10 Ways To Begin Every Day In A Positive Mood
A good morning doesn’t have to be an elusive creature we hear about but never experience. Anyone can begin every day in a positive mood, it all comes down to your habits and if you’re willing to make some positive changes.
I want to help you change your morning from a chaotic, stressed rush to your desk to a nurturing form of self-love that will keep you in a positive mood all day.
Below are some popular morning routine activities that can help you begin every day in a positive mood.
Wake Up In A Positive Mood By Getting Enough Sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, if you’re between the ages of 18-65 you need, ideally, 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support your health and well-being. However, most of us are accumulating sleep debt, which can have an overall negative effect on how we handle stress.
To improve your mornings, focus on getting at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
There are several ways to encourage better sleep, including:
- Waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends
- Removing any blue light, which can affect your circadian rhythm
- Keeping your room cool
- Avoiding caffeine after 3 pm
Prepare As Much As You Can The Night Before
To eliminate any decisions or stress in the early morning hours prepare as much as you can the night before.
This tip was inspired by Erin May Henry who uses a “Set Up” technique to get more done. In a nutshell, if Erin has to step away from what she was doing, she prepares what she can in advance so when she returns it’s set up and easier for her to pick right back up.
The “Set Up” technique can be applied to the night before as well. For example, to eliminate as much stress and decision making in the A.M. you can:
- Tidy up your kitchen or living area the night before, so when you wake the next day your mood isn’t influenced by the clutter.
- Set out anything you need the following day, such as your outfit, work supplies you will need, and your coffee cup and grounds.
- Set your goals night before by writing them down and setting it by your desk. When you wake the following day your day is planned already and you can get right to it.
Give Yourself Enough Time In The Morning
Nothing can put you in a bad mood faster than rushing first thing in the morning. When you begin your day in a chaotic mindset you’re likely to forget things and setting the tone for the rest of your day.
Slowing down in the morning contributes to a more positive experience. Rather than begin your day agitated you can get started in a more positive mood.
How much time you need in the morning will vary from person to person. Reflect on the last week. Were you rushed? What was causing you to run out the door? After you figure out what’s causing it you can incorporate more positive habits that will give you more time.
Some steps you can include to increase your time each morning:
- Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier
- Using the “Set Up” technique and prepare everything the night before
- Eliminate distractions like social media
Encourage A Positive Mood By Enjoying A Quiet Moment
This technique is much easier if you live alone, or wake up before your spouse or children.
Enjoying a quiet moment in the morning can help with stress, allow you to focus on the day ahead and stops anything from influencing your mood that early in the day.
Ways you can add moments of silence in the A.M. include:
- Avoiding social media or news until you leave the house. These platforms are often negative and can have an influence on your mood.
- If you aren’t at risk of falling back asleep meditating in the morning is a great way to sit in silence, destress and reflect on your day
- Wake up before everyone else and enjoy the moment to yourself
Commit To 5-10 Minutes Of Writing and Journaling
There are several benefits from writing, such as giving your mind a place to dump worries, ideas, and to-dos. Writing these things down can be mentally beneficial because it acts as a mental release.
Several self-help writers have promoted the benefits of writing during your morning routine.
Hal Elrod includes it in his Miracle Morning formula S.A.V.E.R.S. In his book, Hal explains how daily journaling can help us feel more accomplished by recording and reviewing each year of our life.
In his latest book, You Are Awesome, Neil Pasricha shares his 2-minute writing routine. His motive for writing is to eliminate worry, refocus your mind to positive and set your intentions.
Committing to 5-10 minutes of writing in the morning, whether it’s to declutter your mind or set your intentions for the day, will encourage a positive mood.
Get Your Body Moving To Wake Yourself Up
Another great way to start your day in a positive mood is to get your blood moving and increase those feel-good hormones in your brain.
Working out in the morning will also lead you to feel more motivated throughout the day. The endorphins that are released when you exercise will pump you up for the day, and who doesn’t want that?
Moving in the morning will also get your metabolism going which will help you with getting the right nutrition early in the day.
This step doesn’t even have to be a full-blown sweaty workout at your local gym. You could turn on some music and dance, grab a yoga mat and do some stretching or go for a short 10-minute walk.
Step Outside And Breath In Some Fresh Air
Having a hard time waking up that it’s putting you behind in the morning? Getting some fresh air can help wake your brain up and give you that boost of energy you’re missing.
When you crack open a window or step outside for fresh air, you’re moving from recycled indoor air to fresh oxygenated air. The cool air will also act like a splash of cold water, jolting your body to alertness.
There are several ways you can breathe in some fresh air for a more positive mood:
- When you get up crack open a window
- If you have a porch or veranda, step outside for 5 minutes and inhale the fresh air in silence
- Go for a 10-minute walk. Better yet, walk to your local coffee store and grab yourself a coffee with your fresh air.
Get Into A Positive Mood By Listening To Something Motivating
One method to get you motivated in the dark hours of the morning is by listening to something upbeat, inspiring or exciting. If it leaves you feeling driven and excited about your day then jackpot!
Social media and the news is an exception here. Avoid those, at all costs, in the morning. You can’t handle it yet. ?
There are several ways to get in a positive mood by listening to something:
- Start listening to motivational Podcasts. You can do this while doing anything, like your skincare routine or that 10-minute walk of fresh air.
- Create a morning playlist of your favorite upbeat music. My go-to song: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
- There are several motivational speeches on Youtube. Instead of watching them, leave a video playing in the background while you get up and going.
Start Hydrating And Eat A Nutritious Breakfast
Since you’ve been sleeping for the last 7-9 hours (ideally) your body is slightly dehydrated. Drinking something upon waking can help rehydrate your body, get your digestion moving again and help you wake up.
A lot of influencers seem to be on the lemon water trend. If that’s not your thing you can also try regular water, coffee, tea, or a smoothie.
It’s important to hydrate and have something nutritious as your first meal. I understand you might not have an appetite this early in the morning, so make up for it by packing something for later. Avoid sugary breakfast cereals and granola bars. Instead, opt for whole foods like egg, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Discover Your Positive Mood With A Daily Smile
Lastly, practice affirmations and smiling at yourself in the mirror. No, I’m not joking!
Have you ever been in a room with a really positive person and found yourself in a better mood for it? Even if you wake up not feeling yourself, acting in a positive mood can help shift your bad mood.
Daily affirmations can have a positive impact on your mindset. The best time to practice these is, you guessed it, in the morning! Here are some good ones:
- Challenges can surface the best in me…
- I exude happiness and positivity…
- I am a radiant and joyous person…
Say these every morning while smiling at yourself in the mirror and watch your positive mood appear.
Final Thoughts On Positivity
Sometimes it can be difficult to be positive if you’re dealing with some unique circumstances such as depression, anxiety, and other mental illness.
Under normal circumstances, or if you have your illness under control, these tips can help you maintain a positive mood. However, they may not be the answer for everyone.
If you are struggling to stay positive, be compassionate with yourself and seek help from a doctor or therapist.
