Why mornings may be the happiest time of day

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A new study published in the British Medical Journal‘s Mental Health people reported feeling their best in the morning hours. On average, they experienced lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while noting higher happiness, life satisfaction, and a stronger sense that life is worthwhile. Researchers point to factors like circadian rhythms, natural light exposure, and the psychological fresh start effect as possible reasons for this boost. The findings highlight how the mornings may be the most powerful time of day for supporting mental well-being.

Source

Bu F, Bone JK, Fancourt D. Will things feel better in the morning? A time-of-day analysis of mental health and wellbeing from nearly 1 million observations. BMJ Mental Health. 2025;28:e301418. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301418

Additional Reading

https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/happiness/news-study-this-is-the-happiest-time-of-day-say-psychobiology-researchers/

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/05/scientists-find-that-things-really-do-seem-better-in-the-morning

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-02-05/everyones-happiest-in-the-morning-study-says

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