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If you’re having a bad day, just remember, it could always be worse. In difficult times, I often tell myself this as well. But my favorite piece of advice on staying motivated comes from Scottish comedian Limmy. He once said, “If this has been the worst year of your life, that means next year will be even better. If it gets worse, then congratulations, this hasn’t been the worst year of your life.”
Served in true Scottish fashion, it’s a blunt but honest way to encourage yourself. You’re probably not going to see Limmy’s inspirational words on Pinterest boards any time soon though. Maybe it’s better to frame your situation against others. Yeah, sure, you had a bad day but was it as bad as smashing a brand new phone that wasn’t even taken out of its box? True story — we’ve got the pics to prove it.
Here’s our compilation of people who probably felt like they were having the worst day ever. It makes us realize that maybe we don’t have it so bad after all. But if you’re looking for motivational quotes after all, there’s some from Bored Panda here, here, and here to help you get by.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Went Into My Attic Looking For A Water Leak Coming Into My Living Room And It Appears That I'm With Whatever Monstrosity Left This Behind. It's Soft To The Touch So I'm Assuming It's Still Around
It’s ok, everyone has a bad day from time to time. Maybe you were late for work or school and everything just went downhill from there. It feels like one small mishap can set off a chain reaction to ruin the rest of your day.
It’s even worse if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don’t even know why you feel down — you already know it’s going to be a tough one. Although many might think of this as just an expression, it’s a real phenomenon and scientists believe it has a detrimental effect on our well-being.
RELATED:
#2
Do Not Order Your Toilet Paper From The Wish App
A study was completed by Pennsylvania State University looking at how these feelings in the morning impact our performance for the rest of the day. Their results were published in a paper aptly titled Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: The Effects of Stress Anticipation on Working Memory in Daily Life.
The two-week study involved 240 adults completing reports on their emotional well-being at different times throughout the day. These reports (known as ecological momentary assessments) aimed to capture how an individual was feeling in the moment, especially in regards to stress. The reports were to be completed at random times throughout the day. The only exceptions were the morning and end-of-day ones which also asked participants if they were anticipating being stressed ahead of time.
#3
Can’t Explain To My Cats The Gravity Of What They’ve Done
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago
You're in quarantine with absolutely nothing to do. The cats changed that.
#4
These Guys Managed To Get Into A Crash On An Empty Street Next To A Closed Gas Station
After the participants logged their states, they were asked to complete a small ‘working memory’ test. An example of this could be trying to recount numbers that flashed on a screen briefly. The results from their study highlighted what anticipating stress in the morning does to people.
“Waking up on the wrong side of the bed” (or being ready to feel stressed) appeared to have a knock-on effect on participants’ working memory tests throughout the day. Although being stressed normally had an effect on their test performance, reporting negative feelings from the start of the day influenced their behaviors far more than anything else. So, science has confirmed that having a bad day isn’t completely the universe throwing you a curveball.
#5
That Online Session Didn't Go Well Then. Not Surprised At All, These Next Few Weeks Are Going To Be Hell For Teachers & Parents
#6
Poor Kid
Staying motivated can be tricky, but there’s always a way to get through. According to Bo Muchoki, a motivational speaker, being optimistic is tantamount to getting through difficult times. He said, “You can’t control the painful situations that life puts in your path. All that you can control is your mental response to the painful situations that you find yourself in.”
#7
Governor Just Ordered All “Non Life Sustaining” Businesses To Close, Including Construction And Contractors. This Is The Current State Of My Only Bathroom
littlesaresare 5 years ago
One would think functional plumbing would be considered an essential service...
#8
My Kiddo Cut His Hair Yesterday, Then Agreed To Let Me Have A Little Fun With It Before We Fixed It
#9
My Husband Has Been Home 24/7 For A Whole Three Days And My Dog Is A Full On Traitorous Bastard. It’s Like I Don’t Exist. This Is Crap
“Your mental response to the tough situations that you find yourself in is huge,” he continued. “Whether you choose a negative mentality or a positive mindset to interpret your pain determines how well you fare in life.”
