It’s a universal truth that how you start your day can significantly impact how the rest of it unfolds.
Let’s be real, who wants to kick off their day on a stressful note?
Unfortunately, some of our morning habits could be doing just that, turning our day into a rollercoaster of stress and anxiety.
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As it turns out, psychology has quite a bit to say about these habits and their effects.
In this article, I’m going to reveal seven morning habits that, according to psychology, might be instantly adding stress to your day.
Trust me, you’ll want to break these habits faster than you can say ‘caffeine fix’.
Grab your morning coffee (or tea), and let’s dive into some science-backed insight that could help make your mornings (and the rest of your day) a whole lot smoother:
1) Skipping breakfast
We’ve all heard the old saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
But how many of us actually heed this advice?
Skipping breakfast is one habit that could be fuelling your daily stress. When we skip breakfast, we’re essentially running on empty. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and an inability to concentrate.
Not exactly a recipe for a stress-free day, right?
Whether it’s a quick smoothie or a full English breakfast, make sure you’re fuelling your body (and brain) for the day ahead.
Your breakfast sets the tone for your entire day. After all, it’s about making conscious choices that will energise you and reduce stress levels as your day unfolds.
2) Checking emails and social media immediately
I have a confession to make: I used to start my day by reaching for my phone and scrolling through emails and social media notifications before I’d even left my bed.
Sound familiar?
But then I noticed how this habit often left me feeling overwhelmed and stressed first thing in the morning. Instead of waking up refreshed, I found myself already worrying about workloads, deadlines, and online dramas.
When we dive straight into the digital world before we’ve had a chance to fully wake up, we’re setting ourselves up for a day of stress and anxiety. We’re faced with demands, expectations, and information overload all before our first sip of coffee.
Starting our day mindfully, rather than diving straight into the digital chaos, is a process that can lead us towards less stress and more peace.
Now, instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning, I take a few moments to stretch, breathe deeply, and mentally prepare myself for the day ahead.
3) Hitting the snooze button
How many of us are guilty of hitting that snooze button once, twice, or even thrice every morning?
I’ll hold my hand up because I’ve been there! It’s a common ritual but, according to psychology, it could be contributing to our daily stress.
Here’s the raw and honest truth: Hitting the snooze button doesn’t give us more restful sleep.
Instead, it confuses our bodies and disrupts our sleep cycle.
Each time we hit snooze and drift back to sleep, we’re starting a new sleep cycle that we won’t have time to finish.
This results in feeling groggy and disoriented, a state known as ‘sleep inertia’, which can last for hours.
Tomorrow morning, when the temptation to hit snooze creeps in, try to resist.
Getting out of bed might feel like a Herculean task at that moment, but your future self will thank you for it.
4) Neglecting physical activity
The thought of jumping out of bed and straight into a workout might sound like a nightmare for some of us, but hear me out.
Studies have shown that morning exercise can significantly reduce anxiety and stress as a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that people who engaged in physical activity had a reduced risk of depressive symptoms.
Even a quick ten-minute stretch or a brisk walk around the block can release endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel-good hormones’, which can boost your mood and start your day on a positive note.
Why not trade in that extra snooze time for some gentle physical activity? It might just make the difference between a stressful day and a productive one.
It’s not about the intensity of the workout, but rather making movement a part of your morning routine.
5) Rushing through your morning
How often do you find yourself rushing through your morning routine, trying to get out the door as quickly as possible? That was me, not too long ago.
Rushing creates a sense of urgency and stress that can carry on throughout the day; this constant hurry can elevate our heart rate, increase blood pressure and trigger the body’s stress response.
The result? A day filled with needless stress and tension.
By choosing to slow down our mornings, we can set a more relaxed and positive tone for the rest of our day.
Take your time and enjoy your breakfast, listen to some calming music, or simply sit quietly with your morning cuppa.
Trust me, the world can wait a few extra minutes.
6) Loading up on caffeine
Now, this might come as a surprise to many of us who rely on that morning cup of coffee or tea to kick-start our day. But hear me out.
While caffeine can give us a quick energy boost, it can also increase levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
Yes, that invigorating cup of coffee might actually be heightening our stress levels without us realizing it.
Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
In this case, our dependence on caffeine might be a reflection of our struggle to manage stress and fatigue.
7) Ignoring mindfulness
Mindfulness might seem like a buzzword these days, but it truly works wonders when it comes to managing stress.
Ignorance towards mindfulness, especially in the morning, can rob us of peace and pave the way for a stressful day.
By incorporating mindfulness into our morning routine, we can cultivate a sense of calm that carries us throughout the day.
Why not give mindfulness a try? Even a few minutes of focused breathing can make a difference.
Your mornings deserve that peace.
Final reflections
The beauty of our morning habits is that they’re entirely within our control. We have the power to shape our mornings in a way that sets a positive tone for the rest of our day.
Whether it’s taking time to enjoy breakfast, avoiding the lure of emails and social media, or simply pausing for a moment of mindfulness, each decision can contribute to a less stressful day.
Remember, it’s about making small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on our stress levels and overall wellbeing.
As you head into tomorrow, consider which habits you might want to change—a less stressful day could just be a morning routine away!
Credit: www.experteditor.com.au
