mornings

How to be Happy First Thing in the Morning
by William McCamment on July 10, 2009

I have discovered the secret to being happy first thing in the morning and, surprisingly, it has nothing to do with getting to work early and hiding a family of radioactive badgers under your boss’ desk.

I’m always happy in the morning–even when I lived in Wisconsin and had to get up at 2:30 a.m. so I could have time to scrape ice off my 1988 Nissan Pulsar and drive 60 miles through nearly-fictional weather in order to get to my crummy little job.

I realize I’m probably not normal, but here are a few things I’ve learned that should help most people reduce their morning grumpiness:

1. Give Yourself Extra Time And Do Something Fun In The Morning

I know a lot of you would rather be mauled by dingos than have to get up any earlier, but giving yourself extra time in the morning will take that “rushed” feeling away and reduce the tension level by several degrees. I give myself a full hour before I even have to start getting ready. Usually, I spend it relaxing with a large cup of coffee and plotting a bank heist surfing the internet.

2. Learn To Get Up Before The Alarm Goes Off

Waking up to a screeching alarm is the surest way to inspire a killing spree. I’ve trained myself to wake up an hour before the alarm goes off and, seriously, it is the best advice in this whole article (don’t forget to shut off the alarm when you get out of bed though!).

3. Avoid Chore-Style Work First Thing In The Morning

Sure, you’ll have to feed the cats to stop their relentless yowling, but doing things like answering emails or shellacking patio furniture is way too much like work. Engage only in mindless, low-level activities such as watching squirrel videos or reading Dead Rooster.

4. Stay Away From The News

Trust me, if the world was vaporized by a runaway asteroid, someone would have told you.

5. Do Something Nice For A Random Person

Look for an opportunity to do something nice for someone. This is not only one of the most uplifting things you can do for yourself, but it might even cause a chain-reaction brightening the days of dozens of people you’ll never even meet. Give it a try and see how good it makes you feel.

Being happy first thing in the morning is important because it sets the tone for your entire day. Work on the morning and, I promise you, the rest of your day will have a much better chance of turning out great