10 easy ways to have joyful days: meet your new morning routine

We all have those people in our lives, you know, the ones that start the day on a high —fresh-faced and beaming from ear to ear—all while you’re still struggling to shake the sleepy fog from your head. Wish you could jump out of bed, without feeling the need to hit snooze multiple times? Well, you too can become a so-called “morning person.” All you need to do is try these 10 easy tips and turn them into a daily routine to feel the joy in your life.

 

1. Smile

Yes, it’s that simple. According to behavioral psychologist Sarah Stevenson, “each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain.” Biologically speaking, smiling causes you to release hormones like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin into your system. Start smiling as soon as you wake up, and you’re giving yourself a natural mood-enhancer that could last the entire day.

 

2. Meditate

We already hear you thinking: who has time for this in the morning? But the truth is, meditating doesn’t have to be difficult nor time-consuming, and it has the power to focus you and keep you positive.

 

 

 

3. Develop an attitude of gratitude

To quote Harvard Medical School’s blog, “gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” Try writing down 3 things you are thankful for before leaving the house each day—you’ll notice that you feel lighter when you focus on the things you do have, rather than the things you don’t.

 

4. Drink a glass of water

The mind is not the only thing that needs a positive boost in the morning. Drinking a glass of lukewarm water 20 minutes before you have breakfast gets your digestive system running and flushes out toxins, perfect for your energy flow.

 

5. Take a cold shower

Brrrr...yeah, we feel you. But hear us out: turning your shower from hot to cold for the last 20 seconds increases your oxygen intake, which in turn causes your heart to beat faster. This releases a rush of blood through your entire body which provides a natural energy boost. A small price to pay for being super energised and ready to take on the day, right?

 

6. Set intentions

Some days are more overwhelming than others. Rather than stressing out about everything you need to get done during a difficult one, write down the top 3 things you want to complete before the end of the day—this will help alleviate stress and fatigue.

 

7. Wear perfume

It has been scientifically proven that scent has a tremendous effect on our emotions. To start your day on a positive, energetic note, spray a bit of joyfulness into the air. Spritz your favourite room spray to boost your mood.

 

8. Get moving

Exercise, like smiling, releases endorphins into your blood stream, waking you up and enhancing your mood. This yoga routine was specially designed by our expert Laura to get you grinning in the morning.

 

9. Eat a healthy breakfast

While many of us skip this essential step in favour of a few extra minutes of sleep, we’re doing ourselves a real disservice. Namely, eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and stabilises your blood sugar: both things which are scientifically proven to make you feel happier and more energetic. Need some inspiration? Check out this delicious recipe for a breakfast smoothie bowl.

10. SAVOR JOYFUL MOMENTS

The surprising power of ordinary things in life can create extraordinary moments of joy. Mornings are full of big and small joyful moments we often overlook when we are tired and groggy. Take the time to create mindful moments each morning. Open a window to listen to the morning birds sing; light a softly-scented candle while you get ready for your day; enjoy the pleasure of your morning coffee, tea or matcha. Being more mindful of the small moments is an easy way to start your day with a little joy. 

 

Who wouldn’t want to give – or receive – the gift of kindness, joy or gratitude? Discover our collection of Soulful Rituals especially designed to help share love, amplify feelings of happiness, or enhance good fortune. As a gift or for yourself, the new Limited Edition helps cultivate a journey towards a life more fulfilled, a soul enriched, a mind relaxed.