Ok, let me be real with you — I used to hate mornings. I’d hit snooze about a million times before rolling out of bed, whining about how much I didn’t want to get up. Every morning felt like a struggle until I realized something:
Your morning dictates how your day feels.
You CAN be happy in the morning by creating little habits that make you feel good from the start. You’re not stuck dwelling on the past or stressing about the future. Mornings are a clean slate where you can fill yourself with positive energy and happiness!
If you want to wake up happy, lighter, and full of energy — try adding these little habits to your morning routine. I know they work because I have tested them ALL myself. Here are..
11 things to do in the morning to be happy
1. Wake Up Early
This may seem obvious, but waking up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do gives you a great head start. It allows you to slow your morning down rather than rush through it.
- Decide what time you need to wake up and set your alarm.
- Avoid hitting snooze! The groggier you are, the more crabby you’ll feel.
- Wake up early to enjoy that beautiful morning zen while everyone else is asleep.
Waking up happy and with time to spare is a great feeling that NO ONE can take from you.
Read also: How to Wake Up at 5 AM Sharp (8 Tips)
2. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude allows you to focus on the good things in your life rather than what you lack. When you take time each morning to express gratitude, you automatically shift your mindset to pay more attention to the positive things happening around you.
- Grab a journal and write down 3 things you’re grateful for.
- Say them out loud to yourself (trust me, it feels weird at first, but it works!).
- Go one step further and write down WHY you are grateful for those things.
Your mood will immediately shift to a happier place once you practice gratitude each morning.
3. Drink Water
Did you know that your body loses water overnight? When you don’t drink water in the morning, you’re actually walking around dehydrated. And being dehydrated can make you feel sluggish and even depressed.
- Leave a glass of water by your bed so you can drink it as soon as you wake up.
- Throw a slice of lemon in it to help with digestion and add some vitamin C.
- Take a moment to mindfully drink your water and feel it nourish your body.
We often forget how important water can be for our happiness and overall health.
Read also: Building a Productive Morning Routine
4. Move Your Body
Moving your body releases endorphins, boosts energy, and lowers stress. You don’t have to go hardcore at the gym for an hour (unless you want to!). Just getting your body moving for a few minutes each morning does wonders.
- Do some stretching or yoga for 10–15 minutes.
- Take a walk outside and enjoy the morning air.
- Blast your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching.
Getting your body moving each morning is a surefire way to boost your mood.
5. Meditate
Taking just 5 minutes to meditate each morning grounds you and can help decrease feelings of anxiety. When you sit in silence each morning, you allow yourself to practice mindfulness and truly appreciate life.
- Sit comfortably and focus on your breathing.
- Try listening to a guided meditation if you’re just starting.
- Notice your surroundings, the sounds, and how your body feels.
Mindfulness each morning can help decrease your stress and allow you to be happier.
6. Listen to Positive Music or Podcasts
Your brain is extra absorbent first thing in the morning. What you feed your brain sets the tone for the rest of your day. So if you listen to crappy music, chances are you’re going to have a crappy day.
- Listen to music that empowers YOU, whether that means hype or relaxing music.
- Podcasts are a great tool for personal growth – listen to something about happiness or watch yourself thrive.
- Make listening to something uplifting a daily habit.
You can train your brain to think happy thoughts by listening to happy music!
7. Eat Breakfast
The food you put into your body matters. Not only does food provide you with energy, but it also affects your mood. Eating breakfast each morning keeps you fuller longer and prevents mood swings.
- Make sure your breakfast has protein, carbs, and fruit.
- Skip the sugar that will leave you cranky come lunchtime.
- Don’t shovel your breakfast down like a robot — eat mindfully!
Breakfast literally translates to “BREAK morning FAST.” Eat breakfast to have a happier morning.
8. Plan Your Day
Ever wake up with no plan and feel overwhelmed within the first hour? When your mornings are hectic and rushed, the rest of your day flies by in chaos. Take 5 minutes each morning to slow yourself down.
- Write out your to-do list and what you want to prioritize.
- Break things up into small steps you can actually handle.
- Visualize your day going by smoothly and you feeling HAPPY.
When you plan your day, you feel calm and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
9. Practice Positive Affirmations
What you say to yourself matters. The chatter in your mind can either make you feel inadequate or empower you to conquer the world. (Yes, you have the power to do both!)
- Tell yourself, “I am ______,” or “I deserve _____.”
- Things like “today will be a good day” or “I am worthy of happiness” work too!
- Say your affirmations out loud, with feeling, and believe them.
You can speak happiness into your life through affirmations.
10. Step Outside and Get Sunlight
Sunlight naturally regulates your body clock and increases vitamin D. It also helps improve your mood and increases energy. Pop outside for 10 minutes each morning and soak up that sunshine.
- Open your blinds and sit by a window for 10 minutes.
- Take a morning walk and feel the cool breeze on your skin.
- Appreciate the beauty of nature: the colors, sounds, smells, everything!
Sunlight in the morning acts like a natural antidepressant. So step outside and let that sun shine!
11. Smile and Connect
Last but not least, spread joy and happiness by SMILING when you wake up. Take the time to connect with someone in the morning or even yourself.
- Smile and say hello to loved ones, friends, and coworkers.
- Send someone a funny message or uplifting quote.
- Look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Really let that grin sink in.
Happiness is all about spreading positivity and connection with others.
Conclusion
Trust me, you don’t have to do ALL of these things to feel happy in the morning. Start by choosing a few that resonate with you and build from there. As they say, “Happiness is a habit.” Start cultivating these happiness habits every morning and watch how they transform your life.
FAQ
Q: How much time do I have to spend in the morning to be happy?
A: As little as 20–30 minutes can make a huge impact on your morning! Spend as much or as little time as you want on your new habits. Start small and build from there.
Q: Can I do all 11 of these things every morning?
A: Ideally, yes! But we’re all human with crazy lives. Start with a few that speak to you and slowly add more into your morning routine.
Q: What if I’m not a morning person?
A: Start with 10 minutes of 1 thing. Whether that be stretching for 10 minutes or writing down what you’re grateful for. Baby steps will lead to happier mornings.
Q: Can I drink my coffee and count that as one of my habits?
A: Coffee can be good, but that shouldn’t be your ONLY happiness habit. Replacing it with things like moving your body and meditation is much better for you!
Q: How long will it take before I start feeling happier?
A: Some people notice a difference right away, but for most, it can take a couple of weeks of consistency. Results will come. Stay patient and trust the process.
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