We’ve all had those mornings, right? When you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling like a bear with a sore head. It’s one of those things that nobody enjoys, but somehow, it just happens.
Now, hear me out here.
Could it be that your evening habits are setting you up for this grumpy morning scenario?
See, I’ve been doing some digging, and I’ve found that certain nightly routines are likely culprits behind those less-than-ideal wake-up calls.
So, if you’re regularly pulling back the covers with a scowl on your face, this one’s for you. I’m about to unveil seven evening habits of people who often stir from their slumber in a foul mood.
Perhaps recognizing these patterns could be your first step towards brighter mornings. After all, wouldn’t it be wonderful to greet each new day with a smile instead of a grumble?
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1) Late-night screen time
It’s a modern-day ritual, isn’t it? Curling up in bed with your favorite Netflix show or endlessly scrolling through social media feeds on your phone before drifting off to sleep.
But here’s the kicker.
This habit of immersing ourselves in screens late at night might actually be sabotaging our mood the next morning. The blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder for us to fall asleep and stay asleep.
And let’s not forget about the content we’re consuming. Whether it’s the stress of comparing ourselves on social media or the suspense from a thrilling TV show, it’s all stimulating our brains when we should be winding down.
So, if you’re guilty of this habit, it might be time for a digital detox before bedtime. Trust me, your mood in the morning will thank you for it.
2) Skipping an evening routine
Let me share a story. A couple of years ago, I was in a constant state of rushing. My evenings were a blur of tasks and to-dos that left me crashing into bed exhausted, only to wake up feeling irritable the next day.
Then, I decided to make a change.
I started incorporating an evening routine into my day. It wasn’t anything fancy – just some time set aside for winding down, reflecting on my day, and preparing for the next.
You know what?
Making this small change had a big impact on my mood in the morning. I woke up feeling more refreshed, more centered, and yes, in a decidedly better mood.
It turns out, having a regular evening routine can signal to our bodies that it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep. Without this, we’re more likely to have disrupted sleep and wake up feeling out of sorts.
If you’re someone who’s always racing against the clock in the evening, give an evening routine a try – it might just be the key to waking up on the right side of the bed.
3) Neglecting self-care
Here’s something I’ve learned that might surprise you. Taking care of yourself isn’t always about the big things. It’s not always about the yoga classes, the green smoothies, or the meditation retreats.
Sometimes, it’s just about the small acts of self-care we incorporate into our lives. Often, it’s these little things that we neglect, especially in our nighttime routines.
I’m talking about simple things like reading a book, taking a warm bath, writing in a journal, or even just taking a few minutes to breathe deeply and be present.
These are the small acts of kindness that we can show ourselves every day. And they have a profound impact on not only our mood and well-being but also on how we wake up feeling the next morning.
But when we’re busy or stressed, these are often the first things to go out the window. We convince ourselves that we don’t have time for them or that they’re not important.
And you know what happens next?
We wake up feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck. Irritable. Grumpy. Wishing we could just pull the covers over our heads and forget about the world.
Here’s my advice.
Don’t neglect your self-care. Especially in the evening. It might seem small, but it’s these little acts of kindness to ourselves that can make all the difference in how we start our day.
4) Eating late-night snacks
Now, who doesn’t love a good midnight snack, right? There’s something so comforting about sneaking into the kitchen, fridge light glowing, and treating yourself to a little something.
But here’s the deal.
Eating late at night, especially heavy or sugary foods, can mess with our sleep and, ultimately our mood. Our bodies have to work overtime to digest these foods when they should be in rest and recovery mode.
The result?
We wake up feeling groggy and lethargic instead of refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Plus, we often wake up still feeling full from our midnight feast, which can leave us feeling sluggish and off-kilter for the rest of the day.
As tempting as it might be to indulge in that late-night snack, it might be worth skipping it if you’re after a brighter start to your day.
5) Drinking alcohol before bed
We’ve all heard it, haven’t we? A glass of wine or a nightcap can help us relax and drift off to sleep. But here’s something you might not know. While alcohol can initially make us feel sleepy, it actually disrupts our sleep cycle.
As our bodies metabolize the alcohol during the night, it can cause us to wake up, often leaving us feeling restless and unable to get back to sleep. This interrupted sleep can lead to us waking up feeling groggy, irritable, and not at all ready to face the day.
And get this – even if you don’t wake up, alcohol can prevent you from reaching the deep stages of sleep that are essential for feeling rested and rejuvenated.
While it might seem like a good idea at the time, that evening drink could be the reason you’re not waking up with a spring in your step.
6) Ignoring emotional baggage
We all have those days. Days when disappointments pile up, stress levels rise, and emotions run high. It’s part of being human, and it’s okay to feel those feelings.
But here’s the thing.
If we ignore these emotions and simply push them aside, they have a sneaky way of resurfacing. Often, it happens when we’re trying to wind down for the night. Our minds start racing, replaying conversations or worrying about tomorrow’s challenges.
This emotional unrest can prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep, leaving us waking up feeling drained and moody.
Instead of pushing those feelings away, allow yourself some time in the evening to process them. Write in a journal, talk to a loved one, or even just take a few moments to acknowledge how you’re feeling.
Remember, it’s not only okay but also important to take care of your emotional health. Doing so can often lead to more peaceful mornings.
7) Not setting intentions for the next day
Here’s something you might not have considered. How you end your day can significantly influence how you start the next one.
If you go to bed with a cloud of uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring, it can lead to restless sleep and a less-than-cheerful morning mood.
So, try this.
Before you switch off the lights, take a moment to set your intentions for the next day. What are your most important tasks? What do you want to achieve? How do you want to feel?
This simple act not only helps to clear your mind but also gives you a sense of purpose and direction. And more often than not, it results in waking up feeling motivated, focused, and ready to embrace the day.
Final thoughts
If you see yourself in these habits, don’t fret.
The first step towards change is awareness, and by recognizing these patterns, you’ve already made significant progress.
Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about making small, intentional changes that can lead to a more peaceful night and a cheerier wake-up call.
Start by choosing one habit to focus on. Perhaps it’s putting down your phone an hour before bedtime or spending a few minutes each evening journaling or setting intentions for the next day.
And be patient with yourself. Changing habits takes time. But each small step you take is a victory worth celebrating.
Most importantly, remember that your mood upon waking is not just a random occurrence. It’s heavily influenced by your actions the night before.
So, take control of your evenings, and let your mornings be a reflection of the care you’ve shown yourself. You deserve to wake up feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to embrace the day.
The quality of your mornings can set the tone for your entire day. And you have more power over it than you might think.
