Lachlan Brown
There’s a significant link between our morning routines and our overall happiness.
As Lachlan Brown, Hack Spirit founder and a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve observed that certain morning habits could be keeping you from reaching your full happiness potential.
These habits, often overlooked, can be the difference between a fulfilling day and a day filled with frustration.
In this article, I’m going to reveal the nine morning habits that, according to my mindfulness expertise, may be preventing people from ever being truly happy.
And remember – awareness is the first step towards change.
Let’s dive in.
1) Hitting the snooze button
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off and we reach for the snooze button, hoping for a few more minutes of blissful sleep.
However, according to my mindfulness expertise, this habit might be doing more harm than good.
By hitting the snooze button, you’re starting your day with resistance. Instead of embracing the new day, you’re literally trying to push it away.
This habit signals to your subconscious mind that you’re not ready to face the day, which can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled potential.
If you want to enhance your happiness levels, consider breaking up with the snooze button. As tough as it may be, getting up when your alarm first goes off can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Every morning is a fresh start. Don’t let the snooze button rob you of that opportunity.
2) Skipping breakfast
I’ve always been a believer in the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” And my personal experience has certainly backed that up.
There was a time in my life when I was constantly rushing in the mornings. I’d skip breakfast, and by mid-morning, I’d be feeling sluggish and irritable. My productivity would take a hit, and my mood was certainly not at its best.
When I finally decided to make breakfast a non-negotiable part of my morning routine, the change was remarkable. I felt more energetic, focused, and generally happier throughout the day.
As a mindfulness enthusiast, I can tell you that skipping breakfast can lead to feelings of stress and deprivation. Eating a healthy meal first thing in the morning can set you up mentally and physically for a happier day.
3) Neglecting hydration
I see it all the time – people reaching for that first cup of coffee before they’ve even had a glass of water.
But did you know that after a long night’s sleep, your body is in a state of dehydration?
Starting your day with a glass of water before anything else can kick-start your metabolism, flush out toxins, and aid in digestion. It’s like giving your body a mini detox every morning.
On the other hand, neglecting hydration can lead to feelings of fatigue, confusion, and even irritability – all of which can put a damper on your happiness.
Before you reach for that morning coffee, consider starting with a refreshing glass of water. It could make a world of difference to your overall well-being and happiness.
4) Ignoring mindfulness practices
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to start our day on autopilot, rushing through our morning routine without a second thought. However, this lack of mindfulness can be detrimental to our happiness.
Buddhism teaches us the importance of being present and mindful. It encourages us to slow down, pay attention to our thoughts and actions, and live in the moment.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deep into the principles of Buddhism and how they can be applied to our daily lives for increased happiness and fulfillment.
One of these principles is mindfulness – a practice that can be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning to meditate or reflect.
Ignoring mindfulness practices in the morning can cause feelings of stress and anxiety to creep in, setting a negative tone for the rest of the day.
By incorporating mindfulness into your morning routine, you can start your day with a sense of calm and focus that will carry you through the day. It’s a simple change that can have a profound impact on your overall happiness.
5) Overloading on news and social media
I remember a time when the first thing I’d do after waking up was check my email, scroll through social media, and scan the latest news headlines. It seemed harmless enough, but I soon realized how this habit was affecting my mood.
The constant barrage of information, much of it negative, was starting my day on a stressful note. I found myself feeling anxious and overwhelmed before the day had even truly begun.
So I made a change. I decided to limit my exposure to news and social media in the mornings. Instead, I use that time for something positive – a calming meditation, a brisk walk, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea.
The difference has been remarkable. My mornings are now more peaceful and I find myself starting the day with a more positive mindset.
If you’re finding yourself stressed or anxious in the mornings, consider what you’re exposing your mind to first thing. A mindful start to the day can make all the difference in your overall happiness.
6) Prioritizing productivity over peace
It might seem logical to start your day by diving into your to-do list. After all, ticking off tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and control.
However, prioritizing productivity over peace in the morning can set a frantic pace for the day, leaving you feeling hurried and stressed.
Starting your day with a moment of peace – perhaps by meditating, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – can actually boost your overall productivity.
When you give yourself permission to start the day calmly, you’re more likely to approach your tasks with a clear mind and focused energy. This can lead to more effective work and a greater sense of fulfillment.
Ironically, by putting peace before productivity in the morning, you may find that you achieve more – and feel happier doing it.
7) Neglecting physical activity
We all know that exercise is good for our physical health, but its impact on our happiness is often overlooked.
Physical activity, especially in the morning, releases endorphins – hormones that trigger positive feelings in the body. It’s nature’s way of boosting our mood and reducing stress.
Neglecting physical activity in your morning routine can result in sluggishness and a lack of motivation throughout the day. It can also lead to feelings of guilt or frustration about not taking care of your health.
Even a short walk or a few stretches can make a difference. It wakes up your body, clears your mind, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
So don’t underestimate the power of movement in the morning. Your body – and your happiness – will thank you.
8) Forgetting to set intentions
When I first started my journey towards mindfulness, one of the most impactful changes I made was setting intentions for my day each morning.
Without a clear intention, it’s easy to get swept up in the day’s demands, reacting to situations rather than consciously choosing your actions.
Forgetting to set intentions can leave you feeling like you’re merely surviving the day, rather than truly living it. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration.
So every morning, I take a few minutes to consider what I want to achieve, how I want to feel, and how I can bring positivity into my day. It’s like creating a roadmap for my day, guiding my actions and decisions.
Remember, your day is influenced by how you choose to start it. A clear intention can set the stage for a happier, more fulfilling day.
9) Neglecting self-compassion
Perhaps the most damaging morning habit of all is neglecting self-compassion.
Starting your day with harsh self-criticism or unrealistic expectations can set a negative tone for the rest of your day. It’s like setting yourself up for failure before you’ve even started.
Self-compassion, on the other hand, allows you to approach your day with kindness and understanding towards yourself. It’s a gentle reminder that you are worthy of happiness and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
By practicing self-compassion in the morning, you’re setting yourself up for a day filled with more positivity, acceptance, and ultimately, happiness. It’s not just a good habit – it’s a life-changing one.
The essence of morning habits
Our morning routines, seemingly simple, are deeply interwoven with our overall sense of happiness and contentment.
Each habit we’ve discussed plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the day, influencing our mood, energy levels, and general outlook.
In the grand scheme of things, these habits might seem insignificant. But in reality, they hold the potential to transform our lives from the moment we open our eyes each day.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how mindfulness and intentional living – much like these morning habits – can bring about profound changes in our lives.
The key is awareness. Recognizing these habits and making a conscious effort to shift them can open a door to a happier, more fulfilled existence.
Remember, each morning is an opportunity to shape the day ahead. Your path to happiness might just be at the start of your day – in the small actions you take within the first few hours of waking up. It’s all in your hands.
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