If the very thought of Friday the 13th sends chills up your spine, you may have paraskevidekatriaphobics (say that 3 times fast!) An irrational fear of Friday the 13th influences millions of people in the U.S., causing U.S companies to lose an estimated $800 to $900 million in business due to workers who refuse to travel or go to work on Friday the13th!
Whether you’ve bravely hauled yourself to work or are huddled under the covers watching Dr. Phil today, we thought we’d help calm your nerves and offer you 13 tips on how to make it to Saturday…
- Get out of bed on the right side (that is, not the left side). This side is guaranteed to make your day luckier according to some superstitions.
- Wear red underpants! Apparently this color will bring you more luck than other colors!
- If you come upon a ladder, it’s probably best not to walk under it. (Let’s not push the luck-giving capabilities of our red underpants.)
- It’s not a great day for exploring woods, caves, or cemeteries. We know the sudden urge to go spelunking can be strong, but try to resist for a day, okay?
- Drop the mop! Friday the 13th is a great excuse to not clean because apparently handling a broom is unlucky on this day. So is changing the sheets, flipping the mattress, or doing the laundry. (Woohoo! You don’t need to tell us twice!)
- Do not start a new job or business today, as it will be followed by collapse or bankruptcy.
- If traveling today (though you really shouldn’t) stay away from the 13th floor, which will be easy because many large hotels don’t have a 13th floor—they skip right over it to 14!
- Furthermore, if you MUST stop for gas in a creepy station full of creepy people, just turn around and go home–your trip is over. If you hear a banjo, put the pedal to the metal and floor it!
- Throw salt over your left shoulder (to blind the devil!). This is usually reserved to counteract the bad luck of spilling salt, but we’re thinking that we might do it throughout the day as a sort of insurance policy.
- Black cat? Give it a pat! In some cultures, black cats are actually bringers of good luck and one crossing your path is a good omen. So, don’t be afraid to cuddle Jinxy today.
- Do NOT go digging around for your old OUIJA board and NEVER read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke—it can only lead to further problems.
- Try to focus on good thoughts and good outcomes. Research has actually shown that people who believe in bad luck tend to bring it on! (we’re still not cleaning, though. Or changing out of our red underpants.)
- No rabbit’s foot? Grab an acorn! In Norse folklore, both the acorn and its bearer, the oak tree, bring good fortune. No harm in keeping one in your pocket all day.
Good luck out there, friends!
