One of the many great qualities about me is my happiness. I am not going to lie to you, my sunny disposition isn't always so, but in those moments when I'm not at my happiest, I use a lot of different techniques to perk myself up. Today I am going to share 5 ways to have a happier morning because I know that we all want to start the day off happy.
Get An Adequate Amount of Sleep
One way to guarantee that you will see me not so happy, are the nights when I don't get an adequate amount of sleep. I need at least 6 hours to be fully aware, awake, and happy in the morning. Some college students swear by all-nighters to get work done, but the closest I have ever come to an all-nighter is a few 3 AM nights. (although during the summer I am the queen of all-nighters, but I usually have nothing to do the next day so I don't count those.) Most people need around 6-8 hours. If you can live and be happy living off of less, go for it. Find what works for your body, but remember that you want to thrive and be happy not just survive. I can survive off of less than 6 hours of sleep, I am certain, but will I be happy? No, I definitely won't be.
Don't Hit Snooze
Are you a snoozer? Do you set multiple alarms for the same morning? I am guilty of this sometimes too, but sometimes you just gotta set a realistic alarm goal and stick to it. Instead of snoozing your 8:30 AM alarm 3 times or setting an alarm for 8:30, 8:45 and 9:00 AM set just one for 9:00 AM. Waking up unnecessarily and going back to bed won't give you quality sleep. What's the point of your last 30 minutes of sleep if it's constantly being interrupted with alarms? For some people, multiple alarms are the only way to go because they may miss the first few alarms. If this is you, by all means, keep doing you, but if you don't need this stop snoozing and setting multiple alarms.
Eat A Light Breakfast
I am very adamant about the light part of breakfast. You don't need a huge breakfast in the morning, but a light breakfast that's big enough to tide you over until you eat next is a great way to instantly perk up your personality. Depending on what you choose to eat your breakfast can really make a difference for your day. I love this article from Prevention about 10 Foods Proven To Make You Happy As A Clam, some of the foods listed like coffee and yogurt could easily be implemented into your breakfast routine. I always have a few yogurt cups in my fridge at all times. The reason I am so adamant about the light part of the breakfast is that a heavy breakfast will end up making you feel more groggy than it will make you feel happy. If you have a while until you can eat next consider packing a snack like a granola bar that you can have during and between class.
Take A Shower
I know that some people take their baths and showers at night, but try taking at least a quick shower in the morning. You can always put your hair up so it doesn't get wet while in the shower. I love the feeling of a warm shower in the morning, for me, it instantly makes me a happier person, as well as gives me energy to tackle my day. I have my best thoughts in the middle of a warm morning shower and it's a chance for me to collect myself, reflect on the day ahead, and get excited about the day.
Listen To Music
I love listening to music in the morning. Lately, I have been listening to Flawless by Beyonce and Nothing But Trouble by Lil Wayne and Charlie Puth. Those two songs instantly make my day a million times better. The other day I had a dance party in my room and danced to the Cupid Shuffle by Cupid just as a way to wake myself up and get in a bit of physical activity in the morning. Listening to a nice upbeat song automatically makes me happier and pulls me out of any funk I may be feeling in the morning. I always listen to a few songs while I am in my office at work before I officially get on the clock. I have been really obsessed with Cake by the Ocean by DNCE.
Overall, I hope these tips have helped you as well as the stories around these tips. In my opinion positivity and happiness are a journey. You can always work to be a happier person so I hope these tips will help you.
The Comments
Alicia Taylor
Coffee and yogurt? Done – but I also have a piece of fruit with it. No wonder some people think I’m too perky in the mornings for someone that’s not a morning person.
Vera Sweeney
Love these tips!! Morning used to be so rough but some small changes have changed how they go and made the day more successful as well!
Emily S.
A shower first thing (and a workout!) along with upbeat music always gets me in a good mood. Love your tips!
Toughcookiemommy
I’ve never really been a morning person so I think these tips would come in handy. It’s hard to get up early and head out to work each day.
nicole escat
Listening to music is one of my favorite thing to do every morning together with a cup of coffee 🙂 Its a great way to start the day 🙂
OurFamilyWorld
These are great tips. I am so guilty of hitting the snooze button a few times.