Happiness, joy, and peace – aren’t these what we all strive for?

I’m Lachlan Brown, the Hack Spirit founder and a mindfulness/Buddhism expert, and I’m here to tell you that the key to achieving these emotions might just be in how you start your day.

Morning routines can be transformative, and the right ones can set you on a path to a happier, more joyful existence.

But what are these “right” routines?

I’ve come up with a list of 8 things to do every morning if you want to boost your happiness and joy quotient.

And these aren’t just random suggestions, but tried and tested methods based on mindfulness and Buddhist principles.

Let’s get started. 

1) Start with mindfulness

When it comes to kick-starting your day on a positive note, mindfulness should be your first port of call.

Mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism, is all about being present and fully engaged in the moment. It’s about silencing the incessant chatter in your mind and focusing on the here and now.

This might sound simple, but in our fast-paced, always-on world, it’s easier said than done. However, practicing mindfulness first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of your day.

Take a few minutes after you wake up to simply sit and breathe. Pay attention to your breath, how it feels as you inhale and exhale. Notice the sensations in your body, the sounds around you. Be fully present.

Starting your day with mindfulness not only brings calmness but also helps you approach the day with a fresh, clear perspective. It allows you to face whatever comes your way with equanimity and grace.

It’s not about eliminating negative thoughts or feelings but acknowledging them without judgment. This mindful start can make an enormous difference in cultivating happiness and joy each morning. And who knows? It might just set you on a path to a more joyful existence.

2) Cultivate gratitude

One practice that has profoundly impacted my own life is cultivating gratitude every morning. It’s a simple act with profound effects.

Gratitude, in essence, is about appreciating the good things in your life. It’s about acknowledging the blessings, however big or small they may be. This practice helps shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, fostering positivity and joy.

Every morning, take a moment to write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things; even the simplest things like a warm cup of coffee or a peaceful morning can make the list.

As Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Zen master and mindfulness expert, once said: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

Gratitude helps us realize this miracle, allowing us to truly ‘feel alive’ and experience the joy of being in the present moment. Cultivating gratitude each morning is an essential step towards becoming a happier, more joyful person.

3) Embrace impermanence

A core tenet of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence. Nothing lasts forever, be it good or bad. This understanding can have a profound impact on how we view our lives and the world around us.

We often get caught up in our struggles, feeling that our problems are permanent. But the truth is, they aren’t. Just like the seasons change, our circumstances do too. By reminding ourselves of this every morning, we can cultivate a sense of peace and resilience.

Similarly, we also need to remember that our happy moments aren’t permanent. This isn’t meant to be pessimistic but to encourage us to truly cherish and appreciate these moments while they last.

Buddhism teaches us that clinging to anything – be it joy or sorrow – leads to suffering. So, instead of clinging, we should learn to appreciate and let go.

Every morning, remind yourself of the impermanence of life. It may seem bleak at first, but this understanding can help you navigate life with more grace and less fear, making room for more happiness and joy.

4) Practice mindful eating

The way we eat can have a surprising effect on our happiness and joy. Mindful eating is a practice that encourages us to pay full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body.

In our fast-paced world, meals can often become another task we rush through. We eat while working, watching TV, or scrolling through our phones. This not only leads to overeating and unhealthy food choices but also robs us of the joy of enjoying our meals.

Mindful eating is about slowing down and truly savoring your food. It’s about noticing the colors, smells, flavors, and textures of your food. It’s about listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

Starting your day with mindful eating helps you cultivate a deeper connection with your body and your food. It makes eating an act of self-care rather than just another task.

Tomorrow morning, take the time to sit down and truly enjoy your breakfast. Be present in the moment, savor each bite, and listen to your body. This simple act can set the right tone for the rest of your day, paving the way for happiness and joy.

5) Live with impact, not ego

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey into mindfulness and Buddhism, it’s the importance of living with impact and minimizing the ego. It’s a concept I delve into in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

Ego, in Buddhism, is seen as a source of suffering. It’s our ego that keeps us stuck in our own perspectives, unable to empathize with others or see the bigger picture. On the other hand, living with impact means making choices that not only benefit us but also those around us.

Every morning, ask yourself: “How can I make a positive impact today?” It could be as simple as being kind to a stranger or as big as making a significant decision at work that benefits everyone.

By focusing on impact rather than ego, we can lead more fulfilling lives and contribute positively to the world around us. This shift in perspective can undoubtedly lead to a happier and more joyful existence.

For those interested in exploring this concept further, I invite you to check out my book on Amazon. It’s filled with insights and practical tips on how to integrate Buddhist teachings into your everyday life.

6) Practice compassion

Compassion is a cornerstone of both Buddhism and mindfulness. It’s about understanding the suffering of others and wanting to alleviate it. But compassion isn’t just about others; it’s also about being kind to ourselves.

Many of us are our own harshest critics. We judge ourselves more harshly than we would ever judge others. This self-criticism can be a significant barrier to our happiness and joy.

Every morning, take a moment to extend some compassion towards yourself. Recognize your struggles, your efforts, and your achievements. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would treat a friend.

At the same time, think about how you can extend this compassion to others in your day. Maybe it’s by lending a listening ear, offering help, or simply being kinder in your interactions.

Remember, compassion isn’t just good for those receiving it; it also brings immense joy to those giving it. So make compassion a part of your daily morning routine, and watch how it transforms your day and your life.

7) Set mindful intentions

Setting intentions is a powerful way to guide your day. Unlike goals, which focus on future outcomes, intentions are about how you want to be in the present moment.

Every morning, take a moment to set an intention for your day. It could be something like “Today, I intend to be patient” or “Today, I choose kindness”. These mindful intentions can serve as a compass for your actions and reactions throughout the day.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, said: “Intentionality fuels the master’s journey; every master is a master of vision.”

Setting mindful intentions each morning can help you become a ‘master of vision’, guiding your actions and helping you live more consciously and intentionally.

Remember, it’s not about achieving anything; it’s about being present and aligning your actions with your values. This simple practice can significantly enhance your sense of happiness and joy.

8) Embrace silence

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and information, silence can seem unsettling. We’re so used to the noise that we often fill any silence with distractions. But did you know that embracing silence could be a powerful way to enhance your happiness and joy?

Silence, in mindfulness, is seen as a space for reflection and introspection. It’s a time to disconnect from the external world and connect with your inner self.

Starting your morning with a few moments of silence can have profound effects on your mental wellbeing. It allows you to clear your mind, reduce stress, and start your day on a calm note.

Conclusion

Tomorrow morning, before you reach for your phone or turn on the TV, sit in silence for a few minutes. You’d be surprised at how this simple act can transform your day and contribute to your journey towards becoming a happier, more joyful person.

There you have it – eight things to start doing every morning if you want to become a happier, more joyful person. Remember, the journey towards joy and happiness isn’t a race; it’s a path of self-discovery and growth. Take it one day, one morning at a time.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into these concepts and exploring the wisdom of Buddhism, I invite you to read my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s packed with insights and practical tips on how to integrate Buddhist teachings into your daily life.

You can find it on Amazon. Here’s to your journey towards a happier, more joyful existence!