“The only difference between those who crumble into sadness, helplessness, depression, hopelessness, and defeat in tough times and those who rise above their pain is a positive mindset.”
#10
Today My Partner Learned That You Shouldn’t Put Off A Haircut Until The Only Person Left To Do It Is Your Girlfriend
I have never even trimmed my own ends. He calls this look “Cambodian garbage Hitler.”
Bitch Cassidy 5 years ago
Cambodian Garbage Hitler is an amazing name. I might name my next kid after you!
#11
The Dental School I Was About To Visit Has Been Shut Down For The Next Month. Wish Me Luck
chi-wei shen 5 years ago
His situation is already bad enough, but what would happen if someone gets a heavy or excruciating toothache and there is no dentist available?
#12
So My Fridge Doors Just Fell Off
Whether it’s meditation or motivational quotes, everyone has their own ways of changing their mindsets. Our loyal readers tell us that Bored Panda always helps to lift them up when having a bad day. Of course, we love to cover inspiring stories, but at the same time, reflecting on the difficult times helps us to stay focused on the better ones. Just remember, it could always be worse.
#13
Switch On TV. It Decides To Just Die
#14
My Plumbing Is Fine, Thanks For Asking
#15
Can You Spare A Square?
#16
Girlfriend's Grad Cancelled, So She’s Picking Up Her Degree From The Student Desk
#17
Bought 60 Doughnuts For The Office Today To Celebrate My 20th Birthday, Only To Be Told Not To Come In For The Next Week
#18
Lost His Blueberries
Becky Moore 5 years ago
He's so sad! Plus his shopping cart is almost empty so he was probably already sad :(
#19
HS Teacher Remote Teaching. Our Platform Generates Unique Classroom Codes For Each Course. For My Course, I Have To Screenshot And Send "Jizzin' To God" To All My Students
#20
Bathroom Flooded And I Lost Four Good Men
#21
My Buddy Was Cleaning Out His Desk And Found A $50 Gift Card From Another Era
Becky Moore 5 years ago
Haha! I used to work at Blockbusters. Best job ever! $50 would have bought you a shitload of stuff! :P
#22
Angry French Noises
#23
We Were Getting Our Kitchen Redone When The Workers Just Left. We Currently Are Living With A Toaster Oven And A Sink
Cathelijne van Weelden 5 years ago
Order a camping stove online! I did this when my kitchen was being renovated
#24
As A Single Man Who Has Eaten Out Pretty Much Every Day Since I Was 19, This Whole "Fend For Yourself " Plan Is Utter Crap
You see this? This is instant oatmeal and I messed it up. There is no hope for me. Stay healthy, folks.
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
And plenty of time to do it, too. Get a couple basic cooking books, read and follow recipes (e.g. directions) carefully to the letter, and eventually the penny will drop and you’ll get it. Cooking isn’t really difficult, as long as you don’t get too cocky or strangely creative, until you get into the fancy stuff—-where you have to be too cocky and strangely creative.
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Roxy Eastland 5 years ago
Every human on earth should learn how to cook before they leave home (within their physical/learning capabilities).
Celeste Grant 5 years ago
How on earth do you eat out every day! Who can't make oatmeal? I have so many questions as I'd genuinely never considered that people lived like this!
Kathy Brown 5 years ago
Well Roxy, If a person has never done it before, they don't watch the microwave for things that can overflow. They just put it in the magic electrical box and do something else. Then when it beeps discover a big mess.
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Miguel Ángel 5 years ago
I have no sympathy for grown a*s persons who can't cook for themselves.
Catlady6000 5 years ago
I do. I wasn't taught to cook. It's hard teaching yourself. At least now you have YouTube to help
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YupItsMe1234 5 years ago
Just think about how much money you will save by not eating out everyday
Catlady6000 5 years ago
Yeah, but he has to learn to cook first. Believe me, that can get expensive!
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Katinka Min 5 years ago
Learn to cook and chances are you won't stay single. Seriously, guys, noothing is more untattractive than a man-child who needs staff or a mummy to cook for him. Learn the basics!
