For many of us, a morning that begins in a rushed panic can really set the tone for the rest of the day. It comes to no surprise that a strict morning routine or set of rituals to start the day feeling productive can only benefit your business. Here are five tips to get your morning off to a better start:
Make a to-do list
A successful morning starts the night before. Prior to leaving the office or shutting your laptop down, make a list of priorities and goals for the following work day. This will allow time for decompressing in the evening, knowing that you have an organized plan for the day ahead.
Want to take it a step further? Disconnect before bed! In an increasingly mobile world, more and more of us are taking our electronics to bed. Stop scrolling! The blue light from your devices suppresses your melatonin levels, making it way harder to fall asleep.
Wake up early
The benefits and advantages of early risers cannot be denied. Our days can become chaotic quite quickly but the early mornings are often calm and quiet. Getting a head start to the day comes with a ton of positive effects like reduced levels of stress, better concentration, time to eat a balanced breakfast, and improved quality of sleep.
Make movement a priority
How many times have you planned an after-work workout and something better comes along? Or maybe you haven’t finished your to-do list for the day by the time 5:00 rolls around? Prioritizing some sort of movement as one of the first things you do each morning avoids many scheduling conflicts. Plus, endorphins make you happy! Exercise helps to reduce stress AND increases your energy levels. Not to mention, it also helps with mental clarity. You don’t have to attend a high-intensity boot camp to make your time worthwhile. Just throw a podcast on your headphones and go on a thirty minute walk. Moving your body daily will improve your productivity, health, and overall well-being.
Meditate
Investing 5-10 minutes of your time to slow down and clear your head can really benefit your anxiety and stress, and also your creativity! The main goal of a meditation is to train your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts, but there is a ripple effect of benefits that come from consistent practice. We know that tackling a mediation practice can be intimidating, so we suggest using an app like Headspace or Calm to get going.
Write it down
With so much going on in our day to day lives, it’s sometimes hard to remember what we’re after. Taking a few moments each morning to write out your goals, no matter how big or small, can help you to stay focused on the bigger picture. While you’re at it, write down a few things or people you’re grateful for. A moment of appreciation can really help to start your day on a positive note.
If you haven’t already, give a morning routine a shot. We believe that the advantages you get from consistent habits in the morning can help you to prioritize yourself and your goals. Drop your tips for a better morning in the comments below!