If you want to become a happier person next year, start doing these 8 things every morning

We all desire happiness, don’t we? But sometimes, achieving it feels like a massive task. However, it all comes down to how you start your day.

Starting your day right sets the tone for the rest of it. Think of it as a ripple effect.

If you want to become a happier person next year (or even sooner!), there are specific actions you can take every morning.

In this article, I’m going to share with you eight things you should start doing each morning to kickstart a day full of happiness. These are simple, practical steps that can make a big difference.

Let’s dive in.

1) Start your day with positivity

The power of positivity is undeniable. It’s like the first ray of sunshine that can light up your entire day.

Every morning, make it a point to start your day on a positive note. It could be anything – a positive affirmation, a gratitude journal, or simply a happy thought.

It might seem insignificant, but these small acts of positivity will slowly but surely transform your mindset.

When we wake up with a positive mindset, we are setting ourselves up for a day filled with happiness and joy. We are essentially telling our brains to focus on the good stuff.

2) Engage in physical activity

Physical activity is a fantastic mood booster. It’s a fact that’s backed by science but also something I’ve experienced first hand.

I remember a time when I used to start my day feeling sluggish and low on energy. It was a struggle to get out of bed, let alone get through the day.

Then, I decided to make a change. I started incorporating a quick 15-minute workout into my morning routine. It wasn’t anything intense – just simple stretching exercises and a brisk walk around my neighborhood.

And boy, did it make a difference!

Now, I start my day feeling energized and ready to take on whatever comes my way. That sluggish feeling? It’s a thing of the past.

3) Hydrate first thing in the morning

While we sleep, our bodies are in a state of dehydration. So, it’s no surprise that starting your day with a glass of water can make you feel more alert and refreshed.

But here’s something you might not know: drinking water on an empty stomach can help flush your kidneys of toxins and reduce bloating.

So, before you reach for that morning cup of coffee, consider starting with a glass of water instead. It’s a small change to your routine, but it can make a big difference in your physical well-being and overall mood.

4) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism. It’s all about being fully present in the moment, conscious of where we are and what we’re doing.

Practicing mindfulness every morning, even for a few minutes, can drastically reduce stress and increase happiness.

It’s a principle I discuss at length in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I delve into the power of mindfulness and other Buddhist principles that can help you lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

So tomorrow morning, instead of rushing through your routine, take a moment to be present. Savor your morning coffee, enjoy the quiet, focus on your breath.

You’ll be amazed at how such a simple act can have a profound impact on your mood for the rest of the day!

5) Unplug from technology

In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of emails, social media updates, and news alerts from the moment we wake up. I’ve been there, and it’s not the best way to start your day.

So, I made a conscious decision to unplug from technology for the first hour of my morning. No phone, no laptop, no TV – just me and my thoughts.

I can’t begin to express how liberating it feels. Instead of starting my day feeling overwhelmed by information and notifications, I now begin with a sense of calm and clarity.

Try unplugging from technology as part of your morning routine. It might be hard at first, but the peace and tranquility you’ll experience are worth it. You’ll be surprised at how much happier and more centered you’ll feel.

6) Embrace a little discomfort

This might sound counter-intuitive, but bear with me.

Not every morning is going to be perfect. Sometimes, you’ll wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling grumpy or anxious. And that’s okay.

Instead of trying to immediately shake off these feelings, allow yourself to sit with them for a moment. Acknowledge them without judgement.

This practice of embracing discomfort can actually lead to personal growth and increased happiness over time. It teaches us resilience, acceptance and gives us the opportunity to confront our feelings instead of trying to avoid or suppress them.

So next time you wake up feeling a little off, remember: it’s okay to not be okay. Embrace the discomfort, and you’ll come out stronger and happier on the other side.

7) Set a daily intention

Setting a daily intention can be a powerful way to start your day. It’s like setting a compass for your day, guiding your actions and decisions.

Your intention could be anything – to be more patient, to practice gratitude, to stay focused on your tasks, or even to find joy in the little things.

Having this clear intention in mind when you start your day can influence your mindset and behavior throughout the day. You’ll find yourself making more conscious choices that align with your intention, leading to increased happiness and fulfillment.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about striving towards becoming the best version of yourself, one day at a time. So set your daily intention every morning, and watch how it transforms your day.

8) Cultivate gratitude

Above all, cultivate gratitude. It’s perhaps the most important thing you can do to kickstart your happiness each morning.

The act of acknowledging and appreciating what you have in life can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. This simple shift in perspective can bring about a profound sense of contentment and joy.

You don’t need grand gestures to practice gratitude. It can be as simple as jotting down three things you’re grateful for each morning, or taking a moment to appreciate the warmth of your morning coffee.

Gratitude has the power to transform ordinary moments into blessings. So start each day with a grateful heart, and watch as your happiness blossoms.

Final thoughts: Happiness is a journey

Happiness isn’t a destination, but a daily journey. It’s about creating, embracing, and appreciating the little moments that bring joy to our lives.

Every morning presents a new opportunity to cultivate happiness. It’s not about grand gestures or drastic changes, but the small, consistent steps that we take every day.

Incorporating these eight practices into your morning routine could be the key to unlocking a happier you next year or even sooner. These are habits that I’ve personally found to be transformative, and I delve deeper into them in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.

Remember, the power to shape your happiness lies within you. So start each morning with intention, gratitude, and positivity – because true happiness stems from within.

And as you embark on this journey towards happiness, remember to be patient with yourself. Change takes time. But trust me, it’s worth it. Because there’s no greater joy than waking up every morning knowing that you’re on the path to becoming a happier version of yourself.

Recent content