- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 27d
Woke up anxious? A few tips to help you center yourself
Everyone wants to start the day feeling refreshed, so when you wake up anxious, it’s natural to feel confused, frustrated, or discouraged. One reason for morning anxiety has to do with cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, which is naturally highest when you first wake up. And, if you have OCD, there are a few additional drivers behind AM worries: Disrupted sleep, anticipatory worry about facing triggers, and dread about compulsions you don’t want to do can all make anxiety feel more intense first thing in the morning. When your thoughts start racing before your feet even hit the floor, it’s understandable to want to curl up under the covers and not face the day. But feeling anxious in the morning doesn’t have to mean your day is ruined. Here are a few tips that can help: ⏱️ Give it time: You may notice yourself feeling better after the morning spike in cortisol passes. 🛌 Adjust your sleep routine: Keeping a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed can improve sleep, leading to better-feeling mornings. 🥦Eat regular, balanced meals & drink enough water: Avoiding big meals right before bed, eating enough for breakfast, and hydrating upon waking can all help you sleep better and feel more regulated when you wake up. 🧑⚕️Seek professional help: A therapist specializing in OCD can teach you how to break the cycle of morning anxiety and start your day with a greater sense of calm. With the right treatment and small shifts in your routine, tough mornings can become easier to navigate and less defining of your whole day.