, staying inside (if I don’t go outside for quite some time each day I am just not someone anyone wants to be around!), not moving (walking, running, biking, yoga – something!), and not going to be early enough. But really, it is the outside thing that matters most for me. If I don’t spend enough time outside I am crabby, I get less done, and I am just plain annoyed with myself!
Jacks says
Heehee yes! Definitely “truth” for me on the mindless browsing thing… But I think I’m a bit of an exception to the rule on the “stay in your pajamas all day” point. Every so often I just have a super grungy pj day, and I get all kinds of cleaning and organizational things done bc I can just move fast and not worry about ruining my clothes…have accidentally bleached/ruined a few articles of clothing on deep cleaning days before :-/
Marcel Rosa says
I just LOL when I see the title! I love wearing pajamas and being a couch potato though :(. It’s surprising that I’ve tried all of that unintentionally though, it was bad but not to the extent of day-ruining haha. Thanks for the cute post!
Kay says
Clever post! Puts things into perspective!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Haha I love this! All of these ring true for me if I really want to ruin my day too. Especially hitting snooze a million times 😉
Florence says
Well, while we’re at it, we might as well mess up the budget with some online shopping. That should bring on some guilt which usually results in overeating and probably a fight with the spouse. ?
lori says
Perfect!
kariane says
This made me laugh this morning. I’m feeling thankful that is not my day.
Lea Stormhammer says
Thanks for the laugh!
For me? Start the day with a messy kitchen (counters filled with dishes, table not wiped off). Don’t put anything away all day long. And whatever you do don’t go outside for any reason what-so-ever.
🙂
Have a great day everyone,
Lea
nicki schroeder says
Are you sneaking a peek into my mind and my home Crystal? 🙂 This made me laugh. Love it! This is TRUTH! And it’s nice to know we all have been there at one time or another. Thanks for the chuckle…and the fun reminder today. Time for me to get out of my PJS, like STAT!
adrienne says
I loved this post. Thank you!
Invite perfect Pinterest mom over! 😉
Chris says
Yes, not only invite the perfect Pinterest mom or colleage over but compare yourself to them in all possible areas where they seem to be doing better than you. This will help to do a better job with number 3 🙂
Amie says
I love this post. It is so funny because it’s true. Last week, I took a “day off.” It started the night before by starting a Netflix marathon that lasted until 3 AM. I got up at 7:00 and made breakfast and got the kids going. I would have skipped the laundry altogether except my husband started a load of our bed linens before leaving for work. I plugged back into Netflix and let my kids play video games and watch Disney Jr. About an hour before my husband was to be home from work, I realized that I hadn’t prepped dinner, had a sink full of dishes, needed to make my bed, etc., etc. I raced around and everything got done, but I didn’t feel at all rested from my “day off.” I honestly felt a little down, sleep deprived, and totally unproductive. I don’t plan on doing that again. I can definitely say, a late night Netflix marathon is a great way for me to ruin my day.
Tracy says
We would have ordered pizza and requested they bring paper plates 🙂 I have one of these days from time to time, but they actually leave me feeling refreshed and motivated to get back to real life the next day!
Alto says
Letting other people dictate my schedule ruins my day. Unexpected visitors, lengthy phone calls, family members needing favors-all of these just throw me off task. Since I’m single, my family tends to ask me for last minute favors all of the time. This puts me in a constant state of panic-mode.
lydia @ frugaldebtfreelife says
Don’t make a to do list and whatever you do don’t even think about what your family will eat for dinner until 5:55.
Corey says
Love this! I would add: let your toddlers (or kids/teens) have lots of screen time mixed with lots of sugar and then added tip: just sit and complain about how crazy they are and the mess
They are making a couple hours later!
Crystal Paine says
Oh yes! So true.
Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life says
HA! This is great and so true. Though with temps in the mid 90’s this week, I haven’t been getting dressed in more than loose shorts and a tank top. Otherwise it is TOO hot sitting outside with my kids.
Also, leave the dishes on the table after every meal. That’s another great way to dread the next meal time all day.
c elina says
hey I just noticed you were in Richmond..booo….I’ve been following you since biblical womanhood page…(I think that’s what it was called) I’d have loved to hear you….oh well next time….
Crystal Paine says
Bummer. 🙁 I’m going to try to do a better job of announcing my speaking engagements from here on out as so many people have told me recently that they wished they would have known and that they only found out after the fact.
Angie says
Mine would be to pick a fight with you husband about something small (like the dishes) instead of telling him how you really feel (I am struggling, I am overwhelmed, etc.). If only I never did this….. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Oh, this is SUCH a good one. Thank you for sharing!
Sara says
Very Funny! 🙂 – Thanks for the laugh this morning. After going thru the Make Over Your Mornings course I have been very mindful of how I spend me evenings to better set up my morning for success and it has been paying off! I am also re-reading the Money Saving Moms Budget book and it is helping me to get motivated again in the financial part of our lives too! Thank you!!
Sarah says
Hahaha I LOVED this list!! Everything is definitely true, especially the one about negativity.
I would also add not having a plan to my list. I have two toddlers, and the days where we don’t have a plan are the days that usually end up more chaotic than I’d like.
I’m all about being productive, having a plan and focusing on the positive!
Hope you have a wonderful day, Crystal!
Antonella says
ahahahah 😀
My suggestion: call the worst complainers you know and let them tell you how much life sucks. This will guarantee that you develop no hope whatsoever for a better tomorrow and help you to further ruin your day.
😉
Crystal Paine says
Oh, yes, very good suggestion. 🙂
Amber says
Yes! When I want to feel better, I know who to call. When I want to be mad and have someone agree with me and fuel my fire, I know who to call for that too! Works every time! 🙂
Alexis says
This made me laugh out loud and realize that I need to go to bed right now. 🙂
I will say that the other thing that ruins my day is not eating breakfast. Such a simple thing but for whatever reason I have the hardest time making sure I get a good breakfast in each day. I’m really good about my kids but I need to get myself a little higher on the priority list as well.
Crystal Paine says
Great suggestion to add to the list!
Staci Brown says
Oh dear, I have been doing these things all week, but we are on Florida on vacation, so that’s okay! Back on track next week!
Crystal Paine says
Vacation definitely doesn’t count… well, unless doing these things on vacation are making you miserable. 😉
Beth says
and don’t wash any dishes or do any laundry! You want to have big messes to look at everywhere you turn.
Crystal Paine says
Oh yes! Piles of dishes and laundry really help amplify the day-ruining!
Brittany says
Or worse! Just wash and dry but don’t fold or put away, making everything very wrinkled and then you can’t wash more bc your clean stack is so high it will topple with one more load and the dryer is still loaded…
Amanda says
This post made me laugh! I’m 38 weeks pregnant and I find myself very tempted to do all of these every day. I just don’t want to get dressed. BUT, everyone in this house is required to do morning chores. Shower, dress, brush teeth, etc. It makes so much difference. I have the older kids help with a lot of chores and I refuse to start any projects. I just don’t have the energy to finish them. 🙂 By being mindful about my little choices, my last few days of pregnancy have not been too bad!
Crystal Paine says
Congratulations on almost making it to the end! The finish line is in sight! And way to go on making small, wise choices every day — even when you don’t want to and don’t feel like it.