Waking up happy is the best way to kick off your day on a positive note! Here are my 5 Ways to Wake Up Happier.
Hi friends!
I am naturally a morning person, so waking up happy comes much easier for me than it does many people. However there are many days I wake up grumpy or overwhelmed. I've been making a point to try to start my day on the most positive note possible lately, and it's been working. So today I thought I'd share 5 ways to wake up happier!
5 Ways to Wake Up Happier
Don't Hit Snooze
I know this is very hard for all of us, but getting rid of hitting the snooze button can really make a big difference. If you hit the snooze you end up losing valuable sleep time and it can actually make you crankier. It is a rough habit to break, but it is much better for you body to sleep for as long as possible and then actually get up on the first alarm. I'm still trying to convince the Hubs of this one! He's a snoozer and I'm not.
Prep Ahead
Facing an unorganized day is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Pick out your clothes, jewelry, shoes the night before. Also make a list of important goals or tasks for the next day before you go to bed or at the end of your work day. Organization can really help your mood when you are first waking up.
Also prep your breakfast and have everything you need for your coffee in one place! Overnight Oats like my Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats is a great way to make breakfast the night before that you don't have to think about in the morning.
I outlined how I got ready and out the door by 2:45AM for my old job in this post, 5 Tips for Waking Up Early from the Ultimate Morning Person! It includes some great organizational tips. And yes, I just to be totally OCD about it but it's the only way I could make it happen for so long.
Don't Check E-mail
How many of you have woken up in a great mood, only to check your e-mail when you roll over and suddenly be mad as anything? I know I have and could tell you some stories!
There is plenty of time in the morning to get to your e-mail. At least have your breakfast first, if not leaving it until you walk into work. Use your waking up time to focus on all that is good in your life that you control, not e-mails.
Get Moving
Even if you aren't a morning workout person, simply going through a 5-10 stretching or yoga routine can help you wake up refreshed. Better yet, take your dog out and get ten minutes of fresh air before you do anything else.
Your body craves that blood flow in the morning and that can help you wake up with ease.
Fake it Until You Make it
I know this is easier said than done, but this is one of my big mottos in life. When you wake up, smile and pretend to be happy. I know it feels a little fake at first, but I promise if you just try to put out positive energy your mind will eventually catch up. I'm not saying you have to pretend to be fake and happy all the time, but if you want to start your day off right, just try to smile and say and do positive things.
Even if you are annoyed, tell your partner one thing you really love about them or wish them good luck at their day. If you live alone, focus on a positive quote or mantra. Positive energy-- even slightly forced-- gets positive energy in return.
I hope these simple things to focus on can help you start off your day on a happier, positive note. If you are looking for more ways to stay positive check out this post, 25 Ways to be Positive Any Day.
Like this post about waking up happier? Pin this to your favorite board!
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this Throwback Thursday post, where I'm sharing updated versions of Running in a Skirt posts you might have missed. Tomorrow I'm sharing a brand new way to style white jeans for fall.
Your turn!
Do you have any tips to add?
How do you overcome waking up grumpy?
Chrystal Rose says
These tips are so true! Every time I organize or plan ahead, I feel so much weight off my shoulders the day after. Also, I'd have to back you up on the whole e-mail habit! That just needs to be left for another time in the day!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Makes a world of difference.
Marina @ Happy Healing says
Love this post!! I try to never hit snooze - that always messes with me. It's also great to move as soon as you get up! Morning workouts are the best.
JulieWunder says
Aren't they! They give me energy all day.
Lisa Ballantyne says
Wonderful tips, all of them! But.....the snooze button is not an option for me! There's no snooze button on the cat! Happy Thursday Julie!
JulieWunder says
Haha!!! Or a puppy! She puts her head on the bed and stares until you get up.
Beth Ann Chiles says
I think key for me is to also include some quiet time doing my devotions and just centering myself for the day! Great list!
JulieWunder says
Such a good tip! That always helps.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
Great tips! I have always been a morning person, but am guilty of hitting snooze most mornings.
JulieWunder says
Thank you! You and my husband!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
Love all of these! I feel so much better after I get moving and get a workout in and then take some time to enjoy my breakfast and coffee. Now I just need a way to help me get through the afternoon, when I want to crash, lol.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Getting moving makes a big difference for me.
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
Waking up early is the best! You get to start your day without any distractions and get a bunch done.
JulieWunder says
So true!
ACKTIVE LIFE says
I never hit the snooze button. It makes such a difference. I just suck it up, get up, and start moving!
DarleneRowlands says
Good tips. Prep the night before always works! I'm out the door in 30 minutes!
JulieWunder says
I used to be at my old job. I know I feel better if I'm on top of stuff.
Leslie @ flora foodie says
Love this! I have got to prep more often, it makes SUCH a huge difference!
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Waking up happy makes such a difference in your day! And, I need to stop hitting the snooze button and just get up! Moving and stretching as well as preparing lunches and deciding what clothes to wear are key to feeling like you're ahead of the game and not lagging behind!
