12 simple morning routines that will make you happy every day

Ever wish you could wake up happier and ready to take on the day?

Well, guess what? You can!

How you start your morning can really affect your mood for the rest of the day.

So, are you tired of waking up on the wrong side of the bed? Want to start your day with a smile instead of a groan?

You’re in the right place.

I’m going to share 12 simple morning routines that can help make you happier every day.

These routines are easy to follow and can make a big difference in your day. 

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful thing. Begin your morning by thinking of something you’re truly grateful for.

It could be as simple as a warm bed, a hot cup of coffee, or a loved one’s smile.

Taking a moment to acknowledge these blessings can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s going right.

It’s like turning on a happiness switch in your brain. You don’t need fancy journals or apps for this—you can simply just lay in bed for a few extra minutes and think of at least one thing you’re grateful for today.

Starting your day with an attitude of gratitude can make you feel more positive, reduce stress, and improve your mood.

So, before you jump out of bed and rush into your day, take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life. It could set the tone for a happier day ahead

2. Get Moving

Exercise isn’t just about keeping your body in shape, it’s also a fantastic way to boost your mood.

You don’t have to run a marathon or lift heavy weights to feel the benefits.

Even a quick 10-minute stretch or a walk around the block can get your blood pumping and release those feel-good hormones we all love.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some yoga or a dance workout?

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring!

Find something you enjoy, and it’ll be much easier to make it a part of your morning routine.

Remember, the goal here isn’t to become an Olympic athlete. It’s about waking up your body and starting your day with some positive energy.

So, put on your favorite workout clothes, play some upbeat music, and get moving!

Trust me, you’ll feel happier and more energized for the rest of the day.

3. Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast

I can’t stress this enough, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.

It took me a while to realize this though. I used to rush out the door every morning with just a cup of coffee in my hand. But by mid-morning, I’d feel tired and cranky.

Then, I decided to make a change. I started waking up a bit earlier to prepare a healthy breakfast.

Nothing fancy, just some oats with fruits or eggs with whole-grain toast.

The difference was astonishing! I felt more energized and focused.

It turns out, having a nutritious breakfast not only fuels your body but also your brain.

It sets you up for a productive day and keeps those annoying hunger pangs at bay.

So, as tempting as it might be to skip breakfast when you’re in a rush, try not to.

Take a few extra minutes each morning to feed your body the nourishment it needs. 

4. Listen to Your Favorite Music

Music has the power to shift our mood instantly.

Listening to your favorite tunes in the morning can help you start your day on a positive note.

Whether it’s pop, rock, classical, or jazz, if it makes you happy, hit the play button!

Research has shown that listening to music you love can actually release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness, in your brain.

So, it’s not just about enjoying the music, it’s also about the positive physiological responses it triggers.

So, why not create a morning playlist filled with songs that make you feel good?

You can listen while getting ready or during your commute. It’s a simple yet effective way to sprinkle a little happiness into your mornings. 

5. Connect with Your Loved Ones

In our busy lives, we often forget to make time for the people who matter the most.

But, starting your day by connecting with your loved ones can fill your heart with joy and make you feel loved and valued.

It could be as simple as a warm hug from your partner, a quick chat with your kids over breakfast, or even a phone call to your parents or a close friend.

These interactions, no matter how brief, remind us of the love and support we have in our lives.

In fact, studies have shown that social connections can increase our happiness and overall well-being.

So, take a moment each morning to connect with those you love. It’s a beautiful way to start your day and it can make you feel happier and more grounded.

6. Limit Your Screen Time

I’ll admit, it’s tempting to reach for your phone first thing in the morning and scroll through emails or social media.

I used to do it all the time.

But then I noticed something – starting my day with a flood of information, most of it unnecessary, was making me feel overwhelmed and anxious.

So, I decided to make a change.

I set a rule – no screens for the first hour after waking up.

Instead, I used that time to focus on myself, whether it was exercising, reading, or simply enjoying my breakfast.

The result?

I started my day feeling calmer and more focused. It’s surprising how much of a difference this little change can make.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to start your day on a happier note, try reducing your screen time in the morning.

Use that time for yourself instead. You might be surprised at how good it feels. 

7. Embrace the Silence

This might sound a bit out there, but hear me out.

Our lives are filled with constant noise, from the buzzing of our phones to the chatter on TV.

It can be exhausting, right?

Sometimes, what we really need is a bit of silence.

I’m not talking about meditating for hours (though if that’s your thing, go for it).

I’m talking about just sitting quietly for a few minutes each morning, letting your thoughts wander without any distractions.

It’s not easy, I’ll tell you that. Your mind will probably jump from one thought to another. You might even feel a bit uncomfortable.

But that’s okay. The point is to give yourself a few quiet moments each day to just be.

You’d be surprised at how refreshing it can feel to start your day with a bit of silence.

It can help clear your mind and set a peaceful tone for the rest of the day. 

8. Drink a Glass of Water

You might be thinking, “Really? How can drinking water make me happier?”

Well, it’s not just about quenching your thirst.

Staying hydrated has a whole range of benefits, including boosting your mood and energy levels.

After a long night’s sleep, your body is often mildly dehydrated in the morning. Dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish.

By drinking a glass of water first thing when you wake up, you’re rehydrating your body and helping it function better.

So before reaching for that cup of coffee, try drinking a glass of water. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

9. Plan Your Day

I have always been a bit of a planner. I like knowing what’s ahead and what I need to tackle during the day.

And let me tell you, taking a few minutes each morning to plan your day can really help to eliminate stress and anxiety.

In the morning, I sit down with my cup of coffee and write a to-do list. I set my goals for the day and prioritize them.

This way, I know exactly what needs to be done and when. It helps me stay organized and focused.

But more than that, it gives me a sense of control over my day. And believe it or not, this feeling of control can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness.

So, try it out! Take a moment each morning to plan your day.

It doesn’t have to be detailed, just a rough outline of what you want to achieve.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

This is something I’ve had to work on, and honestly, I’m still working on it.

We’re often our own worst critics, right?

We berate ourselves for the smallest mistakes, punish ourselves for not meeting unrealistic expectations, and generally just beat ourselves up. Well, it’s time to stop.

Start your day by being kind to yourself. Look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment.

Acknowledge your efforts and progress, no matter how small they might seem.

And most importantly, forgive yourself for your mistakes.

You’re human, and you’re doing the best you can. Remember that.

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.

It’s a small change but it can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself and your day.

11. Set Realistic Expectations

We often start our day with a mile-long to-do list and the expectation that we’ll be able to cross off every single item by the end of the day.

Then when we inevitably fail to do so, we feel disappointed and stressed.

Let’s be honest, it’s not possible to do everything in one day. And that’s okay. Start your morning by setting realistic expectations for what you can achieve in a day.

This doesn’t mean you’re not ambitious or hard-working, it means you’re being sensible and kind to yourself.

Remember, it’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly. So ease up on the pressure and set achievable goals for your day.

You’ll feel much happier when you’re able to accomplish what you’ve set out to do rather than falling short of unrealistic expectations.

12. Take Time to Breathe

Sounds simple, right? But how often do we actually take a moment just to breathe? Life is hectic and we’re constantly on the go.

But taking a few minutes each morning to simply breathe can help to calm your mind and prepare you for the day ahead.

You don’t have to be a meditation guru to do this. Just find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Focus on the sensation of the air filling your lungs and then leaving your body.

It’s an incredibly grounding experience and can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

So before you dive into your day, take a moment to breathe. It’s a small act that can have a big impact on your mood and mindset.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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