Do you dread your usual morning routine? Does the idea of getting up and out into the world each day with a positive attitude make you want to pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep? Ever wonder what it takes to be happy each day?

Picture this ideal scenario—when you open your eyes tomorrow morning focus your attention on the gift of a new beginning. Each new day presents an opportunity for you to focus your attention, set intentions, and execute actions that will contribute to or detract from a more positive attitude. 

Have you ever stopped to think about the power you possess to create the happiness you seek? Once you recognize that just about the ONLY things you have control of are your attitudes and actions, you will begin to experience life with a greater sense of responsibility for your own well-being, have better results (and less frustration) and return on investment of your energy efforts. A positive attitude is the starting gate for sustainable well-being that leads to improving happiness… and can help to reduce any mountain into a molehill.

That rush hour jam can become a personal jam session when you let go of what you can’t control and are empowered by what you can.

These 6 tips will help inspire an attitude adjustment to get happy. Who knows, you may even become more of a morning person?

1. Rise and Stretch to Help You Shine

If you want to be a morning person and start your day off on the right foot, it’s important to make a conscious effort to do so. When that alarm goes off, not too many people are eager to just jump out of bed and start the day. That’s okay! Take a few minutes to stretch out, become aware, and breathe in—wake your body up and think good thoughts for your day. 

By starting your day with a positive mindset and some gentle movement, you can set the tone for a happy and productive day ahead. So, if you want to be a morning person and to be happy, take the time to wake up your body and mind in a gentle and positive way.

2. Let Gratitude Flow

Starting your day with a positive attitude sets the tone for the rest of your day. The second your eyes open, there is a “no brainer” that you can be grateful for, and that is that you woke up. Take a moment to appreciate this gift of life and give yourself a minute or two to reflect on the things for which you are grateful. This can be done while you’re stretching or even by getting up an extra ten minutes early so you can savor these things in a tranquil place. 

This time is much better spent than scrolling through social media and seeing what the insomniacs were up to overnight. By starting your day with a grateful and positive mindset, you can set the tone for a day filled with enhanced joy and productivity.

3. Enjoy a Proper Breakfast

You’re a champion and breakfast is considered the meal of medal winners. You need to give your body the right fuel to start your day and to prepare you for all that comes your way after that point. The foods that offer good energy without weighing you down include: yogurt, fruit, toast, oatmeal, and protein.

Let the cup of coffee be your treat and understand that a sugar rush from a pastry or soda is not a source of good fuel for you to go all day on.

4. Organization is the Key to Success

Devote even a few minutes each night before bed to prioritize and organize for the next day. This practice helps focus attention and set the intention for achievement in the day ahead. Consider picking out what you’re going to wear the next day and create an environment that fosters readiness for the world with a calm and tranquil disposition. 

This could be the best five minutes you spend at the end of your day. This practice can also extend to making your lunch for the next day and encouraging your family to do the same. Organization offers a structure to help you achieve your goals and small successes lead to big positive changes.

5. Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary

The quality of sleep is linked to production, health, and happiness. You need to make the most of it. Simple solutions like turning off electronics at least an hour before bedtime can help you fall asleep better and sleep more deeply. Making sure you don’t have that “wind down glass of wine” too close to bedtime is also a smart choice.

When you go to sleep, you should want to sleep. Don’t bring your worries with you. It may not sound easy, but it is possible. Organize your thoughts, goals, and even your worries on paper to get them out of your mind so you can rest and restore. Following all these tips will help greatly with becoming more of a morning person and pave your path into happiness.

6. Use the Powerful Tools of Mindfulness, Prayer, and/or Meditation

When you are aware of your body’s response to your environment you are receiving a signal about what may be happening internally. When you wake up in the morning a new opportunity to give your best has presented itself. Regardless of which directions your faith and spirituality guide you, take some time to acknowledge your present state on a daily basis. When you know how to spiritually ground yourself you’ll be able to make your days better—starting from the time you wake up.

Craft your morning in such a way that it sets you up for a more successful day. You’ll be more alert, have a positive attitude, and feel less overwhelmed or inundated by those little unexpected situations that make up life. 

Plus, happiness is positively contagious!