Everyone has their morning routine, and while yours may be set in stone, there are always changes that can make it better.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that energy and self-control are resources that experience fatigue much like a muscle. Throughout the day we tire these mental muscles and become increasingly tired. We wear ourselves out and have decreased concentration and self-control. The morning hours are crucial for getting important work done, and therefore we must use them in the most productive way possible. This doesn’t mean jumping into emails and Instagram before we’ve even had our coffee, but it means establishing habits that will keep us productive even as the day wears on.
Here are five tweaks to change your morning routine that will instantly make you more successful.
Meditate
Meditation might seem hokey, but if everyone from Google to the NFL is practicing it regularly, it’s worth looking into. And it turns out that numerous studies back them up; meditation does everything from relieve your stress to increase your concentration.
Doing this in the morning allows you to start the day off with a mentally clean slate and reap the benefits all day long. You don’t have to clear your whole morning, either. Science says that the benefits of mindfulness meditation start piling on after just five minutes.
Don’t take anything for granted.
A day that starts off with a negative perspective is unlikely to be a great one, or even a good one. That’s why renowned life coach Tony Robbins suggests a morning “Hour of Power” or “Fifteen Minutes to Thrive.”
A big part of this involves thinking about what you’re grateful for. The benefits of gratitude are enormous — including reduced stress, increased productivity, and a generally improved sense of well-being.
No matter how grumpy you are when you roll out of bed, make an effort to be thankful. This can include family, friends, career, anything you wouldn’t want to take for granted. Then visualize “everything you want in your life as if you had it today.”
Avoid electronics until you’ve taken time for yourself
Immediately turning to our phones before we’ve even left bed leaches our productivity and makes us more distracted throughout the day. We become immersed in other people’s expectations before we take the time for ourselves. Before checking email or the texts you’ve received overnight, take fifteen minutes to start the day without catering to other people’s needs. Take this time to feel calm and centered. By taking time for ourselves, we actually become better responders to others and are more productive.
Drink water before coffee
We know, we know, coffee is the godsend that keeps us running throughout the workweek. Starting the day without coffee may sound like the beginning of a horror movie, but it actually may be one of the healthiest changes you make. By drinking lemon water instead of coffee we give ourselves consistent, natural energy that lasts the whole day instead of just an hour and a half. It also improves nutrient absorption in the stomach. Wait fifteen minutes after drinking lemon water before eating anything, and enjoy a healthier habit before turning to a double cappuccino.
Understand the power of “no”
There’s a lot of pressure to say “yes” in the workplace, especially when we feel like our jobs depend on us being available and responsive. This often starts in the morning, when your inbox gets flooded with invitations and meeting requests. But sometimes, we need to say “no” in the morning to have a productive day.
When we constantly say “yes” we tend to multitask, which can become stressful and unproductive. Trust your gut and when you feel like your day has become overwhelming, take a moment to concentrate on one task at a time. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when there is too much to handle. Instead, prioritize your most important things to both make sure they’re done well and that you stay sane.
What are some new tips you have for a successful morning routine? The Love The Hustle Tribe wants to hear them!