Aleksandra 5 years ago
Cooking for yourself is an essencial skill. It's only your fault that you can't even make instant outmeal.
Lauren Caswell 5 years ago
You murdered it XD but hang in there it'll get easier, and it's a handy skill to hone ^-^
Music Mania 5 years ago
to be fair this is a common issue with microwaving oatmeal, happens to the best of us
Kat Rogers 5 years ago
FOOL~ IF YOU WERE HALF SMART YOU WOULD HAVE ISOLATED WITH A WOMAN OORRR A CHEF OR SOMETHING!
Laira Cruz 5 years ago
Da heck??? I'm 11 (almost 12) and even I know how to make instant oatmeal!
Paige Garberding 5 years ago
Walk away from the microwave, did we? Don't do that until you understand how your microwave cooks and how each setting works. If you have to feed yourself now, you might as well learn some basics while you have no distractions. The Force be with you.
Leesa DeAndrea 5 years ago
I've been using microwaves for decades. But I did the same thing last week. Let the oatmeal boil over.
katboxjanitor 5 years ago
It happens to me when the microwave imps are overcharged and the cooking container is too small for them. And I have been cooking oatmeal like that for a couple decades.
Lily Mae Kitty 5 years ago
cooking isn't hard. and you don't do it in a microwave. if you effed up instant oatmeal it's b/c you didn't follow the directions. sheesh, how do you even survive?
Christopher Mayer 5 years ago
You boil water, then add it to oatmeal; NOT the other way around..
Isabel Care 5 years ago
There was a book for students away from home for the first time.."How to boil an egg" . It might help
Burtine Kendall 5 years ago
Come on kiddo - if you can read, you can cook. You might surprise yourself with the results.
Susan Crabtree 5 years ago
Read direction, maybe? Or follow a recipe. You did go beyond third grade in school, idn't you?
Kathy Brown 5 years ago
OR you'll learn how to improve some things and some foods you can cook. I bet you could make a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ginny Swart 5 years ago
Eaten out every day? I gather you are an American! For the rest of the world eating out is a treat
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
Also doesn't know how to shop for food that requires no cooking skills.
Elizabeth Roethle Crawford 5 years ago
Think of it as a new diet plan think how thin you will be
Anna Repp 5 years ago
OK, this is my favourite mug! I've had one for years until it shattered. Then my mom got me a similar one but in red, and then my newly adopted cat usurped it. She would not drink from anything else! Then my teenage daughter bought one just like this at Goodwill and I was like "awww, she loves me" but now she does not let me use the mug! To the OP single man - if I teach you how to cook, can I have the mug??
Sheila Annie Florence Smith 5 years ago
Best time to learn to cook for yourself. Don’t give up so quickly. You might surprise yourself!!
AnnieLaurie Burke 5 years ago
Most restaurants still have take-out services. But this is an opportunity to learn some basic life skills....
HannahBananahW 5 years ago
What's worse is not only have I done this... I've done this multiple times... ;(
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
You Tube is wonderful. You can learn how to amaze your friends with your culinary skill by the time this is over..
Kate Johnson 5 years ago
Microwaving oatmeal that explodes is not your fault! It takes time and so much experimentation with bowls! I'm a good cook, but it took until about two months ago for me to finally hit upon the right bowl and settings. I'm 46 years old and have been cooking for over 30 years! So don't be too hard on yourself! (But YES, you should learn how to properly cook, and at least have a few dishes you're proficient at.) Good luck!
*sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby 5 years ago
Oh honey, trust me, I'm worse. I burned one of those 'mug brownie cake' things **from the inside**. Like, this was so charred it was rock solid. You could've burned it and it would've lasted 4x longer than a bag of coal.
Benjamin Chen 5 years ago
Didn't read the instructions? I think u r supposed to add oatmeal to hot water... Live & learn .This is not a big deal as I have screwed up much worse. U have not even begun to F up in your life, lol
Johanne Trudeau 5 years ago
You have the time, use it to learn how to cook... It's not rocket science...
Lisa Shelton 5 years ago
Maybe it's a good time to learn to cook so you can stop eating out every day.
