What if we told you there’s a magical method out there that if done consistently, can help brighten your mood, increase your energy, decrease your anxiety, and boost your productivity? Well, that thing is something you’ve most likely heard of and certainly already have: it’s a morning routine.
A routine is a way for you to add structure to your days and allow you to get through your to-do list with a lot more ease. That being said, here are 8 things we recommend you add to your morning regimen if you want to make the most out of your days.
1. WAKE UP EARLY (CONSISTENTLY)
When you have a lot on your plate, the simplest way to stay ahead of the curve is to start your day earlier. Sleeping late can make you feel overwhelmed before the day even begins. By waking up early, not only are you more likely to finish your morning routine uninterrupted, but you also can start your day earlier, with clearer focus — giving you an edge over the competition.
Waking up at the same time every day will also ensure you slip into this habit effortlessly. Eventually, you won’t even need an alarm to wake you up.
2. HYDRATE IMMEDIATELY
Starting your day by drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach helps flush out toxins. Plus, drinking water first thing in the morning acts as a catalyst for other healthy habits, and can wake you up just as much as a cup of coffee.
3. MOVE
Exercising as soon as you wake up sets the tone right for the rest of the day. You not only produce more endorphins by exercising in the morning, but you also help your mind stay sharp throughout the day. This way, you can do more deep work and keep your focus for longer periods, which results in higher productivity. It is also less likely that you will blow off your exercise plans if you get them out of the way first thing.
4. EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
Food is fuel, and you need to eat nutritious food to power through your day. Start the day off by eating foods that are rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Not only will this keep you full until lunchtime, but a balanced, healthy breakfast will help keep your hunger in check later on in the evening. It will also give you energy and keep you from feeling sluggish.
5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Beginning every day with a gratitude practice helps raise your energy, improve your self-esteem, make you mentally stronger, and so much more. A gratitude practice also keeps your attention on the things that really matter in your life. This helps serve as a reminder every morning of everything you have to be grateful for — not only in your professional career, but in your personal life as well.
To incorporate a gratitude practice into your morning, you can either write in a journal (just a few sentences is enough), use a gratitude app, or meditate.
6. CLEAN OUT YOUR INBOX
When going through your inbox, look for emails in three categories:
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Emails that don’t require your attention at all (spam) – delete these.
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Emails that you need to address urgently – if the response will take less than one minute, answer it right away. If not, add it to your to-do list.
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Emails that require you to take a certain action – flag these emails and add the tasks to your to-do list.
Once you’ve sorted through these emails, try closing your inbox. Keeping it open throughout the day can easily become a distraction.
7. SET PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY
If you want to be productive, you need to know before you start your day what you’ll need to focus on. Having set priorities and a to-do list allows you to move forward and make progress without wasting any time between tasks.
8. LISTEN TO THE NEWS OR A PODCAST
While you’re eating, working out, or going through your inbox, plug in your earbuds and catch up on the latest news or your favorite podcast. By multitasking this way, you are maximizing your efficiency and staying up to date on current events. You could also listen to a work-related industry podcast, which can help prepare you for the day ahead.
This list might feel long — and who really has time to spare before work? — but we promise you that incorporating these eight habits into your morning routine will set you up for success and help you accomplish your long-term goals. Just setting that alarm a little earlier can make a world of difference.