Fresh insights from a study by University College London highlight that mornings bring out the best in our emotions and overall wellbeing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, over 49,000 adults shared their feelings and satisfaction from March 2020 to March 2022. The findings, published in BMJ Mental Health, show a clear trend: people typically wake up feeling their happiest, with mood dipping by midnight, likely influenced by our body’s natural rhythms and hormone levels.
To alleviate winter blues and uplift your mood any time of year, consider these eight morning habits:
1. Avoid the Snooze Button: “Hitting snooze disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to grogginess,” advises EM Austen, author of Smarter, 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less Stressed Life. Instead, place your alarm out of reach to encourage getting up immediately.
2. Engage with Crosswords: Start your day with a crossword puzzle, which Natalie Mackenzie, a cognitive rehabilitation therapist, describes as fun and rewarding, providing both relaxation and a boost to your mood.
3. Practise Mindfulness: Dedicate 5-10 minutes to mindfulness or meditation. “Close your eyes and focus on your breath,” suggests Nicci Roscoe, encouraging awareness before confronting the day’s demands.
4. Laugh it Off: Incorporate laughter into your morning; Sarah Campus, a personal trainer, states, “Laughter is a brilliant tonic.” Listening to a funny podcast can significantly elevate your spirits.
5. Prioritise a Protein-Rich Breakfast: Opt for nutritious choices like eggs and spinach over sugary cereals, as Chloe Thomas encourages. “The cleaner you eat, the better you feel,” she says, promoting sustained energy.
6. Indulge in Arts and Culture: Including creative rituals like listening to music or drawing can enrich your mornings. Jody Findlay emphasises that such activities enhance emotional resilience and reduce stress.
7. Dance Freely: A morning dance session not only serves as enjoyable cardio but also boosts endorphin levels. Personal trainer Dominika Blonska recommends dancing to uplifting music, stating, “Just move!” as a mantra for happiness.
8. Smile at Yourself: Smiling can trick your brain into happiness, says Alison Goolnik, an integrative psychotherapist. Smiling at your reflection can elevate your mood and spread positivity to those around you.
Research indicates that mornings are when individuals generally feel their best. To combat winter mood dips, eight simple habits, including avoiding snooze buttons, engaging with crosswords, practising mindfulness, enjoying laughter, eating a healthy breakfast, embracing arts and culture, dancing, and smiling, can significantly boost happiness and wellbeing.
Integrating these eight simple habits into your morning routine can profoundly uplift your mood and enhance your overall wellbeing. From avoiding the snooze button to indulging in laughter and creativity, each action contributes positively to your day. Remember, even the smallest changes can ripple out, transforming your mornings from mundane to magical.
Original Source: www.irishtimes.com
