Modern culture often treats our mornings as a productivity race—a frantic scramble of alarms, notifications, and caffeine-fueled urgency. But neuroscience and psychology tell a different story. The first 60 to 90 minutes after waking are a critical window where the brain is unusually plastic, sensitive, and emotionally impressionable. The small, intentional habits we practice during this time can profoundly influence our mood, stress levels, and emotional regulation for the entire