Experts say you'll know if you're having a bad day just 24 minutes after waking up

Laura Hampson
·3-min read
a girl with a smile in pajamas wakes up in the morning routine and stretches after sleep, rejoices in a new day
A morning routine could be the key to having a good day. (Getty Images)

Have you ever been told 'you've woken up on the wrong side of the bed'? Well, a new study has revealed the trajectory of your day can actually be determined just 24 minutes after you wake up.

The research also found that Brits wake up in a negative mood twice a week on average, and that factors contributing to their morning mood include sleep, how well they are feeling, and what’s on their to-do list.

The study, commissioned by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), found that 67% of respondents said it’s easier to have a good day overall if it’s started off on the right track.

So, with your mood for the day determined within the first half hour of waking, how can you ensure that you have a good day ahead? One thing that can set you off on the right food is having a positive morning routine.

woman doing exercise
Even 20-minutes of exercise could be a great way to start your day. (Getty Images)

"In our fast-paced lives, the importance of a morning routine cannot be overstated. It's the foundation upon which we build our day, and it sets the tone for how we navigate the challenges ahead," Christianne Wolff, founder of The Body Rescue Plan tells Yahoo UK.

"This routine ensures you are well aware of the warning signs, allowing you to address any issues promptly rather than deferring them for later. It's a shift from the ‘I'll take care of that later’ attitude to one of immediate self-care."

How to create a 'perfect' morning routine

If the phrase ‘morning routine’ makes you think of a 4 a.m. wake-up time, followed by an hour of intense exercise, meditation and journaling, all before your regular 9 to 5 job, don’t fret - your morning routine can take as little as 20 minutes.

"Creating a morning routine is as simple as brushing your teeth, something you do each day without fail," Wolff says. "In fact, it becomes a ritual that not only promises better health but also soothes the soul."

As well as becoming a positive everyday habit, one study also found that a positive morning routine is linked to better job performance and productivity as it puts you in a better pre-work mood.

Coming up with your own morning routine is all about incorporating things that make you feel good. For one person this could be 20 minutes to half an hour of exercise, while for another it could be quiet meditation, journaling, or even sitting with a cup of coffee and reading a chapter or two of a book.

woman holding coffee
A daily cup of coffee first thing can constitute as a morning routine. (Getty Images)

"[A morning routine] lays the groundwork for the day ahead," Wolff adds. "It helps you set intentions, align your mind and body, and establish a positive mindset.

"It's a daily reminder that you are important, and your well-being deserves attention. It prevents self-sabotage and the accumulation of unnecessary pain, ultimately promoting a healthier, more balanced life."

So, what are you waiting for? Just 20 minutes each morning could ensure endless happy days - something we’re very much in favour of.

Read more:

Adding A 'Scary Hour' To Your Morning Routine Is The Mid-Week Productivity Hack Procrastinators Need (HuffPost, 2-min read)

You Can Become A Morning Person Thanks To This Swedish Lifestyle Practice (HuffPost, 3-min read)

The One Change Experts Want You To Make To Your Morning Routine (HuffPost, 2-min read)

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