Why Morning Anxiety Happens and How to Stop It
Struggling with morning anxiety? Learn what causes it and get expert-backed tips from a mental health therapist to calm anxiety naturally and fast.
ANXIETY
Khushboo- Psychologist
1 min read
Waking up with a racing heart or a pit in your stomach? You’re not alone. Morning anxiety is a common experience, and it's often rooted in both biology and thought patterns.
Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, is naturally highest in the morning to help us wake up and get going. But for those prone to anxiety, this spike can trigger symptoms like restlessness, racing thoughts, or a sense of dread—before the day has even started.
The mental health profession recognizes that unprocessed stress, poor sleep, and anticipatory worry (thinking ahead about everything that could go wrong) all contribute to morning anxiety.
Here’s how to stop it:
Don’t check your phone right away. Jumping into texts, news, or social media can overstimulate an already sensitive system.
Hydrate and eat a protein-rich breakfast. Blood sugar crashes intensify anxiety.
Try light movement. Gentle stretching or a short walk calms the nervous system.
Use grounding techniques. Focus on your senses to reorient your body to the present moment.
Try a cold splash or ice pack. Sudden cold can “reset” the nervous system and reduce spiraling thoughts.
Breathwork and tongue relaxation. A soft tongue posture and slow breathing signal safety to your brain.
Consider therapy. A mental health professional can help you break anxiety cycles and start your day with more ease.
Morning anxiety is manageable—with the right tools, you can take back your mornings.
