Ever wonder why some people wake up glowing with gratitude and purpose, while the rest of us hit snooze three times and stumble into the day?
I used to think being “blessed” was just luck until I started studying the routines of people who radiate joy and fulfilment. Turns out, their mornings aren’t perfect, but they are intentional.
Here’s the good news: Science shows that small, consistent habits can rewire your brain to attract more peace, joy, and abundance. After testing dozens of routines (and geeking out over neuroscience studies), I’ve narrowed it down to 10 simple practices that’ll make you feel like the universe has your back even on Mondays.
Let’s dive in.
1. They Pause Before They Move (The 5-Second Rule)
You know that groggy moment when your alarm goes off? Blessed people don’t jump up immediately. Instead, they take 5 seconds to breathe deeply and set an intention.
- Why it works: A 2018 Harvard Study found that starting the day with intention activates the prefrontal cortex, boosting focus and emotional control.
- Try this: Before checking your phone, whisper: “Today, I choose joy.” (Yes, out loud. It feels silly but works.)
2. They Hug Someone Even Themselves
Physical touch releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”), which lowers stress. But what if you live alone? No problem.
- Science hack: A University of Miami study showed that self-massage or hugging a pillow for 30 seconds triggers the same calming effect.
- My go-to: I wrap my arms around myself and say, “You’ve got this.” Cheesy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
3. They Write 3 Gratitude Backwards
Gratitude journals are popular, but blessed people flip the script. Instead of “I’m grateful for my job,” they write: “Thank you for the coworker who made me laugh yesterday.”
- Why specifics matter: A 2021 Journal of Positive Psychology study found detailed gratitude entries increase life satisfaction by 28%.
- Example: “Thank you to the barista who remembered my coffee order it made me feel seen.”
4. They Sip “Sunshine Water”
Before coffee, they drink a glass of water with lemon and a pinch of turmeric.
- Science says that turmeric curcumin reduces inflammation (linked to depression), and lemon aids digestion. (Nutrition Journal, 2020)
- Pro tip: Add cinnamon for blood sugar balance. Your future self will thank you.
5. They Move But Not Like Gym Rats
You won’t find blessed people doing burpees at 6 a.m. Instead, they stretch, dance, or walk barefoot on grass.
- Grounding research: A 2019 Environmental Health study found walking barefoot (earthing) reduces cortisol by 35%.
- My routine: I blast 80s music and shimmy while making breakfast. Embarrassing? Sure. Mood-boosting? 100%.
6. They Feed Their Minds Before Their Inboxes
Blessed people avoid emails/social media for the first hour. Instead, they read or listen to something uplifting.
- Brain hack: A UC Irvine study found that starting the day with positive input increases productivity by 31%.
- Try: A 5-minute podcast like The Daily Meditation or a page from The Alchemist.
7. They Practice “Micro-Meditation”
No hour-long zen sessions here. They meditate for 3 minutes while sipping tea or waiting for the shower to heat up.
- Why it works: Frontiers in Psychology found even brief mindfulness sessions reduce anxiety by 21%.
- How: Focus on the steam rising from your mug or the sound of water. When your mind wanders (it will), gently refocus.
8. They Bless Someone Secretly
Before leaving the house, they send a silent wish like: “May my grumpy neighbor feel peace today.”
- Science of kindness: A UC Berkeley study showed silent acts of compassion increase your happiness hormones.
- My experiment: I mentally bless the driver who cuts me off. It’s hard, but it beats road rage.
9. They Eat a “Rainbow Breakfast”
Blessed people eat colorful foods (think berries, spinach, eggs) to fuel their gut-brain axis.
- Gut-mood connection: 90% of serotonin (the “happy chemical”) is made in the gut (Johns Hopkins Research).
- Easy meal: Greek yogurt + blueberries + chia seeds. Takes 2 minutes.
10. They End Their Morning with a “Not-To-Do” List
Instead of cramming tasks, they write down 3 things they’ll let go of that day perfectionism, others’ opinions, guilt.
- Psychology trick: Stanford researchers found releasing mental clutter frees up brainpower for creativity.
- Example: “Today, I won’t apologize for taking a lunch break.”
Conclusion: Your Turn to Feel Blessed
You don’t need to do all 10 habits today. Start with one. Maybe tomorrow, you’ll drink sunshine water or dance like no one’s watching. Remember, being “blessed” isn’t about having a perfect life it’s about finding magic in the messy, ordinary moments.
