7 Things To Do in the Morning for a Happier Start

Someone once told me that there is no such thing as happiness. When I asked what they meant, they tried to explain that happiness is not a state of being but rather an emotion that is as fleeting as the others we experience in life, like boredom, frustration, or feeling out of sorts. But then I wondered if we could actually motivate ourselves to become happy – even if it was only fleeting. A happy feeling on a Monday morning might be enough to carry us through the day if we allow it. Perhaps even the week if we’re determined enough to prove this someone wrong.

I believe happiness is a tangible thing, and I came across an article that talked about what you could do to ensure a happy morning. So, to motivate yourself this Monday, here are seven things you could do in the morning to set you up for happiness!

1. Resist Hitting Snooze on Your Morning Alarm

Did you know that when you wake up in the morning, your body has naturally completed a sleep cycle? By hitting the snooze button, you might grab some extra rest, but you’re also disrupting your body’s natural rhythm, leading to grumpiness and grogginess. You set your alarm for a reason, so start your waking-up process rather than mumbling under the covers about not getting enough sleep. Whatever your night was like, it’s time to start a new day. Use that clean slate to get up and get going.

2. Don’t Skip Breakfast

If you’re a breakfast skipper, you’re depriving yourself of the fuel needed to energize your morning. As someone who practices intermittent fasting, I tend to eat later than the usual ‘breakfast time,’ but I do break my fast at a regular time, and my body is used to that. If you get up and need to put in a full day's work, you won’t be firing on all cylinders without the necessary energy. Eat something healthy, no matter how small, to nourish you and lift your mood. Coffee is no substitute for a proper breakfast; it’s a stimulant, and its effects wear off quicker than you realize. Next time you feel cranky in the morning, ask yourself how you broke your fast.

3. Don’t Neglect Self-Care

What’s your morning routine like? Do you have to get other people up and out of bed, make breakfast, prepare lunches, and get somewhere by a particular time? If so, have you ever thought about self-care in the morning? And I don’t just mean a shower and brushing your teeth; I mean your mental state. If you wake up frazzled and start analysing the million and one things you have to get done, your mind will be jumbled and overworked.

Part of my routine is meditation. I sit for at least 10 minutes and practice mindfulness. Even three minutes (as a start) of morning meditation, where you set an intention for the day, can be one of the best ways to start your morning. Give it a try and see if you feel closer to happiness that day.

4. Don’t Check Your Phone First Thing

I know the urge to check your phone for reminders and notifications is strong, but it's an emergency your phone would ring. Anything else can wait until you are up and functioning. If you must reach for something, let it be a journal. Write down your dreams or set an intention for the day. Looking at your phone sets you on a hamster wheel, fast-tracking you to stress and anxiety. Slowly ease into the morning and check your messages when you are fully awake and ready.

5. Get Hydrated as Early as You Can

My husband starts his day with a big glass of water right after brushing his teeth, and it's a great habit to adopt. During a regular night's sleep (around seven hours), dehydration sets in. Your urine should be pale or clear in the morning; if it’s not, you need water. Dehydration affects your mood, and if you’re not drinking enough during the day, you may feel sleepy or short-tempered. Start the morning with a big glass of water, and your mood will thank you for it!

6. Show Gratitude

Morning is the best time to think about what’s closest to your heart. Take a few seconds to say how grateful you are for whatever you have happening in your life, no matter how big or small. Expressing gratitude acknowledges the positive aspects of your life despite the busyness and stresses. It could be a person, a thing, or even just the birdsong outside your window but express gratitude as a thought or prayer, and your happiness will be ignited, making your morning brighter.

7. Take Your Time

Savour the morning. You were blessed with a new day. Value it. Do all the positive things above before rushing out of the door. Starting your day on a positive note won’t cost you time, but it will go a long way in making your morning a happy one!

Embrace these small changes. These 7 things To Do in the Morning for a Happier Start seem to be working for me. Happy Monday!

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