Have you ever wondered why some mornings you wake up feeling energized and others like you’ve barely slept at all?
It might not just be about how many hours you’re clocking in bed—it could be the habits you’re bringing with you into your evenings and mornings.
Today, we dive into the five habits that might be sabotaging your mornings and stealing your good mood.
How many of these are you holding onto? Let’s find out.
1) Snoozing your alarm
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, you’re still feeling tired, and so you hit that snooze button for just a few more minutes of sleep.
But did you know that this habit could be sabotaging your chances of waking up in a good mood?
As noted by experts, when you hit snooze and drift back to sleep, it disrupts your body’s internal clock. This can result in grogginess that lasts for hours, setting a negative tone for the rest of your day.
It’s time to say goodbye to the snooze button. Try setting your alarm for the actual time you need to get up, and then actually get up when it goes off. It might be tough at first, but your body will adjust over time.
2) Late night scrolling
We’ve all fallen into the trap: it’s late, you’re lying in bed, and suddenly your phone becomes your best friend. Whether it’s endlessly scrolling through social media, reading news updates, or watching videos, the allure of late-night scrolling is hard to resist. But at what cost?
As highlighted by the experts at the Sleep Foundation, the blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin. This can make it harder to fall asleep, reduce the quality of your rest, and leave you feeling groggy in the morning.
I used to think I was relaxing by scrolling before bed, but it was doing just the opposite. Now, I’ve adopted a screen-free bedtime routine. About an hour before bed, I put my phone down and switch to activities that don’t involve screens—like reading a book, meditating, or jotting down thoughts in a journal.
If you’re struggling to part ways with your phone at night, consider placing it out of reach and embrace the habit of winding down without screens altogether. Your mornings—and your mood—will thank you.
3) Checking your phone first thing
Okay so I know this one is after waking up but hear me out because it has a big impact on how we start our day.
I used to be guilty of this one, too. The moment I woke up, before even getting out of bed, I’d reach for my phone and start scrolling. Emails, social media, news – you name it.
But here’s the thing: diving straight into the digital world can kick-start your stress levels from the moment you wake up. You’re immediately bombarded with information, demands, and negativity.
I decided to break this habit and it has made a huge difference. Now, I give myself at least 30 minutes every morning phone-free. It allows me to start my day with a sense of calm and peace, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Your phone is a tool. Don’t let it control how you start your day. As I’ve discovered firsthand, a little digital detox each morning can go a long way.
4) Evening caffeine
There’s something undeniably indulgent about sipping on a rich, aromatic espresso after dinner. It’s a ritual cherished in many cultures and often seen as the perfect ending to a great meal.
But here’s the catch: that tiny cup of liquid energy might be the reason you’re tossing and turning later.
Caffeine’s half-life is up to 5 hours, meaning that evening espresso can still be in your system well past midnight, keeping your brain on high alert when it should be resting.
I’ll admit, I’ve indulged in this habit during social dinners or after particularly decadent meals. But after a string of restless nights and groggy mornings, I realized the trade-off wasn’t worth it. Now, I opt for a decaf espresso or herbal tea instead—something that still feels like a treat but doesn’t mess with my sleep.
If you’re struggling to wake up in a good mood, it might be time to rethink that post-dinner pick-me-up. Sure, the espresso is tempting, but isn’t a full night of quality sleep even more satisfying?
5) Not planning your day
This is a big one.
Starting your day without a clear plan can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Without a roadmap, you might find yourself bouncing from one task to another without making real progress.
The solution?
Well, here’s mine. Each evening, I like to take a few minutes to plan out my next day. This includes setting my top priorities and creating a realistic to-do list. Having a clear plan helps me navigate through the day with more focus and less stress.
This doesn’t mean your entire day has to be scripted down to the minute. But having a general idea of what you want to achieve can help you stay on track and feel more in control of your day.
The goal is not to pack as much as possible into your day, but rather to find a balance where productivity meets peace of mind. It’s about starting each day with intention, and that can make all the difference in waking up in a good mood.
In conclusion: It’s all about intention
Waking up in a good mood isn’t just about getting enough sleep—it’s about setting yourself up for success the night before and making intentional choices in the morning.
By saying goodbye to these habits, you’ll not only feel better when you wake up but also carry that positive energy into the rest of your day.
So, what’s the first habit you’re going to kick to the curb? Here’s to brighter mornings ahead!
