Every successful person’s morning routine begins with waking up early to do their morning routine. It’s a key pillar to long-term success, productivity, and motivation for the rest of the day. You may ask yourself, if we know this, why doesn't everyone just have one?
Studies reveal a compelling connection between having an early morning routine and a person’s well-being. Approximately 75% of people with depression struggle with sleep issues, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The American Psychological Association highlights that integrating exercise into your routine can bolster adherence to other healthy habits, such as nutritious eating and maintaining social connections, thereby mitigating depression over time. If you want to cultivate a pre-work morning routine and don’t know where to start, consider these three recommended practices from psychologists:
1. Start with a positive mindset. Begin your day by cultivating a positive mindset. Whether it's through gratitude journaling, affirmations, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the sunrise, setting a positive tone can energize and motivate you for the day ahead. Avoid checking your phone as the first thing in the morning. Instead, spend 10 minutes making your bed, drinking water and doing yoga.
2. Identify your priorities. Determine which tasks and activities are most important for you to accomplish in the morning. Whether it's exercise, meditation, reading, or simply enjoying a leisurely breakfast, prioritize activities that align with your personal goals and values.
3. Wake up early. Waking up early gives you extra time to do your morning routine without feeling rushed. Aim to wake up at the same time every day to establish a consistent sleep schedule and optimize your body's natural rhythms.
4. Plan ahead. Streamline your mornings by preparing for the next day the night before. Lay out your clothes, pack your bag, and prepare any items you'll need in the morning to minimize stress and save time.
5. Start slowly. If you're not accustomed to a morning routine, start slowly and add new habits over time. Focus on establishing one or two consistent habits before adding more, to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensuring long-term success.
6. Create a ritual. Incorporate a ritual into your morning routine to signal the start of your day. Whether it's brewing a cup of coffee, practicing yoga, or taking a few moments to reflect, rituals can help you transition from sleep to being active and set a positive tone for the day. Give it a try and you will be surprised at the positive impact of having a ritual on your daily life.
7. Limit distractions. Minimize distractions during your morning routine to stay focused and present. Turn off your phone or put it on silent, avoid checking email or social media, and create a calm and peaceful environment that fosters concentration and mindfulness.
8. Stay consistent. Consistency is key to establishing a successful morning routine. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends, to reinforce your routine and make it a habit.
9. Be flexible. While consistency is important, it's also essential to be flexible and adaptable. Life can be unpredictable, and there will be days when your routine gets disrupted. Instead of becoming discouraged, embrace the opportunity to practice resilience and find creative solutions to stay on track.
10. Reflect and adjust. Take time to reflect on your morning routine regularly and make adjustments as needed. Pay attention to what's working well and what could be improved, and don't be afraid to experiment with new habits or routines to better align with your goals and values.
Follow these steps to create a morning routine that sets you up for success and helps you make the most out of each day. Whether you're striving to boost productivity, enhance your well-being, or simply start your day on the right foot, a well-crafted morning routine can make all the difference.