Sure, everyone would love to wake up feeling as peppy as Elle Woods, but that's not always the case. Sometimes you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and nothing can make it right. Mornings are important because they are the foundation of your entire day. You need a strong foundation to carry the weight of what the day may offer. Therefore, if you are in a positive mood and feel motivated, you'll be more likely to handle things with ease. On the other side, if you are feeling pessimistic with your glass half empty, you will run the risk of seeing things in a negative light throughout the day.
Now, it's fine to have those not-so-happy days once in awhile. But, if you realize you're having a difficult time starting your day off in a positive way, it's time to change things up. Being a Negative Nancy/Nick can only last for so long. Having studied counseling psychology and worked with many individuals with a wide-range of struggles in therapy, I know how hard it is to have a good day when it seems like the world is out to get you. Therefore, we must do whatever we can, even if they are small steps. Those small steps will lead you in the right, and happy direction.
1. Have Some Morning Sex
Let's face it: One way to avoid waking up on the wrong side of the bed is by waking up to an orgasm. Morning sex is a great way for you to get in a workout and some loving time with your mate. According to the Daily Mail, morning sex can even build up your immune system. Dr. Herbenick, author of the book Because It Feels Good, said, "Morning sex can strengthen your immune system for the day by enhancing your levels of IgA, an antibody that protects against infection" In other words, morning sex everyday can keep the doctor away. Or something like that. You'll feel reinvigorated and relaxed after you get down before even heading off to work.
2. Have Two Cups Of Coffee — Not Just One
There's nothing like a bit of coffee to get your morning going. In fact, it's so nice, you should have it twice. A Harvard School of Public Health study suggested that it's beneficial to have two to four cups of coffee a day. The study implied that coffee helps produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which can lower depression and ultimately risk of suicide. Plus, the caffeine will be sure to wake you right up and put that extra pep in your step. I'm a little biased, as I'm one of those "don't talk to me before I've had my cup of coffee" kind of people, but the fact remains: If coffee can help you stay up and write a final paper for class or help you with your work presentation, then it will make your morning just a little bit better, too. And while you're at it, pour that coffee into a funny coffee mug to make that cup a little sweater.
3. Read Happy News
Reading the news in the morning can be kind of a downer. Even though it's important to know what's going on in the world, it can be quite a serious and depressing way to start off your day. Instead, try and find some happy news. Just simply Google "happy news," and the world is your oyster. Even when you're looking at your normal news blogs you visit, only click on the titles that appear uplifting.
4. Text Someone You Love
Reaching out to someone you love or care about to say "Good morning" is a great way to start any day. You will not only make another person feel loved and happy, but you'll probably get a cute emoji back too. We often only text our romantic partners in the morning, but why not text a bestie? My best friend and I text every morning and it never gets old, nor do the heart-eye emojis we send each other.
5. Get Some Sunshine
If you've got a backyard or a balcony, then soak up some early morning to sunshine to get your boost. A little bit of vitamin D can go a long way. Not only can it put you in a better mood, but according to a research article published in Environmental Health Perspectives, it also has the benefit of reducing your risk for certain cancers. So, drink that morning cup of joe in the sunshine and take in how beautiful mother nature is. That will surely brighten up your day — literally.
6. Work Out
If you need a little bit of help enhancing your day, you should call upon your endorphins. Rally yourself and get in a morning workout. Whether it's walking around your neighborhood, doing yoga, or sweating your butt off at the gym, you will be happy you put in that extra effort. You're not only increasing your metabolism and burning calories even after your morning workout, according to Greatist, but you're also increasing the likelihood of a better day ahead.
7. Be Nice To Yourself
Doing something for others is great, but why not do something nice for yourself too? Treat yourself to a morning treat. I hear a donut calling your name. Or why not say something sweet to yourself in the mirror before you head out the door? They say you should treat others how you want to be treated, but it starts with you.
8. Listen To Your Favorite Tunes
Listen to music in the morning that will make your ears and mind happy. Create different playlists for various moods. Maybe one morning you want all positive songs to really get yourself out of a bad mood. And maybe another morning you'll be digging the '90s tunes. According to Greatist, not only can music soothe your soul and reduce stress, but it can also turn a frown upside down and make your day better. There's nothing like a Beyonce song to get you out of a bad mood.
9. Have A Full Breakfast
A delicious breakfast can fix anything, in my opinion. Any morning would be a little lackluster if you haven't had anything to eat. Start your day off right with a tasty and nutritious treat. Personally, I feel like a queen after I've had an everything bagel. Not only will you be happier because you won't be "hangry," but your body will be thanking you too.
There are going to be annoying and frustrating things that happen in our day, but if we can start our mornings out on the right foot, you'll be better prepared for any storms that come in.
