Do you ever feel like the most difficult time of the day is the morning? You may not be alone – especially after being locked down in our homes for almost a year – many people have trouble becoming productive in the mornings, mornings can become very stressful. You wake up hazy and unsure of yourself, and somehow manage to be late for work and totally flustered. It’s lunchtime by the time you look at the clock, and you have no idea where the time went.
I believe it is fair to state that most of us could benefit from a productive morning routine. The good news is, nothing drastic has to happen to achieve this. Try these 5 tips to help you make the most of your mornings.
Prepare the night before.
The night before is when you should begin your morning routine. if you are going to work – plan and layout your outfit to make it easier to get ready in the morning. Prepare make-ahead breakfast items that are easy to prepare in the morning, you can also prepare your lunch the night before to save time. Make a to-do list so that you know exactly what you need to do and how.
Avoid using your phone or laptop
I have been working hard to commit to avoiding emails and social media in the morning. i find that it distracts me and I often go into work mode immediately. I can stay on Instagram for 30 minutes and completely lose track of time. So, in order to be more productive, I find that not checking your phone first thing in the morning helps.
Try to journal
Journaling in the morning has been proven to be a helpful activity for people who are always on the go. Take a few minutes each morning to jot down your thoughts, gratitude or ideas for a new project. You can write down your goals, things that you have achieved or even positive affirmations to yourself. This will ensure that you begin your day on a high note.
Do a physical activity
Doing a physical activity such as exercising, meditating or yoga can help you stretch you body and waken it for the day ahead. Waking up 30 minutes early to do a quick jog around your neighbourhood, or sit in silence in meditation or even yoga and boost your mood and of course has positive benefits for your overall health. If you are not the physical type – you can take this time to read a book, listen to a podcast or even just sit in silence before you start your day.
Review your plans for the day
Take the time to revisit your to-do list before heading out to work or starting your day. Make sure you know exactly what you need to do whether it is at the office, picking up groceries or other errands. Staying on top of your to-do list will ensure that every day is productive.
