For most folks, mornings are the most important part of the day because they set the stage.
Getting off to a strong start can mean the difference between achieving all you need to get done and ending your workday with a lot of loose ends. Below are a few tips on how you can establish a productivity-boosting morning routine.
Get Ready the Night Before
Mornings can be crazy, especially for people with young children, and a bit of planning the night before can go a long way toward having a productive morning. Some steps to take the night before might include setting the coffee maker to brew automatically, preparing lunches and having your work materials sitting by the door.
Eat a Good Breakfast
Whether you’re a fan of breakfast or not, starting out with a nutritious meal is one of the biggest keys to an effective workday. Your body has been fasting all night and breaking that fast with a protein-rich meal is a smart way to energize yourself for the day ahead. Some fast and simple protein-heavy choices include eggs, protein shakes, nuts and Greek yogurt.
Exercise
Studies have discovered that individuals who exercise during the work week feel better and are more productive than those who do not exercise. A regular exercise routine can also help support good sleep hygiene.
Hopefully, you have a regular exercise routine. If you normally exercise in the afternoon or evening, try shifting it to the start of the day. Exercising prior to beginning your workday can give you a boost of endorphins that carries you throughout the day.
Take A Moment of Zen
Spending a few quiet moments before you start your day can be very rewarding. That doesn’t necessarily mean spending time practicing yoga or meditating. Folding laundry, doing dishes or other daily chores can allow your mind to wander in a therapeutic way.
Make a To-Do List
Those who don’t make a plan for their workday can fall victim to a loss of focus or thinking they can do it all. Making a prioritized set of action items and objectives can help you make smart choices throughout the day.
When making a set of goals, make it short. If you make your list and feel a bit overwhelmed when reviewing it, scale it back. If you don’t, you may be less dedicated to completing each item.
Get to Work at the Same Time Every Day
If you don’t have to “punch in” at the same time every workday, it can be easy to get lax about when you get in, and this is especially true if you’re a remote worker.
The best way to set yourself up for an effective workday is to hold yourself to the same start time. Experts say self-discipline can deteriorate over the course of a workday, which means we tend to have the most resolve in the morning. Don’t squander this valuable resource by postponing the start of your workday.
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