1. Go to bed early the night before
While this first tip isn’t technically part of a morning routine, it will make your morning routine much smoother. Getting enough sleep is key to starting the next day off right, but it’s easier said than done.
To help yourself drift off earlier at night, get some exercise during the day, eat your last meal a few hours before going to bed, keep your phone off limits in the hours before sleep and wind down with a warm shower or bath and a little aromatherapy, like spritzing a lavender spray on your pillow.
2. Don’t touch that snooze button
It can be tempting to spend 10 more minutes in dreamland, but studies show that any sleep you get after your alarm has already sounded will be low-quality and not worth it. More often than not, this kind of “junk sleep” only leaves you feeling foggy and listless.
If you struggle to avoid snoozing, try the “5-Second Rule,” a method from self-help author Mel Robbins.It’s simple: before attempting an action you’ve been avoiding (in this case, getting out of bed), count backwards from five, either in your head or out loud, and then immediately complete the action.
Giving your subconscious little time to get in your way helps propel you toward action before your motivation wanes, making it easier to hop out of bed and keep moving.
3. Resist the urge to scroll
While it may feel like a force of habit for most of us, it’s not in your best interest to get on your phone first thing in the morning.
Navigating constant notifications and overwhelming news feeds before you’ve had a chance to settle in for the day can increase your stress levels, putting you in an unnecessarily anxious state that can be hard to shake for the rest of the day.
Try sleeping with your phone in a separate room so you’re not as tempted to start scrolling as soon as you open your eyes.
4. Let the light in
Open up your curtains, or, if you’re an early bird, turn on your overhead lights as soon as you wake up. Being exposed to light first thing in the morning helps to reset your natural circadian rhythm, telling your body it’s time to be alert and get moving.
You could consider using a sunrise alarm clock rather than a traditional sound-based alarm clock. This type of clock makes your body react as if it’s waking up to natural sunlight instead of sound. Many people find this to be a calmer way to start the day, rather than being jolted awake by blaring beeps.
5. Make your bed
It might be easier to simply roll out of the covers and leave them mussed (you’re just going to get back into bed later, right?). But taking a short amount of time to fluff your pillows and tuck in your blankets can create a ripple effect of accomplishment for the rest of your day.
Choosing to take on a task you’d rather avoid as part of your routine in the morning sets a productive tone. Try it and see—it’s much easier to create that positive chain reaction than you’d think.
6. Journal your thoughts
Want to get your creative juices flowing and keep your brain calm to start the day? Try the “morning pages” technique recommended by The Artist’s Way author Julia Cameron. All you need to do is put pen to paper and write three completely uncensored pages without stopping to think or edit.
Simply write down any thing that comes to mind, even if it’s just “I don’t know what to write” over and over. Eventually, the practice works to empty your mind of thoughts or concerns that might be weighing you down or stressing you out, and lets you start the day with a clean slate.
Another good journaling technique to try in your morning routine for work is making a short list of things you’re grateful for each day. Filling your thoughts with positivity first thing in the morning can help boost your motivation and fend off anxious or depressed feelings.
7. Move your body
Cortisol, a hormone that helps you feel more awake, can be high in the early morning hours. By exercising early in the morning, you’re taking advantage of already high levels of cortisol and also boosting your levels for the rest of the day.
This kickstart to your morning can help you feel more focused throughout the day, giving your productivity and mood a serious boost.
8. Choose a healthy breakfast
Don’t skimp on brain food! The meals you choose for your morning routine can make or break how you feel and perform at work.
Try to avoid sugary foods—they’ll only temporarily spike your energy and then make you crash. Instead, opt for foods that are high in protein and fiber to give your body a steadier source of energy and improve your concentration throughout the day.
9. Tackle your toughest task first
Having a task looming over your head can make it difficult to accomplish other things on your list that might seem easier. That’s why it can be helpful to bite the bullet and knock out the one thing on your to-do list you’ve been dreading, first thing. You’ll often find your stress about it was outsized once you actually get to work on the task, and then you’ll be free from it for the rest of the day.
If you’re really struggling to begin the task, try taking micro steps. Start as small as opening the document. Next, write a heading or begin outlining the page.The simpler and more painless the steps, the better.
As you accomplish each micro task, the overall assignment should seem less overwhelming. You’ll likely get into a rhythm quickly and be able to complete it more easily than you expected.
Make your morning routine truly repeatable
To be successful in creating a truly helpful morning routine for work productivity, don’t bite off more than you can chew.Rather than going for a complete overhaul, start with just a few changes to your morning routine. Give each change a fair shot, then stick with what is working best for you.
Tailoring your routine in the morning to your own personal needs is likely to help you achieve the best results. By putting in the work to make these positive changes, you’re likely to feel calmer, more productive and, hopefully, a lot happier, too.
