Dania Aziz
There’s a stark contrast between people who merely get by each day and those who radiate genuine happiness.
This difference often boils down to routine.
How we start our day can set the tone for everything that follows.
Genuinely happy people tend to have a different approach towards their mornings.
They carry out certain tasks before 9 am that help them maintain their positive outlook.
These are not magical rituals, but simple actions anyone can adopt.
And the best part?
They’re not hard to incorporate into your own life.
Here are nine things that genuinely happy people do before 9 am every day, and how you can start doing them too.
1) They wake up with gratitude
Happy people understand the power of gratitude.
It’s not just about saying thank you, but about starting the day with a sense of appreciation.
Upon waking, they take a moment to express gratitude for another day of life.
They might write in a gratitude journal, silently express thankfulness, or simply take a moment to appreciate the warmth of their bed.
This act of acknowledging the good in their lives sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
It reminds them of what truly matters and ensures they start their day on a high note.
But remember, it’s not about forcing positivity or ignoring life’s challenges.
It’s about acknowledging them and still finding reasons to be grateful.
Try it out, and you might just find your days becoming brighter.
2) They make their bed
I know, it sounds simple, right?
But here’s the thing – happy people often have little habits that contribute to their overall sense of well-being.
For me, one of those habits is making my bed every morning.
It’s the first task of the day and completing it gives me a small sense of pride and accomplishment.
Plus, it helps create a tidy and serene environment, which adds to my overall peace of mind.
Dr. Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit”, calls this a “keystone habit”.
It’s a small change or habit that carries over into other areas of your life.
For me, making my bed each morning was just the start.
It led to better habits like keeping a clean house and managing my time more efficiently.
So, try it out!
Tomorrow morning, instead of rushing out of your room, take a few minutes to make your bed.
It’s a simple act, but you might be surprised by how it can positively influence your day.
3) They exercise
You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to start your day with some physical activity.
Even a brisk walk around the block or a quick yoga session can do wonders for your mood.
Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
It also helps to clear the mind and prepare it for the day ahead.
Morning workouts can lower your blood pressure and improve sleep quality.
So, why not set the alarm a little earlier and kickstart your day with some exercise?
Your body and mind will thank you.
4) They nourish their bodies
Starting the day with a balanced, nutritious breakfast is a common habit among genuinely happy people.
They understand that food is fuel and that what they consume in the morning can impact their energy levels and mood throughout the day.
They opt for wholesome foods that are rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Think whole grains, fruits, eggs or smoothies.
Skipping breakfast is not an option for them.
You don’t need to prepare a gourmet meal.
Something simple yet nutritious can make all the difference.
Take the time to nourish your body each morning – it’s worth it!
5) They engage in mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment.
And happy people often start their day with a mindfulness routine.
This could be a formal meditation session, or simply sipping their morning coffee without distractions.
The key is to be fully present, not letting their minds wander to the past or future.
Engaging in mindfulness helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves focus, and promotes a general sense of well-being.
Give it a try tomorrow morning.
You might be amazed by how much calmer and more focused you feel throughout the day.
6) They connect with loved ones
One thing genuinely happy people often do before 9 am is connect with those they care about.
This doesn’t always mean a lengthy heart-to-heart conversation; it could be as simple as a loving good morning text to a partner, a quick call to a parent, or a cuddle with their child.
These connections remind them of their values and priorities in life.
It’s a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, the love and support from our loved ones is what truly matters.
Starting the day by nurturing these relationships fills their hearts with joy and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Try it out – it might just become the best part of your morning routine.
7) They set intentions for the day
I’ve found that setting intentions for my day helps me stay focused and motivated.
When I wake up, I take a few moments to envision what I want to achieve and how I want to feel by the end of the day.
It’s not about creating a rigid plan or sticking to a strict to-do list.
It’s more about creating a mental roadmap for the day.
This allows me to be proactive rather than reactive, which contributes significantly to my overall happiness.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or directionless, try setting an intention for your day.
It might just give you the clarity and focus you need.
8) They limit exposure to technology
While technology has its benefits, it can also be a source of stress and distraction.
Genuinely happy people often limit their exposure to screens in the morning.
Instead of immediately reaching for their phone or turning on the TV, they invest their time in healthier habits.
This could be reading a book, journaling, or simply enjoying some quiet time.
This small act of digital detox helps them start their day on a calm and focused note.
Try it for yourself, and you might find your mornings are more peaceful and productive.
9) They practice self-love
Above all, genuinely happy people prioritize self-love.
They understand that their relationship with themselves sets the tone for all other relationships in their life.
Self-love could take the form of positive affirmations, taking time for self-care activities, or simply acknowledging and accepting their feelings without judgment.
This practice fosters a healthy relationship with oneself, leading to higher self-esteem and overall happiness.
You deserve love and care just as much as anyone else.
Start your day by loving yourself, and watch how it transforms your life.
It’s all about the journey
Happiness, in its purest form, is a journey rather than a destination.
It thrives on the little moments, the simple pleasures, and the daily habits we cultivate.
The morning routines of genuinely happy people reflect this philosophy.
They understand that the key to a joyful life lies in how they start their day – with gratitude, mindfulness, self-love, and a commitment to their well-being.
These habits aren’t just about ticking off items on a to-do list.
They’re about creating a life that is rich in meaning and joy, one morning at a time.
The beauty of it all?
You can start your own journey towards genuine happiness right now, tomorrow morning.
Who knows?
You might just find that these simple morning rituals transform not just your mornings, but your entire life.
Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself – how do you want to start your day?
