How being an early bird can boost your mental health

WAKE UP TO HAPPINESS

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

MORNINGS bring lighter moods, says a study. | Supplied

GETTING out of bed might feel like an uphill battle some days, but here is a surprising truth: mornings are when most people feel their happiest.

According to a large-scale study published in BMJ Mental Health, our mental well-being peaks in the early hours and takes a noticeable dip as the day progresses, hitting its lowest point around midnight.

This study, which analysed nearly one million mood reports from participants worldwide, sheds light on how mornings set the tone for our emotional and psychological health.

Researchers looked at six important aspects of mental well-being: depression, anxiety, happiness, life satisfaction, sense of purpose and social connectedness.

They found that mornings scored better than late nights in every area.

Let's explore why mornings can give you a mental boost and how you can use that energy to feel better all day long.

If you notice your worries getting heavier as the day goes on, you're not alone. The study found that feelings of depression are highest around midnight, while mornings tend to bring lighter moods.

Sleep and fatigue: poor sleep or staying up late disrupts your circadian rhythm, increasing your risk of negative moods.