“Man they must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!” This is what we say when we encounter folks at work or elsewhere early in the AM that are already in bad moods. If this happens every now and then, it’s not a big deal, but the real trouble starts when those days are the norm for those people. How you start your day has a big impact on how you finish your day! Not only does this apply to your work day but it also applies to your relationships and how you well you connect with your spouse. With that said, even if you aren’t typically a “morning person” there are some habits you should start to create with your spouse so that you start the day off right!

1. Wake up earlier than they have to.

We are all are creatures of habit and we usually have our routines set in stone. We wake up just in time to do what’s needed before leaving the house.  And once that happens, there’s usually no time to left to spare.  Happy couples make a habit of waking up earlier than normal so that they’re not in such a rush and have some time to focus on just being together and enjoying some quiet time before the obligations of the day tug away at them.

2. Have morning sex.

I didn’t feel the need to hold back on this one because it can start your day off on a high note! I’m not saying it has to be every morning, but you and your spouse should absolutely get it on in the morning from time to time. A little quickie to get the energy and endorphins going makes for a smiling face walking out of the door. After long days at work, you’re too tired to have sex.. so happy couples make time in the morning.

3. Have breakfast together.

Instead of just coffee or a snack as everyone rushes out of the door, give a 20-minute breakfast at the table with your family a try. One reason we stay disconnected in relationships is because we get too busy to find time to talk. Doing something like this in the morning can definitely set the right tone and help you catch up…especially if it’s usually harder to do later in the day. Once a week, my wife and I actually get up early enough to do breakfast at the cafe around the corner and it’s our standing breakfast date that we look forward to.

4. Exercise together.

If you can make it happen, then getting up together and doing 30 minutes of exercise from time to time can be so good for you physically and mentally. First of all, you get it out of the way and secondly it’s some uninterrupted time together as a couple. You can do home exercise videos, yoga, stretching or even a jog around the neighborhood. As a bonus, showering together afterwards can transition nicely into tip #2…

5. Always stop to hug, kiss, and say “I Love You” before leaving the house.

Physical touch and words of affirmation tend to fade the longer you are in a relationship. So, you have to be conscious about making sure you always make your spouse a priority. No matter how much needs to be tackled once you leave the house, it’s important that your spouse knows that you think enough of him or her to stop for a few minutes and share a nice long embrace and kiss. It’s intimate, it’s special, AND it’s a small gesture that has a big payoff.

6. Pray together

One of the best ways to make your spouse feel loved is to pray with and for them. Each day, ask God for peace and protection over your spouse and marriage and cover them with your prayers. You can pray silently in the bed and then you can pray out loud together.

READ:  5 Prayers for Better Sex and Intimacy in Your Marriage

7. Count your blessings.

Wake up each day and count your blessings. Think about all of the ways you blessed to have your spouse in your life.  Happy couples know that a large part of being happy is having the right mindset. And focusing on positive things about your spouse and your marriage will set you a positive path for the day.

I know many of you may think these habits sound a little unrealistic because you’re so busy and because of the kids and because of this or that, but is not unrealistic if you choose to make your spouse a priority. Your spouse has to remain a priority in your life and if you can make it happen at the top of the morning, then you’re already ahead of the game! Start small and make a goal of doing these things at least once a week and you will start to see these habit become a part of your normal routine.

BMWK – please share the ways that you and your spouse interact in the morning that set you up for a happy day and a happy marriage.