How to Beat Morning Anxiety

Did you know your cortisol level is higher in the morning when you wake up? Cortisol is the stress hormone, which tends to be lower in the evenings as your body tries to wind down for bed. Before you wake in the morning, cortisol levels rise to help prepare you for the day. This is an indicator of morning anxiety.

However, in some people who suffer from chronic stress, cortisol levels may be too high and cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, muscle tension, weight gain, and high blood sugar. If you wake up with symptoms of high cortisol levels as well as heart palpitations, trembling, or dizziness, you could be dealing with morning anxiety. You can manage chronic anxiety with a few lifestyle habits.

Tips for Overcoming Morning Anxiety

Study a new devotional

Starting your day with Jesus at the center will set the tone. Reading His word feeds your spirit, reassures you about His promises, and dispels fears. When you make God the priority first thing in the morning, you can feel His presence in your life and your circumstances. He knows everything that is happening, and He is working behind the scenes for your good and His purpose.

Spend a few minutes reading a devotional and studying the Bible in the morning. If you want to dive deeper, choose a devotional for the mornings and a Bible app devotional in the evenings to end your day on a good note.

Practice yoga or stretching

Morning anxiety leads to muscle tension in the upper back, shoulder, neck, and jaw. You can soothe these tense spots by practicing yoga poses or deep stretching for a few minutes in the morning. Try stretching in bed before rising, feeling your muscles tense, and relaxing. Breathe deeply through the stretches.

If your body feels too tight in the mornings, spend a few minutes walking in place and warming up the muscles, and then try stretching. You can find stretching videos and programs online to get started. The more consistent you are with flexibility training, the better you will feel, and your balance will improve.

Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural remedy and works well for morning anxiety. When you smell a scent, the hypothalamus in the brain releases chemicals that leave you feeling better. Hormones such as serotonin cascade and lift your mood.

You may want to use essential oils or scents throughout your home, especially your bedroom. Oils such as lavender and chamomile work well. If you prefer wax bars made from oils, choose scents that bring you peace and activate memories of good times.

Start the day the night before

Worry is often at the root of morning anxiety. To lessen worry and frustration, start your day the night before by choosing an outfit, packing items you need the next day by the door, and preparing breakfast or lunch. Do anything you can to make your morning routine smoother.

If you have children, prepare in the evening so the family’s morning is calmer. Teach your children to prepare for the day. As you get better at this evening routine, you may find it easier to add habits such as laying out outfits ahead of time and planning meals on Sundays for the following week.

Christian Counseling for Anxiety in Flower Mound, Texas

Are you ready to improve your morning anxiety management? Contact us at Flower Mound Christian Counseling in Texas today to schedule an appointment to discuss your morning anxiety and any other concerns. Your counselor in Flower Mound will use the best psychology techniques combined with Christian values to find you relief from your anxiety.