JulieWunder says
It's a tough routine to start, but totally worth it! Great to see you today!
jill conyers says
From a long time morning person I love this. I wake up every morning and before I get out of bed I smile. Literally.
Have a wonderful weekend Julie!
JulieWunder says
It works!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I woke up happy today for the first time in a long time. Want to know why? Because I went to bed early AND my kids slept through the night, so I actually got 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I can't remember the last time I had that much sleep in one night!
JulieWunder says
That's awesome! And you killed your long treadmill run yesterday!!! 🙂 Congrats again! Glad you got some much deserved sleep!
Farrah says
I'm the worst when it comes to not hitting my snooze button, but I've been working on that lately (with varying degrees of success...)! I'm definitely guilty of checking my email often though! 😮 (Can't help it--I want to hear from residency programs! 😛 ) Planning ahead makes a world of a difference though!
JulieWunder says
You have so much exciting stuff happening, it would be hard not to!
Jess @hellotofit says
Love these tips, Julie! I just wrote about better sleep this morning, too 🙂 not hitting snooze (okay, more than once) has been a big one for me. Just gotta get up!
JulieWunder says
It makes a big difference to me!
Andrea B. says
I love these quick reminders! Great tips. I need to remember not to check email until after my daughter is out the door and I've got some food in my stomach. 🙂
JulieWunder says
haha! Totally- hanger is real!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
These are wonderful tips! I thought I was weird because as soon as I get home, I pick up and set out my clothes for the next work day. It really works and makes my mornings so much easier. I'm also starting do a little bit more moving in the AM as well!
JulieWunder says
I think that's a great idea actually! Much easier than doing it at night.
Leigh Powell Hines says
These are great tips, Julie. I've been hitting snooze lately. Must stop.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Leigh! It's a tricky habit!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Prepping/planning ahead is a huge one for me. I just feel so much more together if I have everything out and ready to go. And, like Deborah said, lots and lots of coffee 😉
JulieWunder says
I agree! It's all about the plan!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I think being prepared and having enough time is key. I hate the snooze button. I don't use it at all but my husband does and it drives me nuts! Especially now when falling back asleep is such a struggle. These are all fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing them 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me hubby does too and it also drives me nuts. Especially if I'm still in bed and it goes off and off and off...... 🙂
heather says
I love this!!! I have noticed that if I work out as soon as I wake up I have a better run and better day in general . I am a morning person too. Thanks
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
JulieWunder says
Me too! A morning run almost always means a good day!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I used to have to be a morning person from my previous job. Like you I'd wake up at 2:45am sometimes. Can't say I miss that. It has been a nice change being able to sleep in. I think the sleeping in make me happier:)
JulieWunder says
Oh! I feel for ya!! Sleeping in makes me happier too!
Mary says
Great tips, Julie! I especially agree with #2. It's so important to get organized the night before. When I don't, my day seems to get away from me and feel much more overwhelming. And yes, Fake it until you make it, a mantra I live by 🙂 xox-M
JulieWunder says
I totally agree!
Jamie says
Sometimes I wake up grumpy if I feel overwhelmed from the moment my alarm goes off. Prepping lunch the night before and cleaning up best I can before I go to bed usually helps me start the day off on the right foot and stress free 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me too! Dishes in the sink are a big trigger for me!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I think a sunlamp (one of the ones that slowly makes the room brighter) would help me wake up happier. Getting up in the dark is ROUGH! haha
JulieWunder says
It is!!!! I did it for years and it was not fun. I'm not looking forward to the days getting shorter.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I think that people forget how powerful simply smiling can be. It is a psychologically proven fact that smiling can help you feel happier!
JulieWunder says
It's so true! I practically built my career of it by accident 🙂
Annmarie says
Absolutely awesome tips! I HAVE to stop checking my email/social media when I wake up- such a bad habit!
JulieWunder says
I can't tell you how many times I've been in a funk within 5 minutes of waking up. I feel like if you can at least get a good hour in, you are more equipped to handle what is in there! My old job was notorious for the WORST e-mails in the morning.
Joanna @Makingmine says
Snooze is the bane of my existence! My husband and I set separate alarms and both snooze FOREVER! We end up getting really bad sleep, haha! Totally not worth it! Waking up happy sets the whole tone for the day - great post!
JulieWunder says
My husband uses it and it drives me crazy.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Not checking e-mail is a big one! I try not to check my e-mail in the mornings until I get to work. Otherwise, I will be dreading going in the whole morning.
I try to do something just for me in the mornings too whether it's some time on Facebook, blogging or watching a little tv.
JulieWunder says
That's a great tip. Makes the day seem more yours.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I agree hitting the snooze button does not help me at all and makes me more tired. Coffee! Coffee helps 🙂
JulieWunder says
It's like happy juice 🙂
Blane Sherer says
I imagine you would be a morning person . I bet you are much
happier now being a reasonably-timed morning person instead
of getting up at 0200 when you were at WLOS.
JulieWunder says
Yes, very true!
Danielle says
Great tips! I totally agree with the fake it till you make it one!
JulieWunder says
It sounds so silly, but it works.