We all aspire to be happier, don’t we? And the good news is, it’s a goal that’s completely within our control.
The secret to happiness isn’t a grand mystery, but rather a daily habit. It’s about how you start your day.
You see, our mornings set the tone for the entire day. And by making a few changes to your morning routine, you can start your day on a positive note and carry that happiness throughout the rest of your day.
Ready to kickstart a happier life next year? Here are 8 things you should start doing every morning. Trust me, it’ll make a world of difference.
Let’s dive in.
1) Start with gratitude
You’d be surprised how often we forget to count our blessings.
Gratitude has a magical way of shifting our focus from the negative to the positive. It’s like flipping a switch in our minds from ‘complaint mode’ to ‘appreciation mode’.
Practicing gratitude each morning can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture – simply jotting down three things you’re grateful for can make a huge difference.
And I’m not just saying this, there’s hard science backing it up. Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude regularly report feeling happier and more content.
Tomorrow morning, before reaching for your phone or turning on the news, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the smell of fresh coffee or the sound of birds chirping outside your window.
Happiness is often found in the little things. Start acknowledging them and watch your happiness levels soar.
2) Get moving
I used to think that I’m not a ‘morning workout’ person. The thought of getting out of my cozy bed to sweat it out just didn’t appeal to me.
But one day, I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, I was blown away by the difference it made!
Exercising in the morning gives me a burst of energy that lasts all day. It’s as if I’ve unlocked a secret level of productivity and focus. Plus, the sense of accomplishment I feel after a good sweat session sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or a full-blown workout, moving your body first thing in the morning can do wonders for your happiness levels.
Take it from me, trade those extra minutes of snooze time for some physical activity. You’ll thank yourself later.
3) Hydrate immediately
After a long night’s sleep, your body is often in a state of dehydration. It’s been hours since you last had any water and if you’re anything like me, the first thing you reach for in the morning is a cup of coffee.
But did you know that drinking water first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and even aid in weight loss? It’s true.
Before you reach for that cup of coffee, consider starting your day with a glass of water instead. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon can also help to boost your immune system and give you a dose of vitamin C.
Making this simple change can do wonders for your health and happiness. So give it a try and see the difference it makes.
4) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism. It’s all about being present, being aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not being overly reactive to what’s going on around us.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to go through our days on autopilot, not really paying attention to the world around us. But taking a few minutes each morning to practice mindfulness can help you feel more connected, more alive, and yes, happier.
In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into the concept of mindfulness and how it can transform your life. It offers practical tips on how you can incorporate mindfulness into your everyday routine.
Starting your day with a few minutes of mindful meditation or simply paying attention to your breath can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. It’s a small practice that can yield big results in terms of happiness and overall well-being.
5) Set realistic goals
There was a time when I would start my day with a laundry list of tasks. I thought that the more I could accomplish, the happier I would be. But all it did was leave me feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Over time, I realized that setting realistic, achievable goals for the day is much more fulfilling. Instead of focusing on quantity, I started focusing on quality.
Now, I start each day with three main tasks that I want to accomplish. This not only makes my day more manageable, but also gives me a sense of achievement when I tick off these tasks from my list.
So, instead of burdening yourself with an endless to-do list, try setting a few meaningful goals each morning. You’ll feel more productive and less stressed, leading to a happier you.
6) Embrace the silence
In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise, it might seem counter-intuitive to seek out silence. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Our brains need moments of quiet to process and reflect. Yet, we often fill every spare second with noise – be it music, podcasts, or endless scrolling on social media.
Taking a few minutes each morning to sit in silence can be incredibly refreshing. It allows your mind the space to think, to breathe, and to simply be.
Instead of reaching for your phone or turning on the TV first thing in the morning, try embracing the silence. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with time, you’ll start to see the benefits.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing at all.
7) Nourish your body
We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. And it couldn’t be more true. The food we put into our bodies has a direct impact on our mood and energy levels.
Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast can give you the energy you need to tackle your day head-on. But I’m not just talking about any breakfast. Sugary cereals or fatty fast food won’t cut it.
Focus on foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Think whole grains, fruits, nuts, and eggs. These foods provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full longer.
If you want to feel happier throughout the day, start by fueling your body with the right foods in the morning. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.
8) Be consistent
The most powerful factor in any habit is consistency. You can’t expect to see changes overnight. It takes time and repeated effort.
And it’s the same with your morning routine. Whether it’s practicing gratitude, exercising, or eating a healthy breakfast, the key is to do it consistently.
So make a commitment to yourself. Stick to these morning habits for at least 30 days. You’ll start to notice a shift in your mood, energy levels, and overall happiness.
Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And it starts first thing in the morning.
