Health
Effective Routines to Supercharge Your Day
learn what makes mornings special and how to create an effective routine
As cliche as it may sound, every day presents a new opportunity to start taking steps toward the person you want to be. And the best time to take action? The morning.
Read on to learn what makes mornings special and how to create an effective routine that sets you up for success and fulfilment.
The Importance Of An Effective Morning Routine
Having a productive morning routine is similar to preparing your GPS before a long car journey or setting the sails of your boat before a voyage. The result is identical in all scenarios: you set yourself up for success and boost your chances of reaching your destination.
In the case of a morning routine, your destination could be a list of daily tasks you want to complete that get you closer to your long-term goals.
The reason why a morning routine works is because of the intentions behind it. Instead of drifting, you set out with purpose and set the tone for each day.
Start the morning with focus and productivity; the rest of your day will shape up similarly. However, start the day distracted and unsure, and your daily choices will reflect that.
5 Healthy Habits For An Effective Morning Routine
1. Hydrate
Drinking water as soon as you wake up might seem counterintuitive and uncomfortable, but the benefits are undeniable.
Hydrating yourself early on allows your body to function at its best, leading to more energy, improved digestion, and alertness.
2. Exercise
Movement creates energy and is one of the best ways to boost alertness and wake yourself up in the morning.
Even ten minutes of focused effort in the morning can burn calories, help you build muscle, and set you up for productive and fulfilling days.
3. Meditate
Some people enjoy meditating as soon as they wake up, but that can be a double-edged sword, especially if you’re too sleepy.
A better approach might be to wake up your mind with some exercise and then meditate for a few minutes to centre yourself and reap the benefits.
4. Eat
Sitting down for a nutritious breakfast might not always be an option, but there are still ways to fuel your body on a tight schedule.
A protein shake or fruit smoothie is an excellent option because you blend everything and enjoy it in a few minutes.
Alternatively, try an overnight oatmeal recipe. Prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and enjoy it in the morning.
5. Plan
Planning your days is a fantastic way to make time for everything that matters and work toward your goals. Even a simple to-do list can make it easier to focus on the things that matter and become more productive.
2 Common Morning Pitfalls to Avoid
People are often unproductive in the morning for two reasons:
- They hit the snooze button one too many times instead of getting out of bed and tackling the day with energy and enthusiasm.
Aside from wasting time on shallow sleep, this simple habit sets the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of facing challenges head-on, people hide from them, instead going down the path of least resistance. - They spend too much time staring at a screen, be it their phone, laptop, or the kitchen TV. That time could be better spent on productive activities that boost energy levels.
3 Tips For Successfully Setting a Morning Routine
1. Gradually Adjust Bedtime
Instead of trying to wake up one or two hours earlier than usual, gradually shift your bedtime over a couple of weeks. Shift your bedtime by 15-20 minutes every few days, and gradually wake up earlier to have enough time for a morning routine.
2. Prep the Night Before
Do what you can the night before to reduce friction in the morning. For example:
- Prepare your morning meal
- Lay out your exercise clothes
- Set aside some room for exercise and meditation
- Place your journal where you can see it (e.g., on the kitchen table)
3. Create a Morning Routine Space
Pick a spot at your home and dedicate it to morning routine activities. It doesn’t have to be large, but you should be disciplined about it and make sure it’s always clear. That way, it will be easier to exercise, meditate, journal, and plan in the morning.
Conclusion
Setting up a productive morning routine is a fantastic way to set the tone for your days. Start with a productive and fulfilling morning, and you will find it easier to make the right decisions for the rest of the day.
Consider the above practices, but don’t be afraid to add or remove activities and tweak each to fit your preferences. Remember to enjoy your morning routine––that’s the only way to stay consistent.