Happy people. They seem to have it all figured out, don’t they?
In a world that is increasingly chaotic and stressful, if you’re not one of them, it can be challenging to crack the code of their seemingly perpetual happiness.
More often than not, you might find yourself wondering how they manage to start their day so positively when you’re just struggling to get out of bed.
Heck, you’ve probably even questioned if they have some kind of secret morning ritual that sets them up for success each day.
Keep reading as we unravel the 10 morning rituals incredibly happy people use to start their day right.
1) They wake up early
A ritual that’s common among incredibly happy people is that they tend to wake up early.
They cherish the calm and peace that early mornings bring, as it’s a time when they can be with their thoughts without any distractions.
Moreover, waking up early allows them to start their day at their own pace, without the rush and stress that comes with oversleeping or hitting the snooze button.
Unfortunately, this habit of waking up early often gets misconstrued as being a workaholic or overly ambitious.
However, it’s not about getting a head start on work—it’s about having time for themselves before the world wakes up.
They value this personal time because it sets the tone for their day, allowing them to approach their tasks and interactions with a positive and calm mindset.
2) They practice gratitude
Here’s something personal I’ve noticed.
Incredibly happy people often practice gratitude as part of their morning ritual.
I had a friend who always seemed to be in a fantastic mood, regardless of what was happening around her.
When I asked her secret, she showed me her gratitude journal.
Every morning, she would write down three things she was grateful for.
It could be anything from a good cup of coffee to a call from a long-lost friend.
At first, I thought it was a little silly. But then I saw the effect it had on her perspective.
By starting her day focusing on the positive things in her life, she was training her mind to look for the good in every situation throughout the day.
I tried it too. And it works!
Practicing gratitude doesn’t just put you in a good mood in the morning—it helps you stay positive all day long.
3) They exercise
Getting your body moving in the morning is another ritual that happy people swear by.
And it’s not just about staying fit or maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise, especially in the morning, has been scientifically proven to release endorphins—those wonderful chemicals in our brain that act as natural mood lifters.
Even a quick 15-minute walk or a light yoga session can make a huge difference!
A study from the University of Bristol found that people who exercise during the workday report an improvement in mood and performance.
So while you might be tempted to hit the snooze button and get an extra few minutes of sleep, remember that a quick workout could actually make you feel more energized and happier throughout the day.
4) They nourish their body
Happy people understand the importance of starting their day with the right kind of fuel.
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for good reason.
Skipping breakfast can leave you feeling sluggish and tired throughout the day, and it can also lead to overeating later on.
But it’s not just about eating anything – happy people tend to eat a balanced breakfast that includes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
This balanced approach helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the day, which can help to prevent mood swings and energy crashes.
5) They avoid screens
Let’s get real for a moment.
We live in a world where we’re constantly connected, and it’s all too easy to start our day by reaching for our phone and scrolling through emails or social media.
But many happy people choose to do the opposite.
They deliberately avoid screens for the first hour or so after they wake up.
Why? Because starting your day with screens can lead to a reactive mindset, where you’re responding to what’s happening in your inbox or on your newsfeed, rather than setting your own agenda for the day.
Moreover, it’s been shown that the blue light emitted by screens can be detrimental to our mental health, disrupting our sleep patterns and contributing to stress and anxiety.
6) They practice mindfulness
Life can be incredibly overwhelming.
With so many tasks to juggle and responsibilities to fulfill, it’s easy for our minds to race with thoughts and worries from the moment we open our eyes.
This is where the morning ritual of mindfulness comes in handy.
Happy people often set aside time in their morning to simply be present, to breathe, and to quiet the chatter in their minds.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean an hour-long meditation session (although if that works for you, that’s great!).
It can be as simple as taking a few moments to focus on your breath, savor your morning coffee, or listen to the birds chirping outside your window.
This practice of starting the day with a calm and focused mind can help you navigate the rest of your day with more grace and less stress.
7) They plan their day
Ever had one of those days where you feel like you’re running around like a headless chicken, trying to juggle a million tasks at once? We’ve all been there.
The key to avoiding this chaotic feeling? Planning your day.
Many happy people swear by this morning ritual.
They take a few moments each morning to jot down their tasks for the day, prioritize them, and set realistic goals.
This doesn’t just help with time management, but it also gives a sense of control and purpose.
Instead of being pulled in different directions by every new email or request that comes in, they have a clear plan to follow.
And there’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking off tasks from a to-do list, isn’t there?
Start your day by setting your intentions and creating a roadmap for what you want to achieve.
It could make your day feel a lot less overwhelming.
8) They do something they love
Now here’s a fun one!
Happy people often start their day by doing something they genuinely enjoy.
This could be anything from dancing to their favorite song, sketching a quick doodle, playing with their pet, or even doing a bit of gardening.
Why, you ask?
Well, indulging in a hobby first thing in the morning kick-starts the day on a positive note.
It’s like giving yourself a mini pep-talk that says “Hey, today’s going to be a great day!”
Plus, doing something fun in the morning can help you feel more relaxed and creative throughout the day.
9) They face their toughest task
Let’s face it, we all have tasks that we dread.
The ones we keep pushing to the bottom of our to-do list, hoping they’ll somehow disappear.
Here’s the hard truth – incredibly happy people don’t shy away from these tasks.
In fact, they tackle them head-on, first thing in the morning.
This practice is often referred to as ‘eating the frog’ – if you start your day by doing the most challenging thing on your list, everything else will seem easy in comparison.
By conquering your most daunting task early in the day, you not only get it out of the way but also give yourself a significant confidence boost.
10) They practice self-love
At the heart of all these rituals, there’s one thing that incredibly happy people never forget – to love themselves.
Every morning, they consciously choose to treat themselves with kindness, respect, and compassion.
They recognize their worth and remind themselves that they deserve happiness and success.
This could be in the form of positive affirmations, a gentle yoga session, or even just a few moments of quiet reflection.
When you start your day with self-love, you set a positive precedent for how you will treat yourself for the rest of the day.
Final thoughts
Starting your day right isn’t about following a stringent set of rules or conforming to what society deems is the perfect morning routine.
It’s about discovering what makes you feel good, what keeps you grounded, and what sets a positive tone for your day.
These rituals we’ve discussed are more than just habits.
They’re acts of self-care that incredibly happy people have woven into the fabric of their daily lives.
But remember, it’s not about perfection. Some days, you might not be able to follow all these rituals, and that’s okay.
What matters most is that you’re making a conscious effort to prioritize your happiness and well-being.
So if you’re seeking a brighter start to your day, don’t hesitate to try these rituals—there’s a wealth of joy and positivity waiting for you in the quiet hours of the morning.
