Dear Dr. Happy,
I’m a 40-year-old married man with two young children. If it weren’t for mornings, I think I’d be a pretty happy guy. But I have to get up before 7 AM and it’s rush, rush, rush to make it to the office by 8:30 AM, my work starttime. But I’m crabby with my wife and the kids and breakfast is just coffee on the run out the door. Evenings are fine but I dread mornings and know my sour mood bothers my wife and kids too. Dr. H, do you have any tips for how I can improve my morning routine?
Crabby
Dear Crabby,
In fact, I do have several suggestions for you. First of all, I’d like you to get up at least a half hour earlier than you do now. Rushing around the way you are would make anyone crabby. And, one minute before you get up, put a big grin on your face and hold it for 30-40 seconds; force it even if you have to fake it. Smiling has been shown to release neuro-chemicals that can significantly elevate your mood. Also, have a real, sit-down breakfast with the family, if possible. Breakfast is not called the most important meal of the day for nothing. Finally, make it a point to smile broadly at every person you pass at work. This will keep those good neuro-chemicals flowing. Do all this and mornings won’t pull you down anymore.