There is nothing better than getting a good start to the day, and having a strong morning routine can help get the ball rolling so that the rest of your day is equally great. It comes down to being intentional and mindful of how you spend your time. Here are six tips that are things the most productive people swear by, (not to mention they’re backed by science!)
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Drink Lemon Water
Starting your day off with lemon water should be the first thing you do. Not only does lemon water prepare your stomach for nutrient absorption, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients that will boost your energy for the entire day. It’s best to wait about 15-30 minutes after to eat so that your body has a chance to soak up all that goodness. The suggested serving is the juice of half a lemon for those under 150lbs, and a whole lemon for those over.
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Eat Breakfast
It’s not called the most important meal of the day for nothing. When you break your fast, you’re not only providing your body with fuel for the day - you’re literally helping it to function properly. That’s because it’s a part of your circadian rhythm (the internal process that puts you to bed and wakes you up every day.) Studies show that those who skip breakfast are more likely to be obese, have higher blood pressure, and demonstrate lower levels of productivity throughout the day. It’s also important to choose healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Sugar-filled beverages and cereals not only do very little to nothing nutritionally, but you’re also likely to face a sugar crash before noon hits.
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You Time
Spend some time, even for just a few minutes, focusing on yourself. Nothing else exists at that moment. Whether it’s a half-hour of physical exercise, a 10-minute meditation, or a combination of both, dedicate time to checking in with yourself and setting an intention for the day. Taking a moment of gratitude can help you focus on what is important in your life instead of the temporary stresses. Remember that the mind, body, and spirit or soul are interconnected and each needs nurturing.
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Make Coffee
It seems safe to say that the majority of people begin their day with some form of caffeine. There is no better machine for a consistently delicious and time-efficient coffee brewing than a Keurig model coffee maker. Single-cup brewers are even handier once you’ve realized that coffee should be one of the last items in your morning routine. That’s because your cortisol levels are naturally higher for the first hour or two after you wake up, making you more alert. So coffee first-thing isn’t helping as much as you think. Having your first cup o’ joe a couple of hours into your day will mean you’re getting that boost of energy at just the right time!
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Avoid Screens
We live in a world of high accessibility, and society has come to expect instantaneous replies to messages, emails, and posts. However, being available online 24/7 is actually bad for our mental health, let alone our eyes! Avoiding your phone is one of the best things you can do to start your day right. Create a mini-routine for your devices. Leave them charging in the living room or across the bedroom at night and don’t pick them up until after you’ve eaten. If you use your phone as an alarm or to play workout music that’s okay, but hold back from checking social media, emails, or checking the news. You may just find you enjoy a little time away from the screen!
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Prepare Your Space
Just like going to bed in a cluttered space can lead to less restful slumber, working in a messy room can directly impact your energy and productivity. It has been proven that a clean and tidy space helps concentration and can improve the quality of your work, and many organization gurus advocate having a designated place for each of your possessions. Starting the day off by making the bed, hanging up the dog’s leash, and giving the counters a quick wipe will prepare you for the day to come.
Reflect on what you want to get out of your morning routine, and then make it happen by just doing it! It can take some time to build, but once you do, you’ll notice a boost in your energy. We all wake up on ‘the wrong side of the bed’ sometimes, and stuff happens that can turn it all upside down. But, starting off with a solid foundation can help you to recover from the bumps and blows more quickly and get back to having a good day.
