Mia Zhang
We’ve all heard that morning habits can make a big difference in how our day goes. But let’s be real, changing our routine can be a tough nut to crack.
Adapting to new habits, especially in the morning, is not always a walk in the park. However, I’ve found that the rewards far outweigh the initial discomfort.
There are certain morning habits that, while challenging to adopt, can significantly boost your happiness quotient. And who doesn’t want to be happier?
In this article, I’ll share with you 9 morning habits that might be hard to adopt but will definitely make you much happier. Let’s get started!
1) Wake up earlier
I know what you’re thinking – you’re not a morning person. Trust me, I wasn’t either.
But there’s something to be said about the serenity of the early morning, before the world wakes up and demands your attention. It’s a time all for yourself, which is an incredible luxury in our busy lives.
Waking up earlier can be a struggle at first, but it’s a habit that can significantly improve your happiness. You get to start your day on your own terms, rather than rushing off to meet the demands of work or family.
There’s also research showing that morning people are generally happier. Not that night owls can’t be happy, of course, but there does seem to be a correlation.
So try setting your alarm clock a bit earlier tomorrow. Give yourself some extra time to ease into the day. It might be tough at first, but like any habit, it gets easier with time. Who knows? You might just find that you’re a morning person after all.
2) Practice gratitude
A few years back, I found myself in a funk. I was stuck in a cycle of negativity and couldn’t seem to shake it off. Then a friend suggested I start a gratitude journal.
Initially, I was skeptical. How could simply writing down things I’m grateful for make a difference? But I decided to give it a shot.
Now, every morning, before the day’s chaos begins, I sit down with my journal and list out three things I’m thankful for. It could be as simple as the smell of coffee or as significant as a loved one’s health.
In the beginning, it was hard to identify things I was grateful for. But over time, this habit has shifted my perspective. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong or what’s missing, I now see the countless blessings I have.
This small shift in mindset has had a significant impact on my overall happiness. Trust me when I say this – starting your day with a dose of gratitude can do wonders for your mood and mindset!
3) Incorporate physical activity
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do a full-on workout first thing in the morning (though kudos to you if you can!). Even a short walk, a quick yoga sequence, or some simple stretches can make a difference.
Physical activity, especially in the morning, is known to release endorphins – our body’s natural mood boosters. These chemicals trigger positive feelings in the body, akin to that of morphine.
Imagine starting your day with a natural high, feeling energized and ready to take on whatever comes your way. That’s what a bit of morning physical activity can do for you.
4) Eat a healthy breakfast
You’ve heard it before – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how many of us really pay heed to this advice?
A healthy breakfast kicks off your metabolism and helps you stay energized and focused throughout the day. Conversely, skipping breakfast or opting for something quick but unhealthy can leave you feeling sluggish and prone to overeating later in the day.
Now, I understand that whipping up a nutritious breakfast might seem like a task, especially when you’re rushing to get out the door. But it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even simple options like a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or a smoothie can do the trick.
5) Plan your day
Starting your day with a clear plan can be a huge stress-reliever. It’s like having a roadmap to navigate through the day’s activities.
Take a few minutes each morning to jot down your tasks for the day. Prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. Having a visual layout of your day can help you manage your time better and ensure that important tasks don’t slip through the cracks.
But remember, planning doesn’t mean packing every minute of your day with activities. It’s equally important to schedule in breaks and downtime. After all, no one can function at their best without some rest and relaxation!
6) Connect with loved ones
In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, we often forget to connect with the people who mean the most to us. But these connections are what truly enrich our lives.
Try to make it a habit to reach out to a loved one every morning. It could be a quick text to a friend, a short call to your parents, or a warm hug for your partner or child. These small moments of connection can bring immense joy and start your day on a positive note.
This habit is not just about making you happier, but also about spreading happiness. Imagine the smile on your friend’s face when they see your unexpected text or the joy in your parents’ voice when they hear from you.
7) Limit screen time
I used to start my day by reaching for my phone the moment I woke up. Emails, social media, news – I would consume all of it before even getting out of bed. And it left me feeling drained rather than energized.
One day, I decided to try something different. I made a conscious decision to not check my phone for the first hour after waking up. Instead, I used that time to focus on myself – practice gratitude, go for a walk, eat a healthy breakfast.
The difference was like night and day. My mornings were no longer dictated by the outside world. Instead, they were calm, peaceful, and most importantly, mine.
8) Meditate
Meditation has been gaining popularity for a reason. This age-old practice is known to reduce stress, increase focus, and promote a sense of peace and well-being. And what better time to cultivate these qualities than at the start of your day?
You don’t need to be a seasoned yogi to meditate. Even a few minutes of focused breathing or quiet reflection can make a difference. There are also numerous guided meditation apps available that can help you get started.
Incorporating meditation into your morning routine might seem challenging initially, especially if you’re new to the practice. But with time and consistency, it becomes easier and you’ll begin to notice the positive impact it has on your mood and overall happiness.
9) Be kind to yourself
This, by far, is the most important habit you can cultivate. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for your relationship with the rest of the world.
Every morning, take a moment to appreciate yourself. Celebrate your achievements, however small they may seem. Forgive your mistakes and understand that they’re part of the growth process.
Speak kindly to yourself, treat yourself with compassion, and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.
When you start your day with self-love and acceptance, happiness follows naturally.
Final thoughts: It’s all about self-love
At the heart of these morning habits lies an essential truth – the way we start our day has a profound impact on our mood, productivity, and overall happiness.
Whether it’s waking up early, practicing gratitude, getting physically active, eating healthy, planning your day, connecting with loved ones, limiting screen time, meditating, or being kind to yourself – each of these habits is an act of self-love.
And self-love, in its purest form, is about treating ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we extend to others. It’s about prioritizing our well-being and happiness, not as an afterthought but as a conscious choice we make every day.
Adopting these habits might not be easy. But remember, you’re not striving for perfection here. You’re striving for progress. For a happier you.
