Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you start the day happy, energized and motivated, you are likely to carry that positive energy throughout the day.
While there’s probably not an ideal morning routine that fits everyone, adding these practices to your morning will help set you up for a more productive day. Consider introducing one new practice a week if it seems daunting to overhaul your morning routine all at once.
Wake up at your own time
Some people wake up before the sun rises and accomplish tasks before the rest of the world has rolled out of bed. While it’s true that early risers tend to get more things done, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a productive day if you wake up past 6:00 am.
It doesn’t matter what time you wake up, what matters is that you figure out your optimal time of the day. If you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself to be part of the 5:00 a.m. club. Your body knows what it should be doing and when. Wake up when your body is ready, and work when your brain is ready. This often leads to a productive day.
Carve out 15 minutes for yourself
Those first 15 minutes after waking up are the most potent for setting the tone for your entire day. The problem is that most people reach for their smart phone the instant they open their eyes. This often gets us off to a bad start.
Spend at least 15 minutes quiet time every morning. You can use this time to meditate, do yoga, read, pray or just sit silently with a cup of coffee. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
Exercise
We all know that exercise is good for the body. Studies suggest that exercising first thing in the morning can give you the energy boost to get things done throughout the day; thus, making you more productive. Since exercise triggers the release of endorphins, people who exercise tend to be happier and are less likely to feel stressed.
Nourish your body
Even if you’re not someone who is hungry in the morning, be sure to eat a nutritious breakfast before leaving for school or for work. Eating breakfast provides you with energy for the day ahead, helps keep you focused at work, and sets the stage for smart decisions all day long.
Skipping breakfast not only leads to productivity loss, it can also set you up for overeating later in the day. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast. Eat a healthy breakfast that is loaded with protein, fruits and whole grains.
