Kickstart Your Productivity: 7 Things to do Every Morning
In addition to health benefits, how you spend your morning can significantly impact how productive you are during the day. In fact, multiple studies have shown that starting your day off with a set routine can do wonders for your productivity. For one, it helps to get your mind and body in the right mindset for the day ahead.
Moreover, starting your day with a routine can help minimise distractions and better manage your time. By completing specific tasks at certain times, you can reduce decision fatigue and be less likely to get sidetracked by things that aren't on your to-do list.
Here are seven things you can do every morning to help jumpstart your productivity!
Wake Up Early (or at least on time)
This one may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Waking up early (or at least on time) is the first and most crucial step to having a productive day.
Start slowly adjusting your sleep schedule if you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you can wake up at your desired time. Once you've got that down, stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible to keep your body on track.
Once you're out of bed, take a few moments to stretch. This will help to get your blood flowing and wake up your muscles. Most importantly, keep the phone out of your hand! Give your body some time to wake up before you start scrolling.
Make your bed
According to a study done by the US Navy, making your bed every morning can lead to better productivity throughout the day. Making your bed gives you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning and sets the tone for a productive day.
Eat a nutritious breakfast
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating a nutritious breakfast helps to fuel your body and mind. Skipping breakfast can make you feel sluggish and will more likely lead to unhealthy snacking later in the day.
Instead, start your morning with a nutritious protein-rich meal or snack that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. If you're short on time, try a quick, easy breakfast like oatmeal or a smoothie. If you have more time to spare, sit down for a real breakfast with eggs, wholegrain toast, and fruit.
Get your groove on
Don't worry, you don't have to spend hours at the gym. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can help to increase your energy and improve your mood for the rest of the day.
If you're not a morning person, try starting with simple exercises like yoga or stretching. Or, if you're looking for a more energizing workout, go for a run or dance around the house –– our personal fave.
Whatever you choose, ensure you're doing something you enjoy. Exercising should be something that makes you feel good, not something that feels like a chore.
Meditate –– hear us out
Gone are the days when meditation was only for hippies and yogis. In recent years, meditation has been gaining popularity as a way to help improve focus and increase productivity. Meditation can help to centre yourself and ease any anxiety or stress you may feel. It's an excellent opportunity to start your day with a clear mind.
There are many different ways to meditate, so find what works best for you. If you're new to meditation, plenty of apps and websites offer guided meditation, so jump in the deep end and give one a go.
Go over your to-do list
If you don't make them daily already, It's time to start! To-do lists are a great way to increase your productivity. By taking a few minutes each morning to go over what you need to do for the day, you can help to prioritise your tasks and make sure that you're using your time effectively.
If you find that you're constantly putting off certain tasks, try the Pomodoro Technique. This is a time management strategy that can be used for any task. The basic idea is to work for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes.
This technique can help to break down a large task into manageable chunks and make it feel less daunting. It also allows you to take regular breaks, which can help to improve your focus and prevent burnout.
Start your day with something positive
No matter how busy or stressful your day may be, starting on a positive note is essential. One of the best ways to do this is to take a few moments each morning to think about something you're grateful for.
You could also try writing down your goals or affirmations for the day. These could be anything from professional goals, like "I will finish that report today," to personal ones, like "I am worthy of happiness."
Whatever you choose, make sure that it's something that will put a smile on your face and help to motivate you for the day ahead.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, seven things that you can do every morning to start your day off right and boost your productivity. Just remember that it's important to find what works for you. Some of these may work like a charm, while others may not be your cup of tea. The most important thing is to experiment and find what helps you to get into that productive mindset.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your most productive day yet!
If you're not used to making your bed, start small. Pull up the sheets and straighten the pillows. Once you've got that down, add in a light blanket or quilt. Eventually, you'll be tucking in hospital corners like a pro!