How to start the morning off right?

So I have a lot of trouble in the mornings and oftentimes it seems my mood goes downhill quickly. So my former therapist suggested I maybe do something to put me in a better mood to start the morning off right. Any suggestions as to what that might be? Right now I'm not working or going to school so I do have extra time.

One thing that I've heard suggested is to try to meditate immediately when you wake up. According to what I read, there are feelings of warmth and peace that you can focus on when you wake up, and after meditating on that during the morning, you can also spend time remembering those feelings during the day.

I'm not sure everyone has those feelings of warmth and peace, or has them every time they wake up. I was able to do this meditation once, but I usually am already thinking something before I'm even aware that I'm awake.

Oh, I like that idea! Yeah, I tend to think of things before I'm aware too. I do have nightmares sometimes which makes it harder but not every night.

I'm sorry you have nightmares. You're welcome to talk about that if you'd like to, but it's also ok not to.

Thank you, they are from PTSD but I'd rather not get into that right now.

It's really hard when you're not working or going to school. Because you have nowhere to be, most things feel like they're pointless in the morning. No reason to get ready and dressed up, no reason to look after hygiene besides health reasons, but not because anyone notices or cares, etc. I'd have to say I agree with someone else saying meditation could be a good way to start the day, though. Or listening to music. Or doing an art project. Or reading. I often turn on the TV just to have background noise and then start to work on my art or read/study something.

I'm not a morning person, but that only means that I need a gentle and longer one. I feel better after a shower, but most importantly, I love my breakfasts. I eat something I adore (and fairly healthy), drink something I adore, I open the window and look at the Sun if it's there, and I take. my. time. I usually watch something at the same time so I don't feel any pressure.

It seems simple and not special at all, but it makes me happy.
The Sun helps a lot.

Helps me to do a small (tiny) workout while my kettle boils and tea brews. I do feel a little happier and pleased with that, which gives me a boost. I do other exercise too, later in the day. But that 20 minuttes is my morning goodness.

Taking a brisk walk used to really help me get invigorated and moving for the day.

I take my time... a nice coffee or two... news... I mean, after all retirement must have some advantages, or? Activity starts at 0845 with gym, shopping and in the afternoon with long walks. Not to forget - things that are nice, encouraging. For me its sport, going to limits, helping others, reading, believe and music.

That’s true! I do have an aide who comes four days a week so that helps. Thanks for the suggestions.

That’s good, thanks for sharing!

Nice

Awesome

Nice! I definitely need to get better at keeping busy too, my psychiatrist always says that.

Oo coffee first. Breakfast if I can manage it. I like to be up 1.5-2 hrs before work when I'm working. I have some verses kind of meditations and routines which I should probably go back to. I used to take a long brisk walk in the morning which helped me, might return to that also.

Meditation. Prayer in some way if so inclined. I put on chanting/Indian/meditative music quietly in the house. Yoga practice/breathwork most of the time for awhile even if it ends up just being 10 or 15 minutes of yoga stretching. I have the ability to take a walk or bicycle ride first before or at dawn in the quiet and coolness if I feel up for it.

Nice

I usually pray at night but I should try in the morning too.

I do meditation when I’m up early enough. One thing about meditation is that it doesn’t always seem to “work,” as in, sometimes it’s tedious and boring, and sometimes things that have been buried come up for healing.
In my case, anxiety got worse before it got better. It wasn’t really worse, but at the beginning I became more aware of it right away. Later I did learn how to calm myself in meditation. It is a skill that needs to be practiced, and you can always get better. As a skill, though it can also be done in a way that does not lead to a reduction in suffering.

If you’re just starting, a guided meditation is probably the gentle introduction. There are a ton of guided meditations on YouTube, and there are several apps that have guided meditation, too. I could make some recommendations if you’re interested.

Just be careful of charlatans. I have seen people on both channels who are scam artists in my opinion. If something sounds like BS, it probably is.