Morning people are happier

Morning risers are happier than their late-night counterparts and have a more positive and upbeat outlook.

by Cathy Beggan — 

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests what many people have suspected all along: Morning risers are happier than their late-night counterparts and have a more positive and upbeat outlook.

The results took into account the habits of two groups — young adults and older adults — and identified the older populace as early birds and the younger populace as night owls. If you are a late riser, young or old, and are looking to rise and shine with a sunnier, happier outlook, you might try the following tips to help turn yourself from a night owl into an early bird overnight.

• Avoid chocolate, red wine and coffee in the evening hours.  Scientific studies have shown that these specific foods upset the intestines and disturb sleep patterns more than other foods.

• Eat dinner at least three to four hours prior to bedtime to allow your food to digest before lying down.

• Get enough sleep and try to be consistent. Everyone’s sleep allowance is different, but it is more important to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

• Prepare yourself for the next day. Facilitate the transition to a morning person by doing some of the daily tasks the night before.

• Drink a glass of water. The body becomes dehydrated during sleep, and lack of water causes many fatigue symptoms in the morning. Water also helps to kick-start the body’s metabolism.

• Think positive thoughts. The night before, write down one positive thought, memory, goal or affirmation and read it when you wake up. Happy thoughts make happy people.

• Breathe deeply and stretch. Inhale and exhale deeply while stretching to increase both oxygen and blood circulation. This helps increase your mental and physical energy levels.

Cathy Beggan, an early morning specialist, is the founder of Rise-N-Shine, LLC, an all-natural supplement company. www.wakeupontime.com.