Researchers Found this is the Happiest Part of the Day
Your Morning Mood Matters More Than You Think
A major study of nearly 50,000 people has uncovered a simple truth: mornings are your golden window for mental well-being. Conducted over two years by U.K. researchers and published in BMJ Mental Health, the study found that people consistently felt happier, less anxious, and less lonely in the early part of the day.
The research, which tracked almost one million mood reports starting in March 2020 (at the onset of the pandemic), showed mornings had the best mental health outcomes—especially on Fridays and Sundays. Meanwhile, Tuesdays and Wednesdays showed the highest levels of stress and low mood.
Key Takeaways:
Morning is prime time for happiness, calm, and clarity
Mid-week blues are real—mood dips on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Fridays and Sundays bring relief, even with the “Sunday scaries”
Protecting your mornings—whether through a walk, mindfulness, a family breakfast, or a quiet moment with coffee—can go a long way.
Pro tip from the Cleveland Clinic: Don’t wait for a low mood to hit. Boost your mental wellness with:
Time in nature
Regular movement
Mood-supporting meals
Mindfulness & breathing
Light therapy
If persistent low mood sticks around, a health check might be in order—talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Moral of the study? Guard your mornings—they may be small, but they’re mighty.
*This is a summarized version of the article found here.
**Photo by Amanda Lins on Unsplash
