The morning is the best time of the day to jump-start productivity. The first moments of the morning set the tone for the rest of the day, so it’s important to use this time well and start it on a positive note. Developing a healthy morning routine will allow you to be more energetic, focused, and in control of your day. Here are 6 tips for your morning routine to help boost your productivity.
Start with a Fun Exercise
Movement releases endorphins that help to energize the brain. Starting your morning with exercise is the best way to get your energy levels up and jump-start your mind. But morning exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. A fun exercise like trampolining can actually be more effective than traditional cardiovascular workouts like running or jogging. Doing as little as 10 minutes each morning can help to build physical strength, boost your mood, and ease any stress. The pure enjoyment of bouncing around in the fresh air will immediately put you in a happy, positive mindset for the day.
Hydrate with Lemon Water
Hydration plays a key role in your brain power. It can vastly improve your mood and ability to focus. However, many of us are guilty of drinking too much coffee in the morning and not enough water throughout the day. This leads to an inevitable crash in energy that affects workplace productivity. Instead of relying on coffee to wake you up each day, try drinking a large glass of lemon water. Lemon water is packed with nutrients like Vitamins C, potassium, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for your physical and mental energy.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet it is still the most commonly skipped meal for many people. Skipping breakfast can throw off your body’s rhythm of eating and fasting. Your body’s blood sugar levels are lowest when you wake up, and eating breakfast helps to replenish it. Eating a substantial breakfast each day not only gives you energy but boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves your memory and concentration.
Unplug from Distractions
A calm, stress-free morning routine will put you in a positive mindset throughout the day. This is why it’s so important to avoid too much screen time in the morning. Diving straight into work emails and text messages is an unhealthy and frantic way to start the day. Try to start the day with 5 deep breaths, spend the morning focusing on yourself, and leave the rest until later.
Embrace the Natural Light
Exposure to sunlight can enhance your perception, brighten your mood, and improve your performance of cognitive tasks. Take a moment each day to sit outside in the early morning sun, even if it means waking up a little bit earlier. If you’re spending the rest of the day stuck inside an office, you will need this extra time in the sun.
Set Specific Goals
Setting specific goals for your day will help put everything into motion. The key is to set achievable goals that can be easily broken down into smaller tasks. Write down a to-do list of things you want to accomplish throughout the day and how you will accomplish them. Try to keep the list short so that you’re not too overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead of you. Starting your day with a list of prioritized tasks will make you feel more organized and prepared to tackle the day ahead.
Written by - Harper Reid who is a freelance writer from Auckland, New Zealand she is passionate about healthy living and fitness. When she’s not writing, you'll find her taking long walks, practicing yoga or drinking her favourite cup of tea.