Introduction
Does your morning routine leave you feeling scattered and stressed for the rest of the day?
Well, as a leader, how you start your day can impact everything that follows. If your mornings are chaotic, it can lead to stress, missed deadlines, and even decision fatigue. Plus, you face issues like poor focus and time management struggles.
A successful morning routine can help you start your day positively and productively. It can even have a positive impact on your team as well.
According to Harvard Business Review, 92% of highly productive people have a planned morning routine.
In this article, I’ve compiled 17 of the best morning routine ideas that will help you start your day with positivity. With a little bit of effort, you can make the most of your mornings.
But before that let’s discuss what a morning routine is and why it is important for you.
What is a morning routine?
A morning routine is a set of actions or habits you do every day after you wake up. It can have a big impact on how you feel and how productive you are during the day.
As Caroline Ghosn once said, “Your morning sets up the success of your day. So many people wake up and immediately check text messages, emails, and social media. I use my first hour awake for my morning routine of breakfast and meditation to prepare myself.”
You could have a morning routine that includes brushing your teeth, taking a shower, eating breakfast, and going for a walk. Or you could include activities like yoga, meditation, or reading a book.
The most important thing is- to create a morning routine that works for you and helps you feel energized and ready to tackle your day.
Why is a morning routine important?
“Win the morning, win the day.” – Robin Sharma
As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a busy day and overlook the importance of a morning routine. However, a well-crafted morning routine can set the stage for a more productive and fulfilling day.
The first hour after waking up, also known as the “golden hour,” is a crucial time. During this time, the brain is in a highly receptive state, with the prefrontal cortex – responsible for decision-making and focus – particularly active. This is the perfect time to engage in activities that promote mental clarity and self-awareness, such as reading, planning, or light puzzles.
Establishing a consistent morning routine can also have physical benefits. It can help regulate the release of cortisol – the stress hormone – and promote a sense of well-being.
So, it’s important to start your day with a good morning routine. Take the time to invest in yourself, and you can make better decisions, have more energy levels, and improve overall well-being.
How to create a morning routine?
We recently ran a poll on LinkedIn to find out the best ways to start your day and boost productivity.
And guess what we found?
- A staggering 42% of participants love to kick-start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- While 27% like to get their priorities straight by setting goals for themselves.
- For some peace of mind, 11% of people prefer to meditate in the morning, and 20% believe in getting their blood pumping with a quick workout!
Now that we have some ideas of what people like to do in their mornings. Here are 17 must-try ideas for you to explore for your morning routine:
1. Plan the night before
The night is not part of a morning routine, so why did I put it in first?
Well, planning your tasks and activities for the next day the night before is the trick to ensuring your morning routine sticks.
This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to do, how much time you’ll need for each task, and what you’ll need to get everything done.
Before you go to bed, write down three to five of the most important things you want to get done the next day, and block off the time you’ll need to complete them. So, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect in the morning and be ready to tackle your day head-on!
With the help of a project management tool like ProofHub, you can easily plan your tasks and activities for the upcoming day.
With ProofHub, you can create a task in the intuitive to-do list, schedule it, set its priority, and view your tasks in the My Agenda to track your task the next day.
2. Get a good night’s sleep
Did you know that adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night?
Yet, over 35% of adults in the US report getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night!
If you don’t sleep enough, you may feel tired, grumpy, and have trouble focusing. Not sleeping enough can also make you more likely to have health problems like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
So, a good night’s sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. Sleeping well can help improve your memory, reduce stress, and boost your immune system. It helps make you alert during the day.
Here are a few tips to improve your sleep:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading or taking a warm bath
- Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Put away electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime
3. Don’t hit the snooze button
Yes, almost everyone snoozes their alarms in the morning just to get five more minutes of sleep. And the next thing you know, you’ve slept through all your alarms. Now, you are late and in a hurry…again.
According to the Journal of Sleep Research, 71% of people snooze their alarms on workdays, while 23% snooze on both workdays and days off.
Among those who snooze, 60% reported that they often or always fall back asleep between alarms.
If you think that sleeping a bit longer is helping you get more rest, it’s doing the exact opposite.
When you snooze your alarm, it disturbs your sleep cycle and makes you feel more tired and confused. This is because it affects your REM sleep – the stage of sleep when your brain is active and helps you learn and remember things.
To start your day off well, try getting up when your alarm first goes off. You can use a trick called the “five-second rule” where you count down from five (Just count down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… ) and then get out of bed.
This method can help you break bad habits and motivate you to take action that can improve your life.
4. Avoid checking your phone first thing
While it may be tempting to check your phone first thing in the morning, it can be bad for your mental health and well-being.
Did you know a staggering 74% of smartphone users check their phones right after they wake up?
