Are morning people happier?

At the risk of alienating my three children and night owls every where, I dare to ask the question:  are morning people happier?  Over the last few years, Rob and I have been conducting a study, albeit a totally unscientific and unsubstantiated study, but thought provoking none the less.  Now, I must confess to a personal bias.  My favourite time of the day is early morning.  I have always been and will likely always be a morning person.  Yes - one of those people who usually wakes up perky and ready to go, much to the annoyance of those around me.

Morning coffee on the beach - Broken Island Group

In my humble opinion, nothing is better than crawling out of tent, brewing that first cup of coffee and quietly sitting on the beach watching the world wake up. Thankfully, Rob is also a morning person....our biological clocks are in synch enabling us to share an early morning giggle and outing.

I would contend that we are not alone and hence the premise for my question.  As we hike, bike and paddle we have noticed over the years that the greetings from others on the trails are usually heartier and happier in the morning.  Have you noticed?

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Maybe the possibility of a new day and new adventure ahead leaves folk feeling optimistic or maybe as the day goes on the weight of the day, the to do lists and unfinished tasks begin to take their toll.  Whatever the reasons, I encourage you to join our study and help us to answer the question:  are morning people happier?

I am not sure if Ben Franklin was right when he said early to bed and early to rise makes a men healthy, wealthy and wise, but for me....early to rise means a good cuppa Joe is waiting.

Happy trails!

I'm their leader....which way did they go?

True Confessions:

I must be truthful! Rob usually crawls out of the tent first and gets the water boiling and the coffee brewing.  We have been hiking, paddling and cycling for as long as I can remember and over the years we have developed an easy rhythm around camp.  I contend that it is this rhythm and unspoken adherence to our roles and responsibilities that forms the basis of a happy trip (and maybe happy marriage?)  Rob braves the elements to get the coffee on, and I pack up the gear in preparation for the day ahead.  Maybe, if everyone on the trail could find someone like Rob to brew the coffee, we would all be morning people.