What does your morning routine look like?
Some of us are early birds that start tackling that ‘To do’ list long before the rest of society has even hit their first snooze button. Others start the morning off slow with a calm consideration for quiet time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. You will find the rest of us jumping from bed on the very last alarm and rushing out the door after a quick bite of toast, holding on to the coffee flask for dear life…
Feeling stressed and rushed first thing in the morning is not proactive and over time can have a negative impact on our overall wellbeing. So, this new year, why not shake up your morning routine and try out our five tips and tricks to help kick start the day so you can achieve greater motivation and productivity.
1)Ditch the alarm clock
One of the habits of highly successful people is to wake up naturally, without an alarm. The recommended amount of sleep for most adults is eight hours. Lack of sleep teamed with the dreaded sounding of the daily alarm can become an undesirable and stressful way to begin your day. Ensure you hit the pillow on time in the evening and rely on your internal clock for a more peaceful start to the day.
2)Plan Ahead
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We all lead busy lives and taking some time for preparation in the evenings is a genius life hack sure to improve your morning routine. Use this time to carry out tasks for the following day such as preparing your lunch, setting out your work clothes, and listing your plans and intentions for the next day.
3)Move
Not all of us have the time (or inspiration) for a tough gym session first thing in the morning, but movement of any kind such as a short brisk walk around the block or an at home 20-minute yoga session each morning is a great way to feel energised for the rest of the day, leading to an increase in productivity.
4)Avoid Technology
With most of us glued to our phones 24/7 for work and play, we find ourselves constantly accessible at any given time. Waking up and reaching straight for the smart phone only adds to the stresses and demands for the day. Try leaving your phone alone until you have had a chance to wake up fully and enjoy some quiet time before the daily race begins.
5)Tackle the biggest task first
You know the one. The task that inspires you the least and as a result has been making its way further and further down on the list. Successful business leaders swear by using the earliest part of the day to tackle the hardest task. You are more likely to complete this job when it is your first point of call for the day. Choose that one task each day and get it done. Besides the overwhelming feeling of achievement, the rest of the day should be plain sailing after this.
Remember that consistency is key when adopting a new habit. Follow these tips and you will find your mornings going from stress to success!