This self help article about happiness is appealing for those interested about this topic


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How many times have you gone off to sleep hoping that a fresh day will bring fresh hope and a new outlook? You awake only to find yourself wide-eyed, gazing at the ceiling and thinking "Here we go again!" Well if you are in this loop of going to bed frustrated and waking with the same feeling then I give to you some simple tips that can start your day off on the right foot.

Firstly try to go to sleep in a better frame of mind. If you are mulling over problems, trying to balance your finances or just trying to figure out what to do with your life as you drift off into sleep then the chances are you will take these same frustrations with you when you wake and on top of that you will probably have had a restless night. So you wake up with the same problems, the same frustrations and on top of that your are tired!

A good solution to this is listening to very gentle music in the background as you drift off. You may also use a motivational or relaxation CD as you sleep or simply use a guided visualisation to send you on your way. I developed a routine of saying a simple prayer and then using a personal visualisation to calm me, relax me and ease my mind. I would often have fantastic dreams and would awaken in a better frame of mind.

Drinking a good herbal tea, particularly Valerian root, eased my physiological self and allowed relaxation to come more quickly.

Having a morning routine helps as well. Mine used to be turning on the television to catch the headlines until I got so sick and tired of all the bad news putting me in a depressive state at the beginning of my day. If you have a favourite prayer or mantra that you can use before sleeping then perhaps
you can use this mantra as you awake. It will only take twelve weeks to develop a habit and once entrenched as a relaxation catalyst your mantra of choice can then be used throughout the day to relieve general daily stress.

Another good routine would be morning exercise. Exercise really does help, especially with depression and need not be jogging or lifting weights. Chi Qong is fantastic for relaxation, getting your body's energy circulating and overall health. It need not take long and will focus on positivity as the first morning experience. Yoga, Tai-Chi, general stretching and a short walk works wonders as well.

Now obviously we all face issues that are serious enough to make us worried sick. That phrase is very literal and the focus and emphasis on the stress is what will cause sickness later on. Now I am not suggesting that you bury your head in the sand however, when you arise why not read a paragraph from a motivational book. If there is a favourite quote then write it out, frame it and have it visible when you first open your eyes. Of course this will not "magic" your problems away-yet always be open for miracles!- however, it will relax your mind and allow you to start fresh and clean and with a lighter step.

Some simple steps then to start your morning off. No-one deserves to be restless and agitated at any point in their life let alone when you first wake up. So treat yourself to a stress free morning, even if it is just those first few minutes. These minutes can then be extended and extended until your morning, then your day, then your evening and finally your entire life becomes filled with these precious moments.

John Hewitt is a full time freelance writer. He has worked in many fields including music, the restaurant industry, film work and as an RSPCA animal welfare officer. If you would like to see more of his articles and poetry then please visit http://www.john-hewitt.com and feel free to sign up to the RSS feed.