Jonathan Reiter 5 years ago
If you can't prepare Instant Oatmeal, you shouldn't be in the kitchen...
Bob Beltcher 5 years ago
Hey, I'm a married 35 year old who cooks frequently, this still happens to me last week. That's why I like making oatmeal the old fashion way.
Carol Emory 5 years ago
FYI..Don't use tupperware lids as plates. They aren't designed for microwave heat and will warp making them useless.
Laura Campos 5 years ago
Do overnight oats in the fridge. Mix with milk, some sugar and banana or other fruit. Let sit overnight in a closed container. No cooking needed.
Brie 5 years ago
This happens to me all the time. It literally just bubbles out of the cup. I just switched to stove top instead.
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago (edited)
Nothing like quarantine to make you play Iron Chef: Home Edition
kathryn stretton 5 years ago
Time to get on youtube and google methinks. You may even like it.
#25
I'm Regretting Panic Buying $100 Worth Of Legos To End Up With My Children Ignoring Them And Instead Playing With A Cardboard Box And A Can Lid For The Last 2 Hours
#26
Had To Say Goodbye To An Old Friend Today. I’ve Had It For About 11 Years And It Finally Gave In. Rest In Peace, Buddy, And Thanks For All The Incredible Memories
#27
I Didn’t Partake In The Toilet Paper Panic. Maybe I Should Have?
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago (edited)
I'll let you in on a secret. Water is cheaper, cleaner, more hygienic and better for the environment. Win win win win situation.
#28
Dropped My Charger Cable Behind The Desk To Then Go And Plug It In - It Landed On The Power Strip. And Turned It Off. My Computer Was On That. And So Was My Work
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago
Don't trust Trust. Never trust Trust. It's the only company in the world that can be accused of false advertising by just showing their name.
#29
Someone Forgot Their Bag Full Of Groceries
Lucky Lola 5 years ago
Funny how people’s first instinct nowadays is to take a photo rather than assume it’s a bomb... growing up with the IRA has lasting effects for some of us lol
#30
Someone Threw A Rock Through My Front Window At 4 In The Morning
#31
My Friend Went To The Apple Store Today Because He Broke His iPhone XS Both Front And Back. They Told Him That Because Of Corona The Repair Service Was Temporarily Closed. He Then Chooses To Buy The 11 Pro Which He Then Dropped When Opening The Box
#32
Behold, 125 Kazoos With Our Wedding Date On Them That Arrived At Our Door The Day We Emailed Everyone To Tell Them The Wedding Was Postponed
#33
Never Ordered Groceries To Be Delivered. I Just Wanted Three Bananas
#34
That Was The Last Bottle
#35
We Had One Roll Left. Kids...
#36
My Door Was Being Repaired When The Repair Man Suddenly Left In A Panic
#37
My Son Clogged The Toilet. Then This
Lauren Caswell 5 years ago
Another way is to boil water and pour it in, wait 1 min roughly then try flushing agn (worked when my kid did an enormous one!)
#38
It's Better Than Nothing
#39
Can't Get Anyone To Get Our New Kitchen Fitted. No Oven, Stove, Nothing
#40
So, I'm Stuck At Here In Italy With Already Not Much To Do, And This Morning My Gpu Decided To Just Fry
Sometimes, reflecting on others' experiences during tough times can help put your own struggles into perspective.
For insights on how people have handled challenging days at home, be sure to check out our compilation of amusing and relatable quarantine mishaps highlighting unexpected moments during isolation.
