logo
6 Things You Should Do At Night If You Want To Be Happier In The Morning

6 Things You Should Do At Night If You Want To Be Happier In The Morning

Yahoo12-05-2025
Setting yourself up for a good day doesn't just mean having a solid morning routine in place (though that's important too). How you spend your evenings is a key part of the equation, yet one that's sometimes overlooked.
You might be surprised at how a few small tweaks to your nighttime habits can make a considerable difference in your happiness come morning.
We asked experts to share what evening practices will have the most positive effect on your mood the following day. Here's what we learned:
Take an evening walk.
Maybe it's a post-dinner stroll around the block or one last potty walk with your dog before you turn in for the night. But just a few minutes gentle movement outdoors can reduce blood sugar levels after a meal and help you wind down.
'I go for a walk every evening, which allows me to process the day's information as my blood flow increases to my brain,' U.K. psychologist and well-being specialist Lee Chambers told HuffPost. 'This mental tidying up gives my busy mind a level of peace, meaning I go to bed with a quiet environment and a quiet internal dialogue.'
If you're going to be walking outside when it's dark, be sure to take some basic safety precautions: wear reflective gear or bright-colored clothes, choose a well-lit and familiar route, ask someone else to tag along or bring your phone just in case you need it (but avoid texting, putting in your headphones or other distractions).
Put your phone down, ideally in another room.
You've no doubt noticed that a good night's sleep has a significant effect on your mental state the next morning — and there's 'tons of evidence' supporting that, said Laurie Santos, a Yale University psychology professor and host of 'The Happiness Lab' podcast.
To get better-quality rest, focus on improving your 'sleep hygiene,' which refers to the lifestyle habits and environmental factors that affect our sleep. And how we use our devices at night is a big part of that.
'Turn off your screens about 30 minutes before bed, and consider keeping your devices away from your bed so you're not tempted to check them out at night,' Santos told HuffPost. 'I also recommend getting one of those old-school alarm clocks that don't talk to social media or your email.'
We live in a hyperstimulating world that can put our senses on overdrive, Chambers said. Avoiding screens is one way to remedy that, but there are other things we can do to soothe our senses.
'Consider stacking sensory wind-down rituals, including relaxing scents, calming sounds and soothing warm drinks, allowing our senses to disconnect and connect back with more strength the following morning,' he said.
Take a warm bath (or shower).
Justine Grosso, a mind-body psychologist licensed in New York and North Carolina, is a proponent of an evening bath for its physical and mental health benefits, she told HuffPost.
'Totally immersing yourself in water, as opposed to showering, has been shown to lift mood in people with depression, improve sleep for people with insomnia and have positive effects on the cardiovascular system,' she explained.
That being said, if you don't have a tub or if baths just aren't your thing, a pre-bed shower ritual has benefits, too. As sleep adviser Robert Oexman previously told HuffPost, 'showering at night can enhance sleep by augmenting the decrease in core body temperature that is necessary to initiate sleep and maintain proper sleep at night.'
Do a body scan.
According to Cortland Dahl, a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds, a mindful body scan is a powerful way to ease chronic stress and mental rumination. You can do this simple mindfulness exercise while lying in bed.
'Bring attention to each part of your body, starting with your head and moving slowly down until you reach your toes,' he told HuffPost. 'Pay attention to the sensations you notice in your body with a sense of warmth and non-judgmental curiosity. This activates the brain network critical for self-regulation and inner balance. It's also a great way to de-stress and let go of all the tension that builds up in our busy lives.'
Grosso also suggests practices like yoga nidra (a meditative technique in which you 'cycle your awareness around your body,' she said) or gentle stretching. Either will activate your parasympathetic nervous system — the one responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' response.
This method 'helps you feel more calm and drift off to a night of restorative sleep,' she said. 'Over time these practices can help your body more reliably and quickly return to a sense of ease and emotional regulation after a stressful event.'
Reflect on the day.
Many of us are more likely to fret about all the things we haven't checked off our to-do list on a given day than we are to stop and appreciate the progress we made.
'Whether written or reflected upon, note the steps taken towards a goal, the challenges overcome or tasks completed, no matter how small,' Chambers said. 'And that feeling of progression will create the groundwork for some forward momentum on the following day.'
Dahl also called self-reflection 'a great practice to end a busy day.' He suggests taking a moment to think about what you learned and how you grew that day.
'See if you can reframe stressful events as opportunities for self-discovery or to align with your most cherished values or guiding principles,' he said. 'This simple practice strengthens our capacity for insight and can help us to approach the next day with an open mind that is ready to learn.'
End your day with gratitude.
Before you go to sleep, write down three to five things you're thankful for. Santos pointed to the research of psychologist Robert Emmons, a professor at the University of California, Davis. He and his colleagues 'found that the simple act of listing your blessings in life can lead to significant improvements in your well-being,' she said. 'So make your night-time gratitude list a daily habit.'
Dahl also recommends closing out the day with a short gratitude practice.
'If you spend a few minutes reflecting on people you appreciate and things you're grateful for as part of your bedtime routine, you'll naturally feel less stressed and more connected as you drift off to sleep,' he said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:

7 Things ER Doctors Advise Post-Fall Actions
7 Things ER Doctors Advise Post-Fall Actions

Buzz Feed

time16 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

7 Things ER Doctors Advise Post-Fall Actions

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.' HuffPost.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store