Bad days. We’ve all had them, and for many of us, it doesn’t take much to send a day spiraling into chaos before breakfast is even over.
According to a new survey by Avocado Green Mattress, the average American knows their day is going to be bad by 8:36 a.m. Additionally, it’s not just a rare occurrence—four times a month, people expect the worst, adding up to an average of 48 bad days every year.
Mornings, it seems, are critical in setting the tone for the day. The survey highlights that common morning mishaps—such as waking up feeling sick (35%), suffering from poor sleep (31%), or starting the day with a headache (29%)—are among the top indicators of a bad day. Even seemingly minor inconveniences, like misplacing keys (26%) or leaving a phone at home (25%), can derail the entire day.
The impact of these morning disruptions is significant. Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) reported canceling plans or calling in sick after a challenging start to the day, opting to return to bed in hopes of salvaging what remains.
And while there isn’t a quick fix-it for bad days, the team of researchers found that prioritizing your mental health is key to preventing bad days. That includes implementing rest into your routine and making sure you’re getting enough sleep each night.
“Everybody’s going to have different things that help them feel better,” said mental health advocate Brittney Moses. “Maybe going on a morning run every morning helps clear your mind, or eating certain foods gives you more energy. But it’s a good rule of thumb to get into the practice of paying attention to what works for you.”
