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Sometimes it's hard to even get up in the morning. What's some ways to stay positive?

32 Answers
Last Updated: 08/17/2021 at 11:08pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 12th, 2015 4:42pm
At times when I have found it hard to get up in the morning, I break what I have to do down into really small tasks that I know I can achieve. This can be things like, sit up and put my feet on the floor, or get some breakfast. I try to focus on tasks that aren't emotionally loaded and can give me little victories. These little victories show me that if I break down the things that give me anxiety or worry, into small manageable tasks, I can then achieve the bigger goal as a total. This way morning don't have to be overwhelming.
PeacefulExistence93
August 4th, 2015 6:20am
I think keeping in mind where you are going what what you are doing can be a good motivator but also keep telling yourself that "even if I do something small today, I haven't wasted the day". Having a list of things to get done when you don't feel the best can be overwhelming and not always helpful so I like to choose the ones that are small and that I can see myself achieving such as getting out of bed, having a shower, feeding my pets... If I have done that when I feel low then I can say that I've done something. Other things like going to uni, I'm passionate about my studies so if I feel overwhelmed on a study day then again bit by bit. I know I wants degree so I will do what I can to get there :)
Matchschtick
December 6th, 2016 12:51pm
It happened to me quite frequently that I was struggling to find the energy to even get up in the morning. However, at one point it became clear to me that only by getting up and getting out there was a chance of the day becoming a good one. By staying in bed, that chance was naught. That has kept me motivated ever since.
PashT007
April 8th, 2015 1:09pm
Get plenty of rest, and remember that everyday is a good day. Repeat that to yourself in the mirror every morning.
angieee0120
May 25th, 2020 11:45pm
You can tell yourself that you’re proud that you woke up today! You can also establish a daily morning routine filled with things that make you happy. Personally, I like to listen to music and exercise in the morning because that makes me feel motivated and ready to start the day. Eating a fulfilling breakfast is also a great way to start the day because it gives you energy and fuel. Maybe going on a walk or a run would also help you stay positive if you enjoy being in nature like me. Meditating in the morning and just taking some time for yourself is also helpful.
HopefulFeather
December 10th, 2019 6:41am
Make your alarm your favorite song so you wake up to the sound of something you love. Put nice messages on sticky notes and put them all around your house. Google “cute baby animals” whenever you feel sad and get distracted from your negative feelings by the adorable critters. Compliment the people around you. Seeing their faces light up can always make my day, and it might make yours too! Getting compliments can feel good, but giving genuine ones feels even better. Remind yourself that happiness comes and goes in waves, just like an ocean. During high tide, you may feel like you’re drowning and can barely hold yourself up anymore. But eventually, high tide always becomes low tide, and things will get better.
heyiamhere95
December 31st, 2018 8:53pm
You can find a lot if you google it and maybe try some and you might know which one is the best for you. Maybe you can journaling, write some motivational quotes, meditation, write your goals for today, work out, or whatever. But it is also important to know you might not feel it right away, but maybe give it a try as a routine for a couple week. Improvement doesn't spike right after, it is a tiny step, and practicing things always make you better at it. Maybe not having too much expectation at the beginning, and having in mind that at least you will try some good habits, so it will not dissapoint you too far if it is not something good for you.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2018 6:32pm
Make plans for the day so your excited about your day and ready to get started with your day so you can do the plane
Anonymous
April 24th, 2018 6:11pm
I like to try to take walks to let some stress go, listen to some soothing music, and try to do something i find interesting, dont fake a smile, it creates more pain, if it comes to it, ask for help, and tell someone how you feel.. and if they care, you will get support.
loveyaall
February 20th, 2018 1:41am
being able to look forward to that one thing that's going to happen that day, even if its something small like watching your favorite show on Netflix.
Peppens
January 30th, 2018 9:29am
From my experience I've found that doing some exercise a few hours before I go to bed puts me in a better mood in the morning. Heck even setting up plans for myself for the next day hanging out with people that I enjoy being friends with, knowing that I have to wait all morning to see them makes it that much better for the wait :)
eeveeon
December 4th, 2017 8:21pm
Make a to-do list or goals for your day ahead of you. Think of what you can get done (even if it is just cleaning). When you finish a task, tick it off and embrace the satisfaction of finishing it!
damselinthisdress
July 10th, 2017 7:49pm
Staying positive takes patience and deliberate practice. You need to actually find a positive side to everything! That way you'll develop an overall positive attitude towards life. You need to recognise love and compassion as and when it shows itself to you. You need to find little things in life to be grateful for...like the first sip of your morning coffee, or the way your pet behaves when you come home after a long day, or the way wet grass feels beneath your feet when you walk barefoot etc. If you can recognise these little things that make you feel good, you'll start looking at life in a complete positive outlook. You'll realise that everything happens for a reason. You'll realise that everything falls exactly into place in the end, and you just need to see it when it does. Embrace it, appreciate it, accept it, and you're golden!