#41
Dental Implant Just Fell Out And When I Called The Dentist I Was Told I Was Their “Last Call” As They Had Closed Until April 5th As Of 5 Minutes Ago
#42
Nothing Like Some Fresh Ground Coffee To Wake You Up In The Morning
#43
Stay Inside They Said
#44
My Sink Exploded
#45
My 21st Birthday On Saint Patrick's Day, All Bars In My State Closed The Day Before
#46
Quarantine Day 3: This Is Fine. We Are Fine
Lynne Lyon 5 years ago
You're not a real Mom until your baby has thrown up on you, I always say
#47
Guys, It Has Been An Honor
#48
I Bought 1 Kg Of Local Honey To Last Me Through The Quarantine Period
#49
Well I Had An Interesting Time Covering My First ACC Tournament
#50
My Product Is Finally Retail Ready Today, Just In Time For An Indefinite Nation-Wide Retail Shutdown
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
The site leads me to believe this has been on sale for a while now, before this whole lockdown thing started. Also, for those racists thinking this has anything to do with China... Huan is a hound from Middle-Earth. You know, Tolkien's place?
#51
My Table Exploded, Now I Get To Pick Glass Out Of The Grass All Day
#52
Found Out My Toaster Can Work As A Timer, Even When Not Plugged In. Now I Have To Wait Another 20 Minutes To Find Out How Good These Fish Sticks Are
#53
Since Gyms Are Closed, Decided To Do A Workout At Home. Cut My Head On A Doorframe Doing A Chin-Up. Good Thing I’m Completely Bald So It’s Even More Noticeable
#54
Day 5 Of Quarantine
Becky Moore 5 years ago
What on earth was she doing to break something so thick? I've got terrible images now!
#55
I’m Actually Out Of Toilet Paper So Last Night And Tonight I’ve Had To Come Poop At My Local Target Because They’re Still Sold Out
#56
I Just. I Just Want The Basic Things To Still Work
WilvanderHeijden 5 years ago
They never worked in the past and you expect them the work in a lock down situation?
#57
Tried Spraying Lysol On My Chair To Disinfect It. Now It Looks Like I Went Too Far With My 'Private Time'
#58
Day 1 Of UK Lockdown And Apparently, Repairing The Boss' Car Is 'Essential Work' Who Knew?
#59
The Potato Pudding You See Was Supposed To Be Mashed Potatoes
Add New Image
What do you think ?
littlesaresare 5 years ago
The fact that people are being left without plumbing, missing locks, broken windows, etc., is ridiculous. How are these not considered essential services?
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
Especially considering how many states are considering liquor stores and weed dispensary's essential.
Load More Replies...
bryguy 5 years ago
Some of these have nothing to do with quarantine. Mashed potatoes turning out runny? Baby threw up? Overcooking oatmeal? ...Do these not happen unless there is a pandemic?
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
People just trying to have a little fun while they are stuck at home
Load More Replies... Celeste Grant 5 years ago
My shower stopped working 12 hours after the U.K. shutdown, and I've decided I'm going to live without it being fixed as I'm in a high risk group for Covid-19. I don't want to risk someone bringing it into my home. I guess I'm having baths for a couple of months!
C Hypercube 5 years ago
This is a great time for the people to learn not to take everything for granted.
Lara Mig 5 years ago
Or to learn that they don't actually need some of the things they thought they needed.
Load More Replies...
Petra Schaap 5 years ago (edited)
our stove top broke down when the "lockdown" was going to happen (we dont have full lockdown here) and then had to drive to 4 shops to find one, (3 shops were closes, we didnt go in) spend more money and pick the only model they had. Next day all shops closed. Fel a bit sorry for ourselfs but these are way worse!!! (and also happy that we had the money to buy it and that we have one, ofcourse)
Christel Nellemann 5 years ago
Yes it sucks, but as you say, in the greater scheme of things, sommuch to be gratefull for. Great attitude.
Load More Replies...
Tobias the Tiger 5 years ago
During quarantine, our sink AND refrigerator stopped working. The sink has been replaced and the fridge is still working a little, but still.
Marnie 5 years ago
Worse quarantine than you. This one is not funny. People realize how many small businesses have already closed permanently?!!! The small business loan that is coming is weeks too late. My own son didn't even pay himself from his business except to literally buy food and gas to pay a new marketing guy. Things were going so well they were going to start expanding soon. He's sacrificed so much in the past 5 years getting to this point. He shut down voluntarily and now it's likely he'll lose it. He put more money into it than he got out. It was going to be all worth it. Now what? He has to start over from scratch. F**k people and their "bad quarantines". Tragic things are happening all over the world.
