How to Start the Day Happier

As your day begins, so it will continue. That's not a solid guarantee, but it can be a pretty accurate indicator. There are things you can do, no matter how your life is going, to start your day happier and be better prepared to cope with what the rest of the day brings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Set your internal or external alarm clock to wake up 15 minutes before you need to get out of bed. Just not having to leap up and rush into your day can make you happier.
2. Spend time visualizing the day in front of you before you get up. Relax and imagine successfully accomplishing all the things you need to do today, or having fun at the theme park with your friends, or passing your math test or learning your new karate move. Whatever you plan for today, visualize yourself doing it well and happily.
3. Stretch like a cat. Extend your arms and legs as far as you can. Arch your back. Stretch and flex your fingers and feet. Roll your head from side to side. Then let all your muscles go limp and enjoy the relaxed sensation for a minute or two before getting up.
4. Eat breakfast. You'll have more energy and steadier blood sugar through the morning, physical conditions that help keep your mood up. If you can't face a heavy breakfast, start light--a small yogurt or a piece of toast with peanut butter and honey.
5. Walk, if you can. Even a short walk can get your blood and oxygen flowing and raise your energy, serotonin levels and mood. Walking has been shown to be a more effective mood elevator than prescription antidepressants.
6. Smile, whether you have reason to or not. It's an odd fact that for us humans, just as happiness can lead to smiling, smiling can lead to happiness. Fortunately, you don't have to understand how that works to make it work for you. Just do it. And enjoy your day!

Tips & Warnings

• Visualization helps teach our brains how to do things by setting up the proper nerve pathways. It's a proven tool in learning new skills and improving the outcome of your actions. The more detailed the imagery, the more effective it can be.
• Be sure to include some protein in your breakfast. A breakfast of simple sugars, like sweet coffee and a pastry, can drop blood sugar and make you feel both tired and depressed.