7 things unhappy people do every morning without realizing it, according to psychology

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | January 18, 2025, 6:32 am

There’s a surprising link between our daily habits and our emotional state.

Unconsciously, we may be doing things every morning that set us up for a day of feeling unhappy, not realizing the impact they’re having on our mood.

Psychology tells us that certain behaviors can play a huge role in determining whether we start our day feeling upbeat or downcast.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 of these behaviors that unhappy people often engage in without even realizing it.

By recognizing these habits, you can take steps to change your morning routine and potentially shift your entire emotional outlook.

1) Hitting the snooze button

Who doesn’t love the allure of those extra few minutes in bed?

However, according to psychology, hitting the snooze button can actually set up your day for unhappiness.

When we wake up and go back to sleep, we’re actually disrupting our natural sleep cycle. This can result in feeling groggy and tired throughout the day, not exactly the recipe for a joyful start.

Moreover, this habit also pushes back our morning routine, often leading to rushing around, increased stress levels and a negative outlook on the day ahead.

While it might feel like a morning luxury, hitting the snooze button is one of those unconscious behaviors that can contribute to our unhappiness without us even realizing it.

Remember, how we start our day often sets the tone for the rest of it. So do consider swapping out that snooze button habit for an earlier bedtime.

2) Skipping breakfast

I’m guilty of this one, I’ll admit it. There were times when, in the rush of getting everything ready for the day, I would skip breakfast altogether.

According to psychology, this isn’t the best way to start your day. Breakfast, after all, is considered the most important meal of the day for a reason. It kickstarts our metabolism and gives our bodies the energy we need to function optimally.

When I was skipping breakfast, not only was I leaving my body without proper fuel, but I also noticed that my mood would take a nosedive by mid-morning. I’d feel irritable and unable to focus properly on my tasks.

It took me a while to realize the connection between my skipped breakfast and my mood. But once I did, I made it a point to prioritize a healthy breakfast every morning. And trust me, it made a significant difference in how I felt throughout the day.

If you’re skipping breakfast regularly, you might be setting yourself up for morning unhappiness without even realizing it.

3) Neglecting physical activity

We’ve all heard about the benefits of exercise, but did you know that incorporating physical activity in your morning routine can significantly impact your happiness levels?

Research shows that physical activity releases endorphins, our body’s natural mood boosters. Even a short morning walk or a simple yoga routine can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

However, many unhappy people tend to neglect this crucial part of their morning routine. Instead of kick-starting their day with some movement, they might spend extra time in bed or get straight to work, missing out on the mood-enhancing benefits of exercise.

So if you’re not already incorporating some form of physical activity into your mornings, it might be time to start. It could be just what you need to turn those morning blues around.

4) Overloading on caffeine

Coffee. It’s the morning savior for some, and a comfort ritual for others. However, starting your day with an overload of caffeine can be counterproductive.

Sure, it gives you that initial jolt of energy, but it’s temporary. Once the caffeine wears off, you’re left feeling drained and might even experience a crash in energy levels.

Psychology suggests that this pattern can contribute to feelings of unhappiness. When your body is constantly fluctuating between high energy levels and crashes, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and irritability.

Instead, consider swapping out that extra cup of coffee for a hydrating glass of water or a nutritious smoothie. You might be surprised at how much more balanced and energized you feel throughout the day.

5) Ignoring self-care

There was a time when my mornings were all about rushing – getting dressed, preparing meals, ticking off tasks. I was so consumed by my to-do list that I completely overlooked one crucial aspect – self-care.

Ignoring self-care, particularly in the mornings, can set us up for unhappiness. This can include anything from neglecting personal hygiene to skipping mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling.

When I ignored self-care, I felt more stressed and less balanced. My days seemed more chaotic, and I often felt like I was just going through the motions rather than truly living.

However, when I started prioritizing self-care in my mornings – taking time to meditate, jot down my thoughts, or even just enjoy a hot shower – everything changed. My days felt more centered, and I felt happier overall.

So if you’re rushing through your mornings without taking any time for yourself, it might be contributing to your unhappiness more than you realize.

6) Dwelling on negative thoughts

Our thoughts first thing in the morning can set the tone for our entire day.

Unfortunately, some people start their day by dwelling on negative thoughts. They might worry about a pending task, replay a past argument, or stress over an upcoming event.

This pattern of negative thinking can create a cycle of unhappiness. It not only saps your energy but also prevents you from appreciating the new day and opportunities ahead.

Instead, try to replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations or goals for the day. It may seem small, but this shift in mindset can make a big difference in your overall mood and outlook.

7) Isolating themselves

Human beings are social creatures. We crave connection and interaction, even if it’s just a brief chat with a neighbor or a good morning text to a friend.

However, some people start their mornings in total isolation, avoiding any form of social interaction. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and unhappiness.

Remember, even the smallest interactions can have a significant impact on our mood. So try not to isolate yourself first thing in the morning. Instead, make an effort to connect with someone – it might just give your happiness levels a boost.