There’s a clear distinction between wanting to be happier and actually taking the steps to become so.

The difference? It’s all about routine. If you’ve been seeking more joy in your life, it might just be hiding in the first few hours of your day.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness expert, I can tell you that incorporating certain practices into your morning can be transformative.

If you’re ready to step into a brighter, happier version of yourself within 60 days, start with these 8 morning habits.

1) Mindful mornings

The first moments after you wake up can often set the tone for the rest of your day. It’s easy to roll out of bed and immediately plunge into the chaos of emails, social media, and to-do lists. But taking a few minutes for yourself can make a world of difference.

From my perspective, mindfulness is a powerful way to start your day on a positive note.

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, focusing on your current experience rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

When you wake up, instead of reaching for your phone, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and focus on your senses. What can you hear? What can you feel? What can you smell?

This simple practice can ground you, reducing stress and promoting feelings of peace and contentment. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your happiness.

2) Gratitude journaling

Another habit I swear by is gratitude journaling. It’s a practice that has reshaped my mornings and, in turn, my overall sense of well-being.

Gratitude journaling can be as simple as listing three things you’re thankful for each morning. These don’t have to be monumental. They can be as small as a hot cup of coffee or the sound of birds chirping.

This habit creates a positive mindset first thing in the morning, which can carry on throughout your day.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Zen master and mindfulness expert, once said, “If we are not happy, if we are not peaceful, we cannot share peace and happiness with others.”

Before you step into the world and interact with others, take a few minutes to appreciate what’s good in your life. You’ll be surprised how this simple act can boost your happiness within just 60 days.

3) Embracing impermanence

One of the key tenets of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence – the idea that all things are transient and ever-changing. This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when we crave consistency and predictability in our lives.

But here’s the hard truth: Clinging to the desire for permanence often brings us suffering. We stress over changes in our lives, fear the unknown, and grieve for what we’ve lost.

Instead, try embracing the idea of impermanence each morning. Reflect on the fact that each new day brings change – some good, some challenging, but all part of life’s ebb and flow.

This doesn’t mean we should be passive or indifferent to life’s events. Instead, it’s about accepting change as a part of life and finding peace within that acceptance.

Practicing this kind of acceptance each morning can help you navigate your day with a sense of calm and resilience, leading to a greater sense of happiness in the long run. 

4) Mindful eating

Often, we treat eating as just another task to get through in our busy morning rush. We scarf down breakfast while checking emails or skip it altogether in favor of an extra few minutes of sleep.

But there’s a different way to approach this essential activity – through mindful eating.

Mindful eating is the practice of fully focusing on your food – its taste, texture, and how it makes you feel. It’s about appreciating each bite, rather than mindlessly consuming your meal.

This practice not only enhances the enjoyment of food but also promotes healthier eating habits and fosters a deeper connection with your body and its needs.

In the beginning, it might feel strange or even challenging to eat mindfully, especially when you’re used to multitasking. But give it time – these moments of mindfulness at the start of your day can lead to a more centered and happier you.

5) Daily meditation

One of the most transformative habits I’ve developed is a simple 5-minute daily meditation.

This practice has been pivotal in helping me quiet my mind and stay grounded in the present moment.

It may sound small, but this routine has had a profound impact on my ability to focus and find peace amidst the chaos of daily life.

I personally practice candle meditation, which is a fantastic way to enhance focus. It’s easy to get started: you sit in a quiet space, light a candle, and simply gaze at the flame.

As you watch it, your mind naturally begins to clear, and you’re able to focus on the present.

Whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to the flame. This simple exercise can quickly calm a busy mind and train your ability to concentrate.

Even just 5 minutes each day can make a noticeable difference. It’s not about how long you meditate—it’s about consistency. If you’re looking to make a small change that can have a big impact on your mental clarity and well-being, daily meditation is a powerful tool to consider.

For those who are new to meditation or want to delve deeper into its practice, my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego offers practical tips and insights gleaned from years of study and practice. It’s a great resource for those willing to embark on this journey towards increased happiness.

6) Letting go of expectations

This might be a hard one to swallow, but it’s crucial: let go of your expectations. We often start our days with a mental checklist of how things should go. We expect to have a productive day at work, to have a perfect workout, or to have flawless interactions with others.

But life is unpredictable. Things don’t always go as planned. And when reality doesn’t meet our expectations, we feel disappointed, stressed, and unhappy.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of letting go and accepting life as it unfolds. It encourages us to approach each day with an open mind, free from preconceived notions and expectations.

This doesn’t mean you should not have goals or ambitions. It simply means you should not let your happiness depend on them.

Tomorrow morning, try this: instead of waking up with a rigid plan for how your day should go, let it unfold naturally. Embrace the surprises and challenges that come your way. You might find that this simple shift in mindset leads to greater happiness and peace in the long run.

7) Practicing compassion

It’s easy to get caught up in our own challenges and forget about the struggles others may be facing. But one of the most rewarding practices we can adopt is that of compassion.

Compassion is more than just feeling sympathy for others. It’s about understanding their pain and wanting to help alleviate it. It begins with acknowledging our shared human experience – we all face difficulties, and we all strive for happiness.

As the Dalai Lama famously said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Start your day by wishing well for others. It could be a loved one, a colleague, or even a stranger. This simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect, encouraging more compassionate acts throughout your day.

8) Embracing stillness

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the idea of doing nothing can seem counterintuitive. We’re often conditioned to believe that busyness equals productivity and success. But the truth is, constant busyness can lead to stress, burnout, and ultimately, unhappiness.

Mindfulness teaches us the value of stillness. It’s in these quiet moments that we can truly connect with ourselves, reflect on our thoughts and feelings, and recharge our minds.

Starting tomorrow morning, set aside a few minutes for stillness. This could mean quietly sipping your coffee with no distractions, sitting in your garden and listening to the sounds of nature, or simply sitting in a comfortable spot and allowing your mind to wander.

You might find it challenging at first, especially if you’re used to being constantly on the go. But over time, you’ll start to appreciate these moments of calm and see their positive impact on your happiness.

Conclusion

Incorporating these eight practices into your morning routine won’t magically transform you into a perpetually happy person overnight. But over time, they can significantly improve your overall happiness and well-being.

Remember, it’s about consistency. It’s about making small, positive changes every day that add up to big results over time. And don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two – the key is to keep going.

For those seeking deeper understanding and practical tips on mindfulness and Buddhism, my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego offers insights that can help you navigate life with more peace, understanding, and happiness.

So here’s to happier mornings, and ultimately, a happier life. Give these practices a try for the next 60 days, and see the transformative power they can have on your life.