Every morning is a promise of a new day and a fresh start. But in order for the day to bring everything you hope for and more, it’s time to put the ideas into practice. The right routine in the morning can effectively set you up for a meaningful and energized day. Utilize the following morning routine hacks to boost productivity and possibly become your secret ingredient to success.
Also read:How to Differentiate Between Routines and Habits
1. Your Morning Routine Starts in the Evening
A morning routine may easily turn into another “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but if you want the hack to work its wonders, start your morning routine in the evening. This evening. No delegating and no excuses. Instead of waiting for the next morning to make a to-do list of all the things you have to do, take a couple of minutes before bed to quickly write down the main tasks you know you have to get to.
Such a simple practice will have you wake up better prepared for the day ahead. Imagine not having to wait for the morning grogginess to pass in order to have a clear picture of your schedule. Neat, right?
2. Exercise the Tiredness Away
Speaking of morning grogginess, it’s time to do something about it as well. If you’ve been neglecting your workout regime, you may not be too thrilled to hear this. However, the fact of the matter is that physical activity in the morning efficiently boosts your productivity levels. Not only that, but working out after you wake up, even if it’s just for 10 to 15 minutes, increases the blood flow. This hack works like a charm when it comes to boosting your alertness and focus and simply chasing the grogginess away.
The toxins leave your body through sweat, making room for some productive brainwork. Hop into the shower right afterward and start off your day as fresh as the morning dew, and that brings us to the next hacks.
3. Hot Shower, Cold Shower
Yes, this may sound like jumping in at the deep end at a time of day when it feels like there’s a misty film over your eyes and your voice does things you never thought possible, but there’s a lot of evidence to show that mixing up your morning shower with spurts of absolute coldness can be very good for you. Just try it – get your shower as hot as possible (while remaining comfortable), then crank it all the way to cold and stay under there for even 10 seconds (this can increase over time) before heating it up again. Repeat this throughout your shower.
What’s the point of this torture? It’s extremely invigorating for a start, but there’s science behind this, too. Hot and cold showers stimulate the heat and cold shock proteins in your body, which have numerous benefits, like repairing the body, possibly reducing the risk of various brain conditions, and kickstarting your mind for the day.
If you want to find out more about the benefits of hot and cold showers, then check out our guide on the topic.
4. Enjoy the Effects of Consistency
You don’t have to be an early riser to be successful and productive, but you should be a consistent riser. It’s crucial that you have a good night of rest in order to have enough energy the next day. In that respect, do your best to avoid skipping sleep as much as possible.
In general, you need seven to nine hours of sleep, and it’s up to you to work out the exact number that’s perfect for you. Use this knowledge to introduce scheduling to your sleep routine. By going to bed around the same time every evening and, more importantly, waking up at the same time every morning, you’re bound to notice a considerable jump in your productivity levels.
Many successful people swear by their 5 am morning routine. But if that’s not for you, it’s still possible to wake up at 9 am, for example, and take on the world – as long as the schedule works for you, you’re consistent and get enough sleep. This particular hack will tune your body and mind so that they can fully rejuvenate and replenish during the night.
5. The Right Kind of Breakfast
Coffee is not breakfast. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your hot beverage every morning, but make it a point never to skip the most important meal of the day. Once you’re done with exercising and showering, head to the kitchen and prepare something to eat.
If you’re unsure about the best productivity breakfast, think oatmeal. It’s rich in fiber and protein, which is ideal to start your day properly, especially if you also add a handful of berries and/or nuts or half a banana. You should be careful not to go to the other extreme and eat too much for breakfast. Common choices such as eggs and bacon are not the best productivity-wise, as this meal can be too heavy on your stomach, causing you to feel even more tired than before.
6. Minimize the Distractions
Regardless of whether you work from home or an actual office, it’s time to get ready for the day. Don’t make the mistake of staying in your pyajamas or sweats if you have a home-based job. After all, if you’re not feeling your look, you won’t be able to be your true productive self. This is the first distraction you want to get rid of, as it can be the most dangerous since it’s not instantly obvious.
Check your messages and social media quickly and maybe browse the Internet for a couple of minutes just to get that out of the way. Once you’ve caught up with the news and notifications, log out of your social media accounts. Turn your phone off or at least mute it. Also, make sure that all the unnecessary tabs on your computer are closed.
This is all nothing groundbreaking, right? But can you honestly say that you practice even just one thing from this morning routine list in the effort to boost your productivity regularly? A healthy and structured morning has the power to mentally set you up for the rest of your day. If you feel confused, sleepy, and unorganized the moment you wake up, chances are the rest of your day won’t be much different. Fortunately, the opposite is true, too.
And in case, after a successful morning routine, you’re looking for the most meaningful way to fill your time during your commute, give these productivity audiobooks a go and elevate your morning routine even more.