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
There were some horrible storms in the Atlanta area last night. No electricity for a few hours, no wifi till Friday. My problems seem small next to many of these.
ZombieGirl 5 years ago
Any Bored Panda folks having similar experiences right now? Let's talk about it:
Alex Bailey 5 years ago
Loo won't flush so having to use a bucket to flush it - far worse things that can go wrong though.
Load More Replies...
Herbie Kawaihau 5 years ago
Thank you so much I haven't had such a much needed laugh since.... I don't know when.
Mad Mar 5 years ago
Working through this because apparently no one told my boss. Because why pay unemployment. Why?!?
Soggy Crumpet 5 years ago
What? You would rather be jobless? Please quit and let someone who lost their job have it.
Load More Replies...
littlesaresare 5 years ago
The fact that people are being left without plumbing, missing locks, broken windows, etc., is ridiculous. How are these not considered essential services?
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
Especially considering how many states are considering liquor stores and weed dispensary's essential.
Load More Replies... bryguy 5 years ago
Some of these have nothing to do with quarantine. Mashed potatoes turning out runny? Baby threw up? Overcooking oatmeal? ...Do these not happen unless there is a pandemic?
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
People just trying to have a little fun while they are stuck at home
Load More Replies... Celeste Grant 5 years ago
My shower stopped working 12 hours after the U.K. shutdown, and I've decided I'm going to live without it being fixed as I'm in a high risk group for Covid-19. I don't want to risk someone bringing it into my home. I guess I'm having baths for a couple of months!
C Hypercube 5 years ago
This is a great time for the people to learn not to take everything for granted.
Lara Mig 5 years ago
Or to learn that they don't actually need some of the things they thought they needed.
Load More Replies... Petra Schaap 5 years ago (edited)
our stove top broke down when the "lockdown" was going to happen (we dont have full lockdown here) and then had to drive to 4 shops to find one, (3 shops were closes, we didnt go in) spend more money and pick the only model they had. Next day all shops closed. Fel a bit sorry for ourselfs but these are way worse!!! (and also happy that we had the money to buy it and that we have one, ofcourse)
Christel Nellemann 5 years ago
Yes it sucks, but as you say, in the greater scheme of things, sommuch to be gratefull for. Great attitude.
Load More Replies... Tobias the Tiger 5 years ago
During quarantine, our sink AND refrigerator stopped working. The sink has been replaced and the fridge is still working a little, but still.
Marnie 5 years ago
Worse quarantine than you. This one is not funny. People realize how many small businesses have already closed permanently?!!! The small business loan that is coming is weeks too late. My own son didn't even pay himself from his business except to literally buy food and gas to pay a new marketing guy. Things were going so well they were going to start expanding soon. He's sacrificed so much in the past 5 years getting to this point. He shut down voluntarily and now it's likely he'll lose it. He put more money into it than he got out. It was going to be all worth it. Now what? He has to start over from scratch. F**k people and their "bad quarantines". Tragic things are happening all over the world.
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
There were some horrible storms in the Atlanta area last night. No electricity for a few hours, no wifi till Friday. My problems seem small next to many of these.
ZombieGirl 5 years ago
Any Bored Panda folks having similar experiences right now? Let's talk about it:
Alex Bailey 5 years ago
Loo won't flush so having to use a bucket to flush it - far worse things that can go wrong though.
Load More Replies... Herbie Kawaihau 5 years ago
Thank you so much I haven't had such a much needed laugh since.... I don't know when.
Mad Mar 5 years ago
Working through this because apparently no one told my boss. Because why pay unemployment. Why?!?
Soggy Crumpet 5 years ago
What? You would rather be jobless? Please quit and let someone who lost their job have it.
Load More Replies... You May Like People Reveal What They Miss The Most About Covid Lockdown, And It’s Relatable "Absolute Units": 82 Times People Came Across Unbelievably Big Things And Just Had To Share (New Pics) 40 Good Things To Buy And Be Safe Rather Than Sorry, As Shared By People In This Online Thread
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