Morning Anxiety: What It Is and How to Manage It

Morning anxiety is waking up with stress and anxiety when faced with a new day. Sometimes, these thoughts and feelings can disrupt your everyday life and impede work, social activities, and family time. It’s vital to notice signs of morning anxiety and get back on track, so you can sleep well and wake up feeling rested and ready for a new day.

What is morning anxiety?

Morning anxiety refers to the experience of heightened feelings of anxiety or stress that occur specifically upon waking up or during the early hours of the day. Individuals with morning anxiety may wake up with a sense of dread, worry, or nervousness that can be overwhelming and disruptive to their daily routine.

Often, people experience morning anxiety related to impending workday stress, which generally happens on days that you have to work.

Causes of morning anxiety

Morning anxiety can have various causes, and a combination of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors can trigger it. Here are some potential causes of morning anxiety:

• Stress and worry. Stressors from the previous day or ongoing life events can increase anxiety upon waking. Concerns about the day ahead, tasks to be completed, or upcoming events can intensify pressure in the morning.
• Low blood sugar. Low blood sugar levels in the morning, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes, can trigger anxiety symptoms.
• Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in hormones, such as cortisol (the stress hormone), can lead to heightened anxiety in the morning. Cortisol levels naturally peak in the early hours of the day, which can contribute to a "fight or flight" response.
• Lifestyle factors. Poor sleep routine, lack of physical activity, inadequate nutrition, and unhealthy coping mechanisms can all contribute to morning anxiety.
• Environmental factors. A stressful or chaotic living environment, noise disturbances, or other external stressors can affect sleep quality and increase morning anxiety.
• Work-life balance. Having an unhealthy work-life balance can contribute to morning anxiety. Feelings of anxiety that arise from having to go to work in the morning or feelings of incomplete work before bed can contribute to unhealthy sleep patterns and increase morning anxiety.

Morning anxiety symptoms

These are common symptoms reported by those with morning anxiety:

• Physical symptoms. Individuals may experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, sweating, nausea, and muscle tension.
• Cognitive symptoms. Racing thoughts, excessive worry, and an inability to focus are common cognitive symptoms of morning anxiety. People might overthink their concerns or fears, making it difficult to start the day with a clear and focused mind.
• Difficulty getting started. Morning anxiety can make it challenging to get out of bed, initiate daily tasks, or face the day’s responsibilities.
• Impact on routine. Morning anxiety can disrupt a person's morning routine, leading to difficulties with personal hygiene, eating breakfast, or preparing for work or other obligations.
  

Morning anxiety can last for varying amounts of time. Some individuals may experience it only briefly upon waking, while others may feel anxious throughout the morning.

How to break the cycle of morning anxiety

Breaking the morning anxiety cycle involves adopting strategies that address anxiety's psychological aspects. It's important to remember that overcoming morning anxiety may take time, consistency, and patience.

Establish a consistent sleep routine

A healthy sleep routine can make a big difference in anxiety experienced throughout the day. Studies show good sleep is vital to overall health and well-being, including mental health. Aiming for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night is essential.

A good habit is to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the exact times every day, even on weekends. You can also increase sleep quality by creating a calming bedtime routine, like playing soft music, to signal your body that it's time to wind down.

Practice relaxation techniques

Some studies show that deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation help reduce anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing tends to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cause a relaxed sensation throughout the body.

Practicing these techniques before bed and upon waking to start your day can help reduce anxiety and relax the body.

Limit stimulants before bed

Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol several hours before bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep and contribute to anxiety in the morning. Studies show that alcohol, in particular, can impact sleep quality by decreasing the amount of REM sleep you experience. This can have adverse health effects and make you feel unrested when you wake up.

Large meals before bed can also impact sleep quality. This can disrupt sleep and contribute to feelings of anxiety in the morning.

Create a positive morning routine

Set your alarm for the same time every morning. Studies show that a consistent routine improves general health and overall well-being. Plan enjoyable and calming activities for the morning, such as gentle stretching, meditation, reading, or listening to soothing music.

A common habit in today’s society is waking up and checking your phone. Avoid checking emails or social media immediately upon waking, as this can trigger stress and anxiety.

Challenge negative thoughts

Identifying and challenging any negative or anxious thoughts that arise in the morning is essential. If you wake up feeling guilty about not getting work done the day before, reframe that and devise an actionable plan to complete the task rather than feel overwhelmed by it. Replace the negative thoughts with more realistic and positive goals.

Consider keeping a journal to jot down your thoughts and feelings and track any morning anxiety patterns. This can help you visualize tasks and activities that need accomplishing throughout the day and help you organize your time more efficiently.

Engage in physical activity

Regular exercise has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve overall mood and well-being. Consider incorporating a short workout or a brisk walk into your morning routine.

Studies show that regular exercise can help increase dopamine receptors, increase feelings of happiness and calmness, and help redirect anxious thoughts and feelings.

Create a comfortable sleep environment

Lastly, ensure your bedroom is set up for the best sleep. Be sure to have comfortable bedding, a dark and quiet room, and a comfortable mattress, all of which can contribute to better sleep.

Investing in your sleep routine and environment is investing in your overall health and well-being.

When to seek professional help

It's important to note that morning anxiety can be a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or other mental health conditions. If you feel terrible anxiety in the morning, or it significantly interferes with your daily functioning and well-being, you need to seek professional help from a mental health provider, such as a psychotherapist. Your mental health professional may decide to help you manage symptoms with specific coping strategies, lifestyle changes, or even medication; all of these are important aspects of overall well-being.

Morning anxiety can significantly affect your overall daily activities and can impede your family and social life. Sticking to a routine and implementing healthy habits to combat morning anxiety is essential. If you feel like you cannot manage the symptoms of morning anxiety on your own, it’s necessary to speak to a mental health professional who can help you get back on track and live your best life.