positiveHeart28
June 20th, 2017 10:19pm
end the night with a gratitude journal and start the day with one as well. This can be as simple as I am grateful I am breathing...I also find it helpful to remind myself what I am in control of...me.
birdwatcher444
April 4th, 2017 2:58am
I used to have this problem all the time... depression, anxiety and exhaustion got to be so much for me at one point that I would hardly want to get out of bed. However, I started this exercise that has been helping me for a while. I list all the good things that could happen that day. It's hard, but I force myself to think of all the good things that could happen. I also find it helpful to give myself something to look forward to. Even if they're extremely small things, like taking a bath that night or wearing my favorite outfit to school. It motivates me to get up and do what I have to do in order to get to that reward at the end of the day. Best of luck, you are so strong!
Anonymous
October 11th, 2016 9:36am
I do stretches and excercises in the morning to calm my mind and have a postiive outlook! It really works!
jespinosarenee
September 26th, 2016 8:39pm
I have been there. I was there for a very long time, and almost took my own life because of it. Believe me, I know what that feels like. Take baby steps. No matter how small, no matter how slow, take them. Take each day, each moment at a time. Do something for YOU, EVERYDAY. Make it a habit. The more you listen to your own needs and take care of them, the more you will start to feel better. Take care of yourself. I know you can do it! You have all the support you need. And never give up
amazingLove98
September 26th, 2016 2:29pm
Think about the good things awaiting for you on that very day. Notice the sun rays and the smell of morning air.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2016 2:41pm
you have another chance to fix your mistakes, to live your life and meet your love ones. i think thats how to stay positive
kindSong20
June 13th, 2016 9:04pm
dreams ,and things you love can be a motivation and continuously doing it will make it a habit and doing what you love
cuddlyBreeze53
November 9th, 2015 4:41am
Other than managing your emotions, the surroundings around you are also very important because they affect your mood. Try having bright coloured things around the house. Even just bright coloured cups will do. Listen to music that makes you feel good. Look at things that make you feel good and calm, like plants for example.
PeachGypsies
September 20th, 2015 1:46am
I always think about 1 thing that was good about yesterday and 1 thing (or more) that I'm looking forward to today.
MidnightPanda
September 14th, 2015 1:56am
Think about the positives of the day, instead of the negatives. I also suggest listening to music in the morning, to get you pumped up for the day
Midichan
August 18th, 2015 11:32pm
Exercise at regular intervals helps with it. But waking up in the morning thinking today is a brand new day helps too!
GWing
August 18th, 2015 9:57am
Try a positivity journal. When you wake up each morning and before you go to bed each night, write what you're thankful for in your life and what will/did make the day great.
AaronWenny
July 21st, 2015 4:53am
Some simple ways to stay positive is to keep reminding yourself of positive thoughts. Think about something happy when you go to bed and when you wake up. Think you're gonna have an amazing day, you're gonna achieve loads of things today, make a plan, or make it spontaneous! After all, just don't make yourself being negative down to boredom. Be productive. You can start writing a journal, plan your future, write down your dreams and what makes you happy, what you love doing, etc... That way, you have a good reason to start your day! :)
FractalWellness
June 30th, 2015 2:42am
When it is difficult to get up in the morning, visualizations can be really helpful. Imagine everything in your day going smoothly. Set the intention that it is going to be a wonderful day. Positive affirmations can also be really helpful. For example: "Everything that can go right today, will".
KfindingSpeaceK
May 23rd, 2015 12:35am
- Looking forward to all the positive things in the day - Wake up and make some of your first thoughts positive ones, make it like an exercise to start your morning out with positive thoughts like "Today is going to be a great day" "I wonder what today has in store for me!" - Even if you feel like the day isn't going to be a good day, counteract that thinking with positive thoughts. - Not getting the right amount of sleep or not having healthy sleeping habits can greatly affect how easy it is to get up in the morning (Here is a simple list you can look at http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-tools-tips/healthy-sleep-tips) - Do things that make you happy while you do your normal routine. Example: if you like to dance, dance while you make your coffee and get dressed. - Positive thinking is the key!
Anonymous
May 21st, 2015 6:12am
Well, sometimes I have the same problem. One way to stay positive is by remembering that there is someone fighting for you. If you don't get out of bed then how are you suppose to see life out side and the sun that's shining just for you?
patientLove82
April 19th, 2015 2:51pm
A way to stay positive is think that you're alive today and there is a really good thing waiting for you today