People who wake up feeling happy every morning avoid these 7 bedtime habits

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | November 22, 2024, 3:18 pm

Let me tell you, waking up feeling happy isn’t just about luck, it’s also about the habits we have before hitting the sack.

There’s a clear connection between our bedtime rituals and how we feel when we open our eyes to a new day.

It’s no coincidence that people who wake up full of joy tend to avoid certain night-time practices.

So, if you’re looking to start your day with a smile, here are some bedtime habits you might want to reconsider. Let’s dive in!

1) Late-night snacks

Oh, the allure of a late-night snack. We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing, people who wake up feeling refreshed and happy are often those who avoid eating late at night.

You see, munching on food late into the night can disrupt our sleep patterns. It keeps our body working when it should be resting and can lead to indigestion and discomfort.

And let’s be honest, it’s hard to feel cheery in the morning when you’ve spent the night tossing and turning, right?

2) Scrolling through social media

I must confess, I used to be a serial late-night scroller. You know, checking Instagram, Facebook, Twitter – you name it. But then I noticed something. On mornings after I’d spent hours on social media before bed, I’d wake up feeling more groggy and less upbeat.

Turns out, it wasn’t just me. Research also shows that screen time before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle and affect your mood the next day. The blue light emitted by our devices messes with our body’s production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

That’s why I made a change. I started putting my phone away an hour before bed. And guess what? The difference was immediate. I started waking up feeling more refreshed and happier.

If you’re also in the habit of scrolling through social media before bed, consider this: a ‘digital detox’ before sleep could be the key to waking up feeling happy every morning!

3) Drinking caffeine late in the day

A hot cup of coffee or tea late in the day can feel like a comforting ritual. However, this habit might be standing between you and a cheerful morning.

You see, caffeine has a half-life of about six hours. This means if you have a cup of coffee at 6 PM, around half of the caffeine will still be in your system at midnight.

And guess what caffeine does? It blocks the action of a sleep-inducing chemical in our brain, keeping us alert when we should be winding down.

So while that late afternoon coffee might seem harmless, it could be interfering with your sleep quality and affecting your mood the next day.

People who wake up feeling happy every morning often avoid caffeine late in the day. Perhaps it’s time to swap that evening coffee for a soothing herbal tea?

4) Neglecting a bedtime routine

We often think of bedtime routines as something for children, but they’re equally crucial for adults. Those who wake up feeling happy every morning usually have a consistent bedtime routine in place.

This doesn’t mean you need an elaborate ritual. It can be as simple as reading a book, meditating, or doing some light stretches before bed. The key is consistency.

Having a routine signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. It helps you transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to a calm and peaceful night, setting the stage for a happy morning.

5) Going to bed at inconsistent times

Ever noticed how you feel jet-lagged after a night of staying up later than usual? That’s because our bodies thrive on consistency, especially when it comes to sleep.

Our bodies follow a natural 24-hour cycle called the circadian rhythm. When we go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, we align with this rhythm, which helps us sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.

On the other hand, inconsistent sleep times can throw off our internal clock. This can lead to poor sleep quality and grumpy mornings.

People who wake up feeling happy every morning usually stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Try to hit the sack and rise at the same time every day – yes, even on weekends! Your body will thank you, and so will your mood.

6) Going to bed on a negative note

Life can be challenging, and some days are harder than others. But one thing that people who wake up feeling happy every morning tend to avoid is going to bed with a heavy heart.

Holding on to the stress of the day, unresolved arguments, or negative thoughts just before sleep can impact your sleep quality and your mood the next morning.

Each day is a fresh start. Try to leave the troubles of the day behind before you hit the sack. Perhaps you could practice gratitude, write in a journal, or simply take a few deep breaths to let go of any negativity.

A peaceful night’s sleep can make a world of difference. Tuck those worries away and wake up to a happier morning. You deserve it.

7) Working until late

There was a time when I’d find myself working late into the night, believing I was being productive. But I noticed that on those days, my mornings were less than stellar. I’d wake up feeling tired, groggy, and certainly not happy.

Work is important, but so is rest. Burning the midnight oil might seem like a good idea in the moment, but it can disrupt your sleep and affect your mood the next day.

Creating a clear boundary between work and rest can be crucial for waking up feeling happy every morning. It’s all about finding that balance.

A final thought

Sleep, as simple as it may seem, is a complex dance orchestrated by our brains and bodies. It’s a crucial pillar of our health and well-being, influencing not just how we feel when we wake up but also how we navigate our lives.

Those who wake up feeling happy every morning understand this. They respect their rest, nurturing good sleep habits and creating an environment conducive to quality sleep.

And here’s food for thought: our bedtime habits are often a reflection of how we live our lives. Are we giving ourselves time to wind down? Are we mindful of what we consume – both physically and digitally? Are we carving out space for rest amid the hustle?

A good day starts the night before. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, avoiding these bedtime habits might be the first step towards waking up happier.

So tonight, as you prepare for sleep, consider this: What small change can you make to your bedtime routine? Your mornings might just become a little brighter!