7 Simple Ways to Make Mornings Easier and More Productive
Mornings can be rough. And they often arrive much earlier than we’d like them to (anyone else hit the snooze button like SIX times!?). Adding a little structure though, in the form of a solid AM routine, can help to eliminate the risk of obstacles and make getting in a gear a much smoother and enjoyable process. Whether your feet hit the floor at 5AM or 9AM, a morning ritual means you’ll start each and every day with intention. Here are a few simple ideas that can help you create a successful one. Experiment to figure out what works best for you!
Get up earlier
It can be incredibly stressful to find yourself rushing to get out the door (or get others out the door). We’ve all been there, and know that it can understandably cause feelings of anxiousness and irritability. If you find yourself experiencing this often, try waking up earlier to give yourself plenty of time to take things slower. Even 15 extra minutes can make a world of difference. Chronic “snoozer”? Place your alarm clock in a position that forces you to get up out of bed to shut it off.
Get up immediately
It can be so tempting to lounge in bed and browse through Instagram or check out the latest Target sales before getting up to face responsibility. But this promotes a slow start to what could be an otherwise productive morning. Not to mention, screen time = brain fog. And it’s way too early for that. So, save the scroll for your lunch break or evenings. Get up, brush your teeth and get your body in motion before even thinking about engaging with technology.
Make a plan
Right when you wake up is the ideal moment to put a plan into motion (or refine a plan that you created the night before). Be sure to be realistic and create achievable goals though. For example, if you have a big project on your to-do list, try and break it down into short, more manageable steps so you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed. Always “eat the frog”, as they say, and knock out the hardest task first. The satisfaction of getting it done and working through your checklist will keep the motivation flowing!
Work out
You just got a full night’s sleep and you’re waking up totally recharged. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in a sweat sesh! This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to trek across town to join a pilates class. Even a simple 20 minute at-home workout will suffice! Starting out with a healthy decision will also encourage you to continue making others as the day goes on.
On that same note..
Eat a healthy breakfast
You’ve heard it before- breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, before you tackle whatever it is you have planned, make sure you fuel up with foods that are balanced and nutritious. Fresh fruits, whole grains and proteins are all great options that will supply the body with the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs for lasting energy. And of course, you can always grab that morning latte to really get the engine revving!
Embrace the day
No matter what sort of mood you wake up in, tell yourself that it’s going to be a good day. Say it out loud or write it down in a journal if needed. This will help to plant the seed for a positive outlook and attitude, which is something that you can take with you and share with others!
Finally…
