According to Leaders.com, 92% of highly successful people have a solid morning routine. When I saw this statistic I wasn’t surprised- how you start your morning plays a huge role in how your day is going to go. I think we’ve all experienced this firsthand! Once I started prioritizing my own morning routine and made an effort to use my time in the best way, it made a world of difference. If you’re someone looking to up your morning routine, keep reading for my tips on how to make things a lot more productive.
Rise and Shine
The first step to a productive morning routine is, well, actually getting out of bed! Set your alarm for a consistent wake-up time, and resist the temptation to hit snooze. Trust me, those extra few minutes of sleep won’t do you any favors in the long run. Think of the early morning hours as YOU time to practice self-care and kick your day off on the right note.
Practice Mindfulness
It’s easy to dive right into work tasks or scroll on your phone for the first hour of the day, but once I made the adjustment to practice more mindfulness in the morning it made such a difference. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or just relaxing with your coffee or tea in silence, find what works for you to clear your mind and enjoy a sense of calm. This has been a great tool for my anxiety and just helps me start the day in a healthier way. Reflect on what you’re grateful for, set your intentions for the day, and visualize your goals coming to fruition.
Move Your Body
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, moving your body is SO so important. Getting those endorphins flowing is crucial! As Elle Woods says, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” so get some physical activity in. I’m not saying you need to do some crazy workout class, even a 30-minute walk will do. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, and make it a non-negotiable part of your morning routine.
Prioritize Your Tasks
I like to start by reviewing my calendar and to-do list and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. Focusing on the most pressing tasks first helps me stay on track throughout the day. I go into more detail on how I manage my workload here if you want to learn more!
Create a Productive Workspace
Your environment plays a huuuge role in your productivity, so if you haven’t already, take the time to make it a good one. Tidy up your desk and get rid of any shit you don’t need, light your favorite candle, turn on some work music, and do whatever you need to do to set up the productive vibe. More here with my tips on how to set up your home office if you work from home!
Limit Distractions
When you’re ready to jump into your workday, make a conscious effort to limit distractions. In today’s digital world it can be hard to stay focused, so turn off your notifications or set your phone to do not disturb if you need some uninterrupted time to get work done. It will all be waiting for you when you finish.