A morning routine can effectively set you up for a more productive day. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs and personalities follow a unique morning routine of their own. This can be an integral part of living a successful and fulfilling life.
A study by the American Psychological Association shows that morning routines help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Creating and following a morning routine helps increase your life satisfaction levels.
Heres a simple morning routine that can get you going throughout the day.
Wake up early. No snoozing.
Not everyone is an early bird. But, research shows that 90% of highly effective executives wake up at least before 6 AM on weekdays. By waking up early, youll have more time to prepare for the day. You dont have to be stressed so early in the day with all the morning rush and frenzy.
Avoid snoozing too! Snoozing is one example of procrastination. Starting your day with procrastination wont help make it more productive. Hitting the snooze first thing in the morning ruins your mindset. Do you want to be more productive? Then show some self-discipline and wake up on time.
Start the day with positivity.
Reflect on your blessings and express your gratitude. Give thanks. This helps you realize how fortunate you are for all the blessings you have and for the opportunity to continue growing. Acknowledge the things you are grateful for and give thanks for each of them.
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." Psalm 9:1
You can also recite (or shout if you really want to) your gratitude or some positive affirmations to start your day. Life is good. Today, I will be even more productive! I am bold. I am fierce. I can do anything. Whatever it is that can push you. This morning routine helps you set up a positive mindset to overcome negative thoughts that can put you off-track.
Replenish. Drink water.
Your body gets dehydrated when you sleep. Dehydration is one of the biggest indicators of low energy and lethargy. Feel refreshed and replenish the lost water in your body by drinking a glass of water in the morning.
Drinking a glass of water in the morning helps shake off sleep in your system, fuels your brain with a level of alertness and also kicks of your metabolism.
Exercise.
A good morning workout, yoga or even just a few minutes walk in the garden or down the hallway of your apartment building can get your blood flowing and shake off sleep from your system.
Research also shows that people who exercise during the workday, especially in the morning, have more energy and a more positive outlook and mood throughout the day. Exercise gives you a boost in energy you need to get things done during the day.
Get some energy into your system.
Eat a healthy morning meal. It doesnt have to be a huge breakfast, something healthy and fulfilling will do. Aside from your mind, your body needs a recharge to get you going throughout the day.
The nutrients you get from a healthy breakfast boost energy and concentration. Eat a real breakfast and youll be less hungry throughout the day. A growling tummy can be pretty distracting when youre trying to focus on your work. Your health is important for staying effective and productive.
Recharge your mind. Read.
Aside from refueling your brain with new knowledge, reading is also a form of meditation that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Studies show that reading lowers your heart rate, easing tension in your body and relaxing you physically.
Reading also improves concentration and empathy, keeping you grounded while working on your tasks and interacting with various people at work all throughout the day.
Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest people alive, reads about one book a week and 50 books a year, according to Business Insider. You can read books, your favorite bible verses, the latest industry news or the recent updates on your RSS feed.
List your goals for the day.
According to research people who have concrete goals are 50% more likely to feel confident that they can attain their goals. Listing down your goals specific to the day puts everything into motion. It helps you get an overview of how your day will go, which goal you need to prioritize, what steps to take, etc.
A daily list of your goals helps you keep a more goal-driven and engaged mindset, resulting in more accomplished tasks within the day. Think of what youre trying to achieve instead of what you have to do. Keep the end goal in mind.
Bonus tip: Set yourself up for a productive morning the night before. Plan your breakfast and what youre gonna wear before going to bed. Have enough and comfortable sleep. You want your mind and body at their fullest capacity for the next day.
Everyday is a new chance to grow and develop, a new shot to success! How you start your day says a lot about how the rest of your day will go. Follow the routine above or create a unique yet effective routine of your own.
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