Do this tonight for a more joyful tomorrow

☀️ Today’s tip: Before you fall asleep, identify one thing you’re excited to do the next morning.

Last week, we asked you to tell us about the things you value even when no one else notices — the things that move to the foreground when you let go of your “pseudo-self,” as the therapist Kathleen Smith puts it. For many of you, that letting go brought some measure of relief.

Today we have an exercise we hope will brighten your morning tomorrow. During a global pandemic, waking up feeling stressed has become a given for many of us. Play defense tonight: As you’re getting ready to go to sleep, take a moment to think of one thing you’re looking forward to doing soon after you get out of bed.

It doesn’t have to be anything big — maybe you’re excited to sip your morning coffee, or take a luxuriously long shower, or listen to your favorite podcast during a morning walk. Whatever it is, waking up with a small joy to look forward to can set the tone for the whole day.

✍️ We want to hear from you. What helps you get out of bed in the morning? What small pleasure can get you excited to start the day? Let us know at forge@medium.com, and we’ll feature some of our favorite answers on Forge’s Instagram.

📚 More from Forge on starting off on the right foot:

Trick Yourself Into Creating a Clean Slate
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The Best Sound to Use for Your Alarm in the Morning
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Begin a Habit So Small You Can’t Fail
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