10 Morning Habits for a Productive Day
Mornings are beautiful…
Fresh air, soft sky, silence, chirping of birds, and the positive vibes that the time holds.
Three years ago, I discovered the power of having a morning routine. This has made a huge difference in my lifestyle and has made me a morning person.
Mornings are magical if you start your day right. It sets the tone for the whole day and keeps you moving.
There is no one-size-fits-all routine, one should experiment and stick to one that suits them best.
Let’s discuss, the recipe for a productive morning routine that will add value to your life and the day ahead.
Let’s begin with the beautiful quote from James Clear.
“Be the designer of your world not merely the consumer of it.”
Why do you need a Morning Routine?
To begin anything, you should know the ‘Why’ that helps to state the purpose clear. And how it’s beneficial for you.
A powerful routine is the product of consistency and effort. Anything that you want to change needs consistency and effort in equal proportion. Start small and stick to it.
For eg- If you want to wake up at 6:00 am and your usual wake-up time is 7:00 am, try shifting by 15 minutes and then increasing it gradually.
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”- James Clear
Routine helps you to set habits that will improve the quality of your life. Maintaining a healthy routine keeps you organized, energetic, and more productive.
“According to the studies, “The first three hours of the morning are the most productive hours of the day.”
I hope by now you have decided to incorporate healthy habits into your routine.
The goal can be to improve your lifestyle in general. Goals can be small or large, from getting healthy to earning a six-figure income in a year.
Make it clear and tell it to yourself aloud, and if it motivates you to take action, do it.
Let’s begin…
1. Wake up Early
“Early to bed early to rise to make a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” -Benjamin Franklin
We probably all heard this saying in school, but we didn’t realize how powerful it was back then.
Those who wake up early are the ones who go to bed earlier. Getting up early makes you feel more energetic, focused, and productive. You can start your day with a glass of lemon water. It helps in detoxifying your body and preparing you for the day ahead.
Also, avoid using your mobile or other tech-related devices after you wake up, as they can affect your mood, productivity, and output.
Make your morning relaxing, beautiful, and mindful.
2. Making Bed
Making your bed immediately after waking up allows you to be more organized and systematic. Having already accomplished one simple task in the morning motivates you to carry on throughout the day. You’re prompted to take action.
It’s only the little things that matter, and sometimes it’s as simple as making the bed.
Charles Duhigg says in his book, The Power of Habits “Making your bed every morning is directly correlated to better productivity, wellbeing, and stronger skills with sticking with a budget.”
You now know that making a bed may seem a small task, but it is deeply correlated with other activities.
3. Walk
Walking moves and energizes your body. Getting fresh air increases oxygen circulation to your brain, which enhances creativity and focus. Some other health benefits of walking are low blood pressure, high metabolism, weight loss, improving blood circulation, faster healing, releases serotonin that keeps you calm and happy.
As you wake up every day, you are reborn. Set an intention for the day during this time and then get started.
4. Meditation
This is one of the main parts of my morning routines. If you’re not already meditating, consider adding it to your routine. Start by meditating for 5 minutes a day, and then gradually increase your time.
Meditation is taking time for yourself to silence the mind chatters and become fully aware of them. When you close your eyes it resets your overactive brain and relaxes your muscles and body.
When your mind is relaxed after mediation, it is the perfect time to say your affirmations.
Affirmations are powerful statements full of emotions and burning desires that have the power to transform your mindset when repeated daily several times. You can train your mind and create the life of your dreams by using daily affirmations.
5. Visualization
Nowadays, visualization has become quite popular. It is about imagining your goals as already accomplished. The more detailed your visualization is, the better it gets. Engage all five senses in the process. Imagine how your dream life looks, smells, feels, tastes.
It is a fun and powerful activity to do in the morning. Your mood will instantly be lifted and the day will be set on a positive note.
5. Journaling
Journaling is the new brain dumping. Do you not normally write in the morning? If not, now is the time!
Maintain a separate journal for logging your thoughts daily. Start with one page or one paragraph. Feel free to write whatever feels right to you. Any ideas, thoughts, surroundings, lists of things you’re grateful for, anything that comes to mind.
Journaling allows you to have clarity and understand your thoughts on a deeper level. As you write down your thoughts, you will feel a sense of relief and happiness.
Try it and you will enjoy the process!
If you only say one prayer in a day, make it “Thankyou.”- Rumi
6. Read
The magic of reading transcends words. To experience the beauty and benefits of reading daily, one should spend at least 15 minutes reading each day. It broadens your perspective and adds new things to your knowledge.
Books transport you to a world you have never experienced before, the world of imagination.
Explore the unknown by reading!
Read something inspiring, such as self-help or something in your favorite genre to help you start your day on a positive note.
7. Exercise and Hydrate
Moving your body every day is a great way to start the day. It may involve running, yoga, some kind of sports activity, or quick cardio. Your body and mind both benefit from regular exercise. Get your body moving for 30 minutes every day to stay fit.
Be sure to stay hydrated while exercising. As our bodies are composed of 70% water, make sure to drink about 2–3 liters of water every day.
9. Healthy breakfast
We hear about eating healthy the most, but how many of us really do it?
Only a few. Start your day with a fruit bowl or a breakfast full of fiber and protein.
Food affects not only affects your health but also how your brain functions and how you feel. Your diet directly influences how well you sleep, think, digest, and live your life.
Eat right and sleep tight.
Everything in your life is a reflection of the choice you have made. If you want a different result make a different choice. — Unknown
“It is said that one should eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.”
10. Plan your day
Having a plan for your day will help you start your day with more clarity. Try planning your day at night before, to go all set for the next day.
If you want to wake up with full energy and excitement, you can have a theme or a goal for the day that will motivate you to jump out of bed in the morning.
“Do what you love and you will never fallback when you work towards it.”
Make it a Habit
Make it a lifestyle.
And live your dreams!!
