Creating and sticking to a well oiled morning routine is essential to setting up a productive tone for the rest of the day. A well-structured routine can help you to feel more organized, focused, and energized, which further allows you to tackle your daily tasks with utmost confidence. By incorporating simple yet effective habits into your morning routine, you can enhance your overall productivity and well-being every day! Whether you are wanting to create a new routine from scratch or simply want to add to your current routine, here are a few key components to consider when developing your ideal morning routine.
EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM
Waking up early is one of the most (if not the most) crucial step to develop a productive morning routine. Usually, if you tend to wake up around 11 am or after, the entire morning is gone, you still feel groggy, and have no desire to be productive. If you wake up earlier, this will never be an issue! By rising before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, you can give yourself some time to simply think and reflect on your day, or even plan out your day in vivid detail. Also, waking up early helps you to get going in the day without the stresses of the day taking over yet, and allows you to take time to get ready slowly, without rushing. Setting your alarm for a consistent time every day is a great way to establish a healthy sleep pattern, and ensures that you get enough rest to wake up feeling refreshed. Keep in mind that the first few days you incorporate waking up early into your morning routine will be challenging, but with more familiarity and sleep the night before, getting up early will become second nature for your body.
HYDRATE AND NOURISH
Once you’re awake, it’s just as important to keep that burst of energy going by hydrating and nourishing your body. Before sleeping at night, keep a full glass or bottle of water on your nightstand, so that you are able to start your day by drinking water and hydrating your body. After this, focus on eating a breakfast that is rich in protein and healthy fats to keep your mind and body alert and awake during the day. Foods like eggs, avocado, and fruit can provide the necessary energy you need to carry you through until lunch time. By getting up early like we mentioned above, you can ensure you have enough time to enjoy your breakfast.
PLAN IT OUT
Taking some time in the morning to plan out your day is proven to increase productivity. If you know exactly what you need to accomplish and do that day, then you know how to best structure your tasks and identify your priorities to be the most productive you can be. Focus on what truly matters on your list so that you can make the best use of your time and energy. Also, by setting clear and measurable goals each day, it will help you to stay organized and motivated, thus reducing your likelihood of feeling overwhelmed or experiencing burnout. Consider using tools like paper or digital planners, reminder lists, and other apps or websites to better keep track of your deadlines and tasks. By creating a rough outline for your day, you create a roadmap of tasks and actions to follow, making it easier to stay on track and accomplish your goals!
MOVE MOVE MOVE!
Lastly, being sure to incorporate some sort of movement or physical activity into your morning routine is a great way to increase productivity. Whether it’s a short workout at the gym, a quick yoga session, or even a brisk walk around your neighborhood, movement increases blood flow to the brain and throughout your body, while also releasing endorphins to improve your mood and increase energy levels. Regular exercise has been shown to enhance focus and cognitive function, which thus makes it easier to tackle tasks and chores throughout the day. Not only that, but also starting your day off with a form of physical exercise fosters a sense of motivation and accomplishment that you can carry through with you during the rest of the day.
