Do you wake up every morning feeling anxious or stressed out? Do you feel like your day is ruined before it has even begun? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience morning anxiety, which can make it difficult to start the day on a positive note. While there are many causes of morning anxiety, the good news is that there are ways to mitigate its effects. By understanding the nature of these feelings and taking steps to alleviate their symptoms, you can take control of your life and start your day off with confidence.

What Causes Morning Anxiety?

Morning anxiety is caused by several factors, including:

1. Stressful events: If you have an important meeting or presentation scheduled for the morning, you may feel anxious about it the night before and wake up stressed. The physiological response to stress, such as increased heart rate and shallow breathing, can also linger in the body and contribute to your anxiety.
   
2. Lack of sleep: If you didn’t get enough sleep, you might wake up feeling tired and irritable. Sleep deprivation can also cause the body to produce more stress hormones and impair cognitive function. This can make it more difficult to cope with preexisting stressors.
   
3. Negative thoughts: If you tend to ruminate on negative thoughts or worries, you may find that these thoughts become more intense in the morning. Cortisol, a stress hormone, naturally tends to be higher in the morning, and if your negative thoughts have been brewing overnight, they can very easily surface and dominate your thoughts.
   
4. Poor morning habits: A morning routine that includes checking emails or scrolling social media can trigger negative thought patterns and contribute to the negative thought cycle above. This is critical because if you make social media a habit in the morning, the daily pattern reinforces the negative thoughts and feelings that come with social media consumption on a regular basis. It becomes very easy to connect waking up with feeling stressed in your brain.
   
5. Health issues: Certain health conditions can cause sleep disruption and stress on their own, and certain medications used to treat health conditions can also contribute to a lack of sleep. If you find that you are losing sleep due to a health condition, it is important to talk to your doctor. These days, there are many more treatment options that will not disrupt sleep.

How to Manage Morning Anxiety

If you experience morning anxiety regularly, there are several things you can do to manage it. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Establish a morning routine: A structured morning routine can help you feel more in control and less anxious. Try to wake up at the same time each day and establish a routine that includes activities you enjoy, such as exercise, meditation, or reading.
   
2. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing anxiety. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you unwind before bed.
   
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help you manage anxiety by focusing your attention on the present moment.
   
4. Challenge negative thoughts: If you find that negative thoughts contribute to your morning anxiety, try to challenge them by asking yourself if they are rational or realistic.
   
5. Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings. It can help you feel less alone and give you a sense of support. Even better if your loved ones or roommates can help you have a better morning every day by turning on the coffee pot, tidying up the shared spaces, or helping you remember your routines.
   
6. Seek professional help: If your morning anxiety is severe or persistent, you may want to seek professional help. A therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and provide you with tools and strategies to manage it. Your therapist can also see thought and behavior patterns that you can’t which may be contributing.

Conclusion

Morning anxiety can be a harrowing experience, but remember, it’s a common problem many people face. By taking steps to manage your anxiety, you can start the day on a more positive note and enjoy a more fulfilling life. If you’re struggling with morning anxiety, try incorporating some of the tips discussed, and remember that seeking professional help is always an option. 

If you are in the Charlotte area and are thinking about starting therapy, give us a call at 704-800-4436 or send us an email, and we will help you get scheduled right away!