Your Morning Sets the Tone for the Day

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

If you want to set yourself up for greater productivity, start with a good morning routine. It’s as important as your nighttime routine. A morning practice will help your brain switch from sleep mode to awake and productive mode.

Get Your Brain Going

You probably have a morning routine of sorts without realizing it. You wake up to the alarm, hit snooze, check your phones, emails, text messages, shower, grab a coffee, and head to work. If that sounds like you, great. You have a base to start from.

Most people have short morning routines because they want to log as much sleep as possible. How many times do you hit the snooze button? Be honest. I hit it several times myself. Or I turn the alarm off and keep sleeping.

If you can have a better night’s sleep after implementing a night routine and aim to get to bed a little earlier, you should have no problem waking up earlier to fit in some extra routine aspects to brighten your day and wake up your brain!

Waking up 15 to 30 minutes earlier gives your body and mind 15 to 30 minutes to come to life. We have all been there, starting work but our brains feel cloudy, our dreams are still running through our minds, and the coffee hasn’t kicked in — yet. Your body’s telling you it needs more time to get into gear.

Get Your Body Moving

Try adding movement to your mornings. Wake up, get out of bed, and do a set of jumping jacks. Don’t forget to stretch. It seems difficult, but movement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to wake up your mind and body. Your breathing and heart rate slow down during sleep. They don’t speed back up to normal the moment you open your eyes either.

Moving your body increases circulation, boosts heart rate, moves more oxygen into your blood, and helps you feel more awake. Yoga, running, stretching, tai chi, jogging, walking, or light cardio is easy movements you can include in your morning.

Even if your movement is walking around your house a few times, jogging around the block, doing 10 jumping jacks in your bedroom, or doing a 5-minute yoga sun salutation, your body will feel more alive. Touching your toes and reaching above your head is fine too. Just. Get. Moving.

Add 15 minutes to your mornings and try to incorporate movement into the habits and routine you already have. For example, while you’re making breakfast, turn up some music and dance around the kitchen. Two birds — one stone.

Do What Feels Good

Another practice you can include in your morning routine is something that makes you feel good.

• Put on a facial mask while you have breakfast.
• Meditate.
• Repeat quotes and affirmations to yourself in the bathroom mirror (or any mirror).
• Make a playlist of songs that will get your body moving.
• Drink a glass of water before you drink your coffee.

Open your curtains and turn on your light! Get light into your space to help your energy levels back up. You’ll feel happier and more confident, which will give your productivity a great boost!

Mornings can be full of joy, so make a point to find the happy things. Celebrate the sun or the rain. Whatever brings you joy, take a moment to celebrate it. My medium iced decaf macchiato with oat milk was delicious this morning. What about yours?

Switch Your Brain to Work Mode

Once you’re at your workspace, take a few deep breaths. Switch your brain to work mode by reading your to-do list, checking your calendar, updating your planner, and opening your email or messages. Doing things like this will help switch your mindset over to work.

Takeaway

A great way to become more productive is to set the tone for your day by using a morning routine. The activities you do from the time your feet hit the floor can set your day up for success.

Affirmations

I set myself up for success each morning.
Life is good.
I have high energy levels.

(Note: This article first appeared on Medium in August 2022.)