Why Mornings Make Us Happier (And How to Make Them Better)
Have you ever noticed that your mood is usually better in the morning? Maybe you wake up feeling refreshed, hopeful, and ready to take on the day, only for that feeling to slowly fade as the hours go by. It turns out, there’s science to back this up.
Researchers at University College London recently studied nearly 50,000 people over two years and found that people tend to report better mental health and happiness levels in the morning. The worst time for mental well-being? Late at night, around midnight.
But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we make the most of this natural morning happiness? Let’s take a closer look.
The Science Behind Morning Happiness
According to the study, people consistently reported feeling better in the early hours of the day. Scientists believe this could be linked to several factors:
Circadian Rhythms – Our bodies follow a natural cycle that regulates sleep, energy, and mood. Mornings align with our biological “reset” after sleep, making us more refreshed and optimistic.
Lower Stress Levels – In the morning, we haven’t yet encountered the full weight of the day’s challenges, making us less likely to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Sunlight Exposure – Natural light triggers serotonin production, a hormone that boosts mood and promotes well-being. Mornings, especially those spent outdoors, can set a positive tone for the day.
On the flip side, the study also found that mental well-being tends to decline as the day progresses, reaching its lowest point around midnight. This could be due to exhaustion, overstimulation from screens, or simply reflecting on the day’s stressors.
How to Make Mornings Even Happier
If mornings naturally make us feel better, how can we maximize their impact on our happiness? Here are a few simple but effective ways:
1. Start Your Day with Gratitude
Before diving into emails or social media, take a moment to think about something you’re grateful for. Research shows that practicing gratitude can increase overall happiness and reduce stress.
2. Get Some Morning Sun
Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate sleep patterns and boosts mood. Try opening your curtains as soon as you wake up or stepping outside for a short walk.
3. Avoid the Morning Scroll
Checking your phone first thing can overwhelm your brain with information and stress before you’ve even gotten out of bed. Instead, give yourself a tech-free start—maybe with a few deep breaths or a quiet moment with your coffee.
4. Move Your Body
A little movement in the morning—whether it’s stretching, yoga, or a quick walk—can boost endorphins and set a positive tone for the day. It doesn’t have to be a full workout—just something to get the blood flowing.
5. Set a Positive Intention
Instead of jumping into your to-do list with dread, try setting a simple, positive intention for the day. Something as small as “I will approach today with patience” can shift your mindset and improve your mood.
What About Night Owls?
If you’re someone who naturally feels more energized at night, don’t worry. This research doesn’t mean you’re destined to be unhappy after dark. Instead, it suggests that being mindful of late-night habits can help protect your well-being.
If you tend to feel down at night, try reducing screen time before bed, practicing relaxation techniques, or keeping a journal to process your thoughts before sleep.
The Takeaway
While everyone’s happiness levels fluctuate throughout the day, science suggests that mornings offer a natural mood boost. By making minor adjustments to your morning routine, you can harness that happiness and carry it with you throughout the day.
So tomorrow morning, take a deep breath, soak in the new day, and give yourself the best possible start. A little morning happiness might set the tone for something wonderful.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
