There’s a huge connection between our morning routines and our moods throughout the day. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
If you’re often feeling blue, it could be because of the habits you start your day with.
I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an avid student of mindfulness and Buddhism, and I’ve seen firsthand how small changes in the morning can make a big difference.
I’m going to share with you 8 morning habits that you might be better off without. They may seem harmless but, believe me, they could be subtly sabotaging your happiness.
Let’s dive in.
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off and it’s just too tempting to hit that snooze button for a few more minutes of precious sleep.
But did you know that this habit can actually make you feel more tired and less happy throughout the day?
According to sleep scientists, those extra few minutes of sleep aren’t quality rest. Instead, they confuse your body and mind, leaving you feeling groggy and disoriented.
In the teachings of mindfulness and Buddhism, every moment is an opportunity for awareness and presence. Even those early morning moments when you’re just waking up. Hitting the snooze button robs you of these precious moments and sets a tone of avoidance for the day.
2) Starting the day with negativity
I’ve noticed a lot of people start their day by reading the news or scrolling through social media. While it’s important to stay informed, this habit can set a negative tone for your day.
Exposure to negative news first thing in the morning can increase your levels of stress and anxiety throughout the day. And let’s face it, social media isn’t exactly a beacon of positivity and good vibes either.
Thich Nhat Hanh, the Zen Buddhist master, once said: “If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything.”
Starting your day with negativity distracts you from the present moment and can make you miss the beauty and joy that each new day brings.
Why not replace this habit with something more positive and uplifting? Take a few minutes to meditate or read something inspirational. Start your day with positivity, and you’ll likely feel happier as a result.
3) Skipping breakfast
You’ve probably heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And yet, so many of us rush through our mornings without giving our bodies the nourishment they need.
Buddhist wisdom teaches us the importance of mindfulness in all things, and that includes how we treat our bodies. Skipping breakfast can lead to low energy levels, poor concentration, and even mood swings throughout the day.
When we neglect our physical health, it often has a direct impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to feel happy when you’re running on empty.
Take the time to fuel your body each morning. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet meal – even something simple and nutritious can do the trick. Treat your body with kindness and respect, and it will reward you with feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
4) Rushing through your morning
In our busy lives, mornings can often feel like a race against the clock. We rush to get ready, rush to finish our breakfast, and rush out the door. But what if I told you this frantic start could be impacting your happiness?
Mindfulness teaches us the value of being present in each moment. When we rush, we’re not fully present; our minds are always on the next task. That constant anticipation can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to feel joy when you’re constantly feeling rushed.
Try slowing down your morning routine. Wake up a little earlier. Take time to enjoy your breakfast. Maybe even fit in a quick meditation session. These small changes can help set a calm, positive tone for the rest of your day and boost your overall mood.
5) Overloading your to-do list
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be productive. But when your to-do list becomes so long that it’s overwhelming, it can start to detract from your happiness.
I’ve found this in my own life. I used to start each day with a long list of tasks, and I’d feel stressed and anxious before the day had even begun.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I talk about the importance of balance in life. In Buddhism, we learn the concept of the Middle Way, which encourages us to avoid extremes and cultivate a sense of balance in everything we do.
Instead of overloading your to-do list, try prioritizing just a few key tasks each day. You’ll feel less overwhelmed, more productive, and potentially, a lot happier.
6) Neglecting mindfulness practice
It’s easy to brush off mindfulness as something you don’t have time for in the morning. But I’m going to be brutally honest here: neglecting mindfulness practice can have a significant impact on your happiness.
In Buddhism, the practice of mindfulness is seen as a path to understanding ourselves better and cultivating inner peace and happiness. When we ignore this practice, we’re missing out on an opportunity to start our day with clarity, focus, and a sense of calm.
Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation. It’s about being fully present in each moment, whether you’re brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, or commuting to work.
7) Ignoring the body’s needs
Let’s be brutally honest here: many of us often ignore our body’s needs in the morning. Whether it’s skipping a meal, not drinking enough water, or avoiding exercise, these habits can negatively affect our mood and overall wellbeing.
As Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned mindfulness expert, once said: “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” This applies to those small acts of self-care we often neglect in our morning routines.
Mindfulness teaches us to listen to our bodies and respond to its needs. This includes hydrating, nourishing, and moving our bodies to prepare for the day ahead.
Take some time each morning to check in with your body and give it what it needs. It could make a significant difference in your day-to-day happiness.
8) Planning the entire day
It might seem counterintuitive, but planning every minute of your day in the morning can actually contribute to unhappiness.
Mindfulness teaches us to live in the present moment. When we’re constantly planning for the future, we’re not fully present. We’re living in a future that hasn’t happened yet, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Of course, it’s important to have a general idea of what your day looks like. But try not to get caught up in meticulously planning every detail. Allow room for spontaneity and be open to whatever the day brings.
You might find that this flexibility not only reduces stress, but also allows you to enjoy your day more and feel happier overall.
Conclusion
And there you have it, eight morning habits that could be subtly impacting your happiness. It’s not always easy to make changes, but remember, every journey begins with a single step.
Start by focusing on one habit at a time. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress no matter how small. Over time, you’ll start to notice a positive shift in your mood and overall happiness.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Buddhist teachings that have helped me find balance and happiness in my own life, I’d love for you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with practical tips and insights that can help you live a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Happiness is not a destination, it’s a journey. And every morning is a new opportunity to choose happiness. So why not make the most of it?
