Did you know that the right morning routine can have huge positive implications on your day, week, month, and year?! It can bring on a more positive and productive day if you follow a morning routine.
Here are just a few scientifically-backed benefits of a morning routine:
- Increases productivity
- Puts you in control of the day
- Helps you reach goals more quickly
- Improves restful sleep
- Reduces stress
- Enhances memory
If you don’t have a morning routine or are looking for a new one, this article is for you. Our team has come together to create a morning routine that will help you have a more positive and productive day.
1. Put. The. Phone. Down.
According to a recent study, 79.5% of American’s use their phone as their alarm clock. It’s no wonder that one of the first things we do in the morning is to check our phones. This means that as much as 79.5% of us are checking emails, responding to texts, and scrolling social media before our feet even hit the floor. Is this you? It’s time to break this nasty habit.
Our routine has you starting the day off right by making a conscious effort to put your phone down. Once you shut off your alarm, Put. The. Phone. Down. Instead of staring at a screen, take the time to do something positive for yourself. We recommend positive affirmations or meditation.
2. Stretch, Positive Affirmation, Meditation.
With your smartphone set aside, it’s time for the second part of your morning routine. We recommend this time be spent stretching your muscles. Stretching is a great way to start the day off. Find a stretching routine you like, and as you stretch say (out-loud) a positive affirmation.
Here are a few to get your started.
If affirmations aren’t your thing, give yourself 15- 25 minutes of mediation time after you’ve stretched. Want to super-charge your day? Do all three; Stretch, Positive Affirmation, Meditation.
Once you’re done, it’s time to take a shower, brush your teeth and get dressed.
3. Set Goals for the Day.
While eating a healthy breakfast, think about what you want to get done that day. With pen in hand, jot down a few daily goals. These should not be huge, monumental goals. Set realistic goals and don’t over-do it.
You can now grab your phone, scroll for a few minutes and get a round or two of Candy Crush in.
4. Review Your Schedule and To-Do List.
It’s time to get to work. Start off by reviewing your schedule. An easy way to prevent a chaotic day is to be prepared for what’s ahead of you. Do you have meetings, an appointment, a phone interview, or, is your schedule completely open? After you’ve reviewed your schedule it’s time to review your daily to-do list.
If you don’t have a daily to-do list, create one. Your list will help you stay organized, keep you from forgetting important tasks, and it’s pretty darn satisfying to cross tasks off a list.
A few good to-do list apps to try out:
- Todoist for balancing power and simplicity
- Remember The Milk for keyboard shortcut lovers
- Evernote a comprehensive online notepad tool
- OmniFocus for Mac computers and iOS mobile devices.
- Things a simple, yet effective app
5. Tackle Hard Tasks First.
It’s time to tackle your to-do list.
Are you familiar with the famous Mark Twain quote about eating a live frog? The moral of the story, do the most difficult, unappealing tasks first and the rest of your day will seem like a breeze.
6. Practice Gratitude
According to positive psychology research, gratitude is associated with increased happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Consciously practicing gratitude is a surefire way to have a happy and productive day . Be kind to co-workers, practice positive self-talk, and take time to appreciate little wins throughout your day. Need a few ideas to get you started?
Starting the day off right is a powerful way to boost your mood and increase your productivity. Try our morning routine for a full week and see how if you have a more positive and productive day. It can bring on positivity to your professional and personal life. Want more tips? We offer complimentary 25-minute phone sessions. Reach out to one of our expert coaches to schedule your free phone session. We are voted the best career coach San Francisco and best career coach Los Angeles.