Waking up happy every morning is a choice. And that choice is greatly influenced by the habits we keep.
Oftentimes, it’s the very things we do regularly that prevent us from starting the day on a positive note, while hiding in plain sight.
Now, if you’re looking to change that, you need to be ready to bid farewell to some of these habits.
In this article, I’ll be sharing nine habits you might want to ditch, if you truly want to start every day feeling happy and refreshed. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.
Let’s dive in.
1) Hitting the snooze button
We’ve all been guilty of this one. You set your alarm for a bright and early start, only to hit snooze when it goes off.
It might seem harmless, but this habit is actually detrimental to starting your day on a high note.
The idea of “just five more minutes” can be enticing but it’s a trap. When you disrupt your sleep cycle like this, you’re more likely to wake up groggy and irritable instead of refreshed and happy.
Our bodies thrive on routine, especially when it comes to sleep. By hitting the snooze button, you’re throwing off that routine and setting yourself up for a less than ideal start to the day.
If you want to wake up happier every morning, it’s time to say goodbye to that snooze button. It’s not always easy, but trust me, your future self will thank you.
But remember, no one’s perfect. If you slip up sometimes, don’t beat yourself up over it. The important thing is making the effort to change these habits and create a happier morning routine for yourself.
2) Skipping breakfast
I have to admit, I used to be a serial breakfast skipper. I’d rush out the door with just a coffee in hand, promising myself I’d grab something to eat later. But by mid-morning, I would be cranky, exhausted and unable to focus.
It took me a while to realize that skipping breakfast was a big reason why I wasn’t starting my day as happily as I wanted.
Breakfast is the fuel your body needs after fasting all night. When you skip it, you’re basically running on empty. This can lead to low energy levels and mood swings – not exactly a recipe for a happy morning.
These days, no matter how busy I am, I make sure to grab at least a piece of fruit or a smoothie before heading out. The difference has been noticeable. I feel more energetic and mentally sharp, which sets a positive tone for the rest of my day.
If you’re not already having breakfast each morning, consider making it part of your routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – even something small can make a big difference.
3) Being a night owl
Staying up late into the night may seem like a great way to squeeze in extra hours into your day. However, it can have a detrimental effect on your morning mood.
Our bodies are designed to follow the natural rhythm of the day – awake with the sun and asleep when it sets. This is known as our circadian rhythm.
When we stay up late, we disrupt this rhythm. This can result in poor quality sleep and make it harder to wake up in the morning.
If you’re a self-proclaimed night owl, you might want to rethink your habits if you want to wake up happier each morning.
Try setting a bedtime for yourself and sticking to it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel when you wake up.
4) Neglecting physical activity
We all know that exercise is good for our physical health, but did you know it also plays a huge role in our mental well-being?
Physical activity releases endorphins, known as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can significantly boost your mood. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your sleep, making it easier for you to wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
If you’re not currently active, don’t worry. You don’t have to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Even a brisk walk around the block or a quick home workout can do wonders for your mood and overall well-being.
5) Overloading on sugary foods and drinks
We all have a sweet tooth, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging it every now and then. But when sugary foods and drinks become a staple in your diet, they can seriously mess with your mood.
Sugar can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and mood swings. It can also interfere with your sleep, making it harder for you to wake up feeling refreshed.
I’m not saying you need to cut out sugar completely. But try to swap out some of those sugary snacks and drinks for healthier alternatives. Your mornings will definitely thank you.
And remember, moderation is key. You don’t have to deny yourself the foods you love, just try to enjoy them in moderation.
6) Neglecting self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to put ourselves last. But neglecting self-care can take a toll on our happiness, especially in the mornings.
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate, read a book, or even just sit quietly with your thoughts.
I’ve learned that when I take care of myself, I not only feel happier but also more equipped to handle whatever the day throws at me. It’s like filling up your own cup before you can fill others.
Make your well-being a priority. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. And trust me, when you start your day with self-care, you’ll wake up happier and more ready to take on the world.
7) Holding on to negativity
There was a time in my life when I let negative thoughts consume me. I would wake up already stressed about the day ahead, and that set a gloomy tone for the rest of the day.
It was a cycle I couldn’t seem to break, until I realized that I had the power to change my mindset.
Holding on to negativity can seriously affect your mood and overall outlook on life. And it’s definitely not a great way to start your day.
If you find yourself waking up with negative thoughts, try to shift your mindset. Instead of focusing on the stressors, think about the things you’re grateful for or something you’re looking forward to that day.
Letting go of negativity isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s a step towards waking up happier and setting a positive tone for your day.
8) Overloading your to-do list
We all want to be productive and accomplish as much as we can each day. But overloading your to-do list can lead to stress and anxiety, which isn’t the best way to start your morning.
A jam-packed schedule leaves little room for downtime or spontaneity, which are essential for a balanced, happy life.
Try prioritizing your tasks. Focus on what’s most important and let go of the rest. Remember, it’s okay to say no sometimes. It’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly.
By lightening your load, you’ll wake up feeling less stressed and more in control of your day, contributing to a happier start to your morning.
9) Ignoring your mental health
Above all, your mental health plays a crucial role in how you start each day. Ignoring signs of stress, anxiety or depression can make it difficult to wake up feeling happy.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to a mental health professional or confide in a trusted friend or family member.
It’s okay not to be okay. And taking care of your mental health is the most important step towards waking up happier every morning.
Final thought: It’s all about self-love
At the heart of waking up happy every morning is a simple, yet profound concept – self-love.
Self-love isn’t about being selfish or narcissistic. It’s about acknowledging your worth and taking care of your own needs. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.
Embracing self-love means saying goodbye to habits that don’t serve us and fostering those that uplift us. It’s about creating a morning routine that nourishes our body, calms our mind, and feeds our soul.