22 Easy Ways To Start The Day With A Smile On Your Face

September 8, 2024

Waking up in the morning can be tough, especially when fatigue and stress about the day ahead are front and centre. These feelings are enough to make many want to go right back to bed instead of having to face yet another day of work, family, and social responsibilities. However, it is possible to wake up in the morning and start a new day without dreading it. Here are twenty-two easy ways to begin each day smiling and feeling ready to take on the world.

Remember Dreams And Reflect On Them

Huffington Post

Although dreams may not always seem like they are worth remembering, writing them down and reflecting on them can help to boost mood and improve creative and analytical skills.

Think About What Creates Feelings Of Happiness

Expert Beacon

Another way to begin a day feeling positive is to think about activities that create feelings of happiness. Even just visualizing these activities can alter thoughts and bring joy.

Have An Attitude Of Gratitude

Huffington Post

Practicing gratitude is an effective way to induce feelings of happiness. To harness the power of gratitude, spend a few minutes every morning thinking about all there is to be grateful for. Write these items down and reflect on them throughout the day.

Do Not Forget About Self-Care

Shopify

Self-care activities are essential for preventing stress and anxiety from building up, which can cause feelings of irritation and disgruntlement. These activities relax both the mind and the body.

Engage In Deep-Breathing Exercises

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When feeling stressed, breathing becomes constricted and shallow. Deep-breathing emulates a state of relaxation and tells the brain to calm the body. It also releases tension and stress, improves the nervous and immune systems, and strengthens the heart.

Let Negative Thoughts Pass Without Getting Attached To Them

Ruminating about negative thoughts is stressful and exhausting. Instead of getting attached to these thoughts, let them pass without allowing them to have an impact.

Stay Away From Email And Social Media

Many check email or social media right after they wake up. This habit elevates stress because it bombards the brain with information at a time when it should be calmly preparing for the day. Remain calm and positive in the morning by leaving email and social media activities for later in the day.

Do Not Skip Breakfast

Reader's Digest

Skipping breakfast causes irritability, mood swings, low energy, weight gain, and many other health problems. Begin the day on a healthy and positive note by taking the time to eat a nutritious breakfast.

Start The Day By Meditating

Health Magazine

Meditation brings clarity, discourages negative self-talk, increases energy, boosts endorphins (feel-good hormones), and promotes relaxation. Meditating for even just a few minutes every morning can make the rest of the day more positive and relaxing.

Try Self-Hypnosis Recordings

Howcast

Self-hypnosis recordings can be particularly effective at boosting positive thoughts and feelings. These recordings are available online for free or for a low cost. Typically, each one is designed to address a specific issue.

Ignore The Phone All Morning

In the same way that diving into email or social media right after waking up can induce stress, checking a phone first thing in the morning can have a negative impact on mood. Limit stress by resisting the urge to check phone messages and notifications until later on in the morning.

Go For An Endorphin-Boosting Hike Or Run

Business Insider

Exercise reduces stress and boosts the production of endorphins, which increase positive feelings. Going for a run or hike in the morning is a great way to start off the day in a positive way.

Try A Few Sun Salutations

Huffington Post

Yoga energizes and relaxes the body and mind. Doing yoga first thing in the morning is effective for creating positive feelings not only because it triggers the release of endorphins but also because it provides meditative benefits.

Goof Around With Family Pets

Alternet

Pets can sometimes feel like yet another obligation to deal with when starting a new day. A simple way to counteract this feeling of obligation is to spend a few moments playing with pets. Seeing family pets happy and energetic induces positive feelings.

Read Something Motivating And Inspiring

Don't Be Average

Spend a few moments in the morning reading something inspiring, whether it is a blog post, an article on a fascinating topic, or a favourite book. Doing so prepares the mind to experience the day more fully and positively.

Listen To Something Uplifting

Digital Trends

Listening to something inspiring first thing in the morning has the same effect as reading something inspiring. Playing an audio book, podcast, or sermon can induce positive feelings while giving the eyes some extra rest.

Set Morning Alarms To Inspiring Tunes

The blast of a typical alarm can create feelings of irritation and panic, which is not the best way to start the day. Instead, try setting alarms to soothing sounds that begin softly and gradually increase in volume.

Spend A Few Moments Looking At Something Beautiful

TCK Publishing

Looking at something beautiful first thing in the morning can flood the brain with feel-good hormones. Try studying a piece of art on the wall, a scene in a calendar, a flower in a pot, or even one's spouse. Starting the day by appreciating beauty can increase feelings of gratitude, serenity, and positivity.

Take The Time To Clean Up

AskMeBlogger

Keeping the home clean is important for creating relaxing and positive feelings. The act of cleaning itself can help relieve stress, and living in a clean home can free up space physically and mentally. A quick cleaning routine first thing in the morning can be a helpful strategy for feeling positive throughout the day.

Consider Everything That Can Make The Day Amazing

Huffington Post UK

Simply thinking about everything that can make the day amazing gives people a sense of control and freedom. This induces positive feelings and creates a mindset that helps people make good choices throughout the day.

Do Not Forget To Smile

Huffington Post

When feeling down, smile. Research has shown that simply forming a smile can alleviate negative feelings and induce positive ones. That said, over-smiling can lead to an increase in negative feelings.

Select The Best Morning Routine For The Day

Heart of Stroke

Not every morning feels the same, so it is important to tailor morning self-care routines to each one. Incorporate various activities that are effective for stimulating positive feelings that last throughout the day.

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