Ever noticed how some people seem to bounce into the day like they’ve just won the lottery, while you’re still rubbing sleep from your eyes and grappling with your first cup of coffee?
Truth is, we all have that one friend who’s always brimming with positivity, no matter what time of the day it is.
Ever wondered what their secret is?
Well, I have.
And after some good old digging, I’ve found that the answer might not be in their morning routine, but rather in how they wind down in the evening.
That’s right.
The trick to waking up in a good mood may very well lie in those twilight hours before we hit the hay.
So, if you’re like me and you’re curious to know what those perpetually happy folks are doing differently each evening, stick around. Let’s uncover these seven evening habits that seem to set upbeat people apart.
1) They embrace the art of gratitude
Ever wondered what the last thing on your upbeat friend’s mind is before they drift off to sleep?
Gratitude.
Yes, it seems simple, but it’s incredibly powerful.
Before their head hits the pillow, these people take a moment to reflect on their day. They think about the good things that happened, the kindness they witnessed, or even the wonderful meal they enjoyed.
They focus on the positive.
And you know what? This act of acknowledging what’s good in life has a way of lifting our spirits, of making us feel happier and more satisfied.
Try it tonight. Before you close your eyes, think about three things that you’re grateful for – it could be anything, big or small.
You might just wake up with a smile on your face tomorrow.
2) They disconnect to reconnect
Technology, it’s a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?
I’ve found that those who are always in an upbeat mood have a habit of switching off their devices at least an hour before bedtime.
And I’ll be honest, this was a tough one for me to adopt.
I used to be that person who would check emails, scroll through social media, and watch YouTube videos until my eyes could barely stay open. But, I noticed that this digital overload was leaving me feeling wired, anxious, and far from upbeat.
So, I took a leaf out of their book and started to disconnect.
I replaced screen time with activities that helped me wind down and reconnect with myself – like reading a book or journaling my thoughts.
The result?
A calmer mind, better sleep and yes, a more cheerful disposition in the morning.
Turns out, there’s something incredibly soothing about ending your day unplugged. Give it a shot and see how it changes your mood.
3) They welcome the silence
Life is noisy, isn’t it?
There’s always something buzzing, beeping, or chiming. Our days are filled with a constant barrage of sounds, from our own thoughts to the endless chatter around us.
But here’s what I’ve observed.
People who are consistently upbeat make time for silence. They carve out moments in their evening routine to bask in the quiet, to just sit and be still.
Now, if you’re anything like me, this might sound a little daunting at first.
I mean, who willingly sits in silence?
Well, I decided to give it a go. And I won’t lie – it was uncomfortable at first. My mind was racing with thoughts, and I found myself reaching for my phone just for some noise.
But then something shifted.
With time and practice, I started to appreciate these quiet moments. The silence allowed me to reflect on my day, to process my thoughts and emotions.
It became a form of self-care, a way to reconnect with myself and switch off from the world for a while.
4) They get moving
Believe it or not, people who always seem to be in an upbeat mood have a knack for adding some movement into their evening routine.
No, I’m not talking about an intense gym session or an hour-long run.
Just simple, calming exercises; like a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or a quick yoga session.
Engaging in physical activity, however light it may be, helps to shake off the stress of the day. It releases those feel-good endorphins that naturally lift our mood.
I myself have started incorporating a short walk after dinner into my routine. Not only does it aid digestion, but it also gives me a chance to appreciate the beauty of the night sky, which is incredibly calming and uplifting.
Why not give it a try? Add some light movement into your evening routine and notice how it influences your mood the following day. You might just find yourself feeling more upbeat and energetic.
5) They have a sleep schedule and stick to it
Here’s something interesting.
Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm, an internal clock of sorts, that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. When we establish a consistent sleep schedule, it helps regulate this internal body clock, leading to better quality sleep.
And guess what? Better sleep equals a better mood.
Those perpetually upbeat folks? They get it. They understand the importance of a good night’s rest, which is why they maintain a regular sleep schedule.
They go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning – even on weekends.
It’s not always easy; life can be unpredictable and throw our routines off track. But striving for consistency can make a world of difference to how we feel when we wake up in the morning.
So, make sleep a priority. Experiment with different bedtime routines and find out what works best for you. Your mood will thank you for it.
6) They practice self-compassion
Evenings can sometimes be a breeding ground for self-criticism. We replay our day in our head, focusing on what went wrong, our mistakes, or what we could have done better.
But those perpetually upbeat folks? They do things a little differently.
They practice self-compassion.
Instead of beating themselves up over past events, they acknowledge that everyone has off days. They understand that to err is human, and they treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would offer a friend.
I’ve tried to adopt this habit myself. Now, instead of dwelling on my mistakes at the end of the day, I remind myself that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to have bad days.
And you know what? It makes a significant difference.
It’s like a weight off my shoulders, replaced with a sense of peace and positivity that helps me start the next day on a brighter note.
Next time you find yourself in a cycle of self-criticism, remember to be kind to yourself. We all stumble, we all fall, but it’s how we pick ourselves up that defines us. And a little self-compassion can go a long way in maintaining an upbeat mood.
7) They create a bedtime ritual
The final evening habit that seems to set upbeat people apart is that they have a bedtime ritual. This isn’t just about brushing teeth and changing into pajamas.
No, this is about creating a calming sequence of events that signals to their body and mind that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep.
It could be as simple as reading a chapter of a book, listening to soothing music, or enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea. The point is, they do something that brings them joy and relaxation at the end of the day.
Having this kind of routine can make a world of difference. It sets the tone for a restful night’s sleep, which is key to waking up feeling refreshed and in an upbeat mood.
Find your ritual. Something that soothes you, that helps you transition from the hustle and bustle of the day into a peaceful night’s rest. Your morning self will thank you for it.
Wrapping up
If you’ve read this far, it’s clear that you’re keen on creating a more upbeat morning mood for yourself. And that’s half the battle won.
The habits we’ve discussed aren’t about achieving a state of constant happiness. No one is upbeat all the time, and that’s perfectly okay.
These habits are about creating a soothing evening routine that nurtures your well-being and sets you up for a positive start to the next day.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight.
Once it becomes second nature, try adding another.
In time, these habits can become part of your evening ritual, and you might just find yourself waking up in a better mood more often.
So be patient with yourself.
Embrace the journey of personal growth and self-improvement. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.
After all, as Anne Frank wisely said, “Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”
And maybe, just maybe, by focusing on your own wellbeing, you’ll end up inspiring someone else to do the same.
Here’s to brighter mornings and an even brighter you.
