When you struggle with depression, getting out of bed in the morning can be hard. Even though you might have trouble feeling motivated enough to get moving after waking up, there are several tips and tools available that can help. Keep the following in mind to help you get your day off to a positive start and boost your emotional well-being. 

Start with a Gratitude List

Thinking about what you’re grateful for in life can help shift your brain into a more positive mindset for the day. When you wake up, think of three to five things that you feel gratitude for. You can write these down on a piece of paper or just think about them in your head. When you get your brain to focus on gratitude first thing in the morning, this can help keep negative thoughts at bay.

Try Mindful Meditation

Meditation is a simple yet highly effective way to bring your thoughts back to the present instead of focusing on negative thoughts. Before you get out of bed, try sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes and letting your thoughts drift by without focusing on any of them. If you’re not used to doing this, focusing on something simple, such as your breathing, while you meditate can help you avoid getting distracted by your thoughts. Meditating for even just ten minutes at the start of your day can help you feel more peaceful and positive. 

Make a Morning Playlist

Music can help you get out of bed and moving even on days when you’re having difficulty with depression. Create a playlist of songs that inspire you or songs that motivate you to get up and move your body. Have this playlist ready to go as soon as you wake up.