Checking your phone right away can make you feel stressed and anxious all day long. Moreover, it can mess up your sleep, which can make you feel tired and unfocused during the day.
So, instead of checking your phone, it’s better to try doing something relaxing when you wake up, like reading a book or taking a walk outside. This can help you feel more calm and happy and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
5. Drink a glass of water
Drinking water may sound simple, but it can provide you with amazing benefits. For starters, it can help wake you up and get you ready for the day ahead. Plus, it boosts your metabolism and gives you more energy throughout the day.
Drinking water in the morning also helps flush out toxins from your body and improve your digestion. It even helps keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. And if you’re trying to lose weight, drinking water first thing in the morning can help you feel full and eat less throughout the day.
So, if you’re not already doing it, try drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning.
6. Make your bed
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.” – Admiral William H. McRaven
But making your bed isn’t just about accomplishing a task. It’s also about sleep hygiene.
According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 75% of participants said that sleeping on clean and fresh sheets helped them sleep better.
A tidy bed can create a more relaxing environment, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
So, the next time you’re tempted to skip making your bed, think about the benefits. Not only will it make you feel good about yourself, but it also improves your sleep hygiene and makes your day more productive.
7. Do some light exercise
“I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit, it keeps the brain functioning well.” – Richard Branson
If you do light exercise in the morning, your heart rate up and boosts blood flow to your brain. It helps you feel more alert and focused throughout the day. And it’s not just about looking good, exercise also improves your mood and reduces stress levels.
There are plenty of exercises you can try. Simply start with something you enjoy and that fits your schedule. A quick walk around the block, a yoga session, or a jog in the park are all great options that you can easily fit into your morning routine.
If you’re looking for something more intense that gets your heart pumping, cycling or playing badminton are great options.
I like to start my day with a bike ride or a quick game of badminton. It helps me clear my mind and feel energized for the day ahead.
8. Take a refreshing shower
A refreshing shower may be just what you need to kickstart your day. According to Tony Robbins, taking a cold shower in the morning can help you increase your energy levels and reduce stress.
He says, “The cold water hits your skin and sends a shock to your nervous system, which can increase your heart rate and oxygen intake. This can help you feel more alert and focused.”
But cold showers are not for everyone, and that’s okay. Even a warm shower can have its benefits. It can help you relax and reduce muscle tension, which improves your overall mood and well-being.
So, make a refreshing shower part of your morning routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to start your day on the right foot. And it doesn’t have to be a long shower, even a quick five-minute shower can help you feel more awake and energized.
9. Dress for success
“Dressing well is not about fashion or vanity. It’s about self-expression, self-acceptance, self-love, and teaching others how to treat you.” – Michele Gustafson
When you dress well, you’re showing yourself and others that you value yourself and your work. This can help you feel more confident and motivated throughout the day.
But dressing for success isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good. When you wear clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable, you’re more likely to have a positive outlook and be productive throughout the day.
So, start your day by choosing an outfit that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day. Whether it’s a classic combo or a power suit, choose clothes that make you feel amazing. And don’t forget the color boost – bright hues can energize you for the day ahead.
10. Eat a healthy breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast helps you jumpstart your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to start your day. It can also improve your mood and cognitive function, making you more alert and focused.
According to research by Fast Company, people who eat breakfast are 12.3% healthier throughout the day than those who skip it.
Moreover, people who don’t eat breakfast are likely to eat 6.8% more food throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
As a leader, you need to set an example for your team by making healthy choices, including eating a nutritious breakfast.
11. Take some time for self-care
“People that look after themselves [and practice self-care] do have the better cognitive ability. They do have better focus and they do have better concentration,” – Dr. Russell Thackeray.
Self-care helps you start your day with a positive mindset. It keeps you more productive, focused, and creative throughout the day.
You can take some time for yourself in the morning by meditating for a few minutes, doing some light stretching, or having a cup of tea or coffee before starting your day.
As a leader, you need to prioritize self-care and set an example for your team. After all, a healthy and happy leader is essential for a healthy and happy team.
Michael Hyatt once said, “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.”
12. Listen to upbeat music
Listening to happy and energetic music in the morning can help you feel more positive and motivated.
Research shows that listening to music for just 15 minutes can significantly lower stress levels and improve overall mental well-being.
This means that adding some upbeat songs to your morning routine can help you start your day feeling good and ready to tackle your tasks.
Play some energizing tunes during your morning routine and see how it affects your mood and productivity. With the right music, you can start your day feeling happy and motivated to handle whatever comes your way.
13. Connect with nature
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
Spending time in nature can help lower stress levels, and boost your mood, and overall health.
Here are some benefits of connecting with nature in the morning:
- Reduces anxiety and depression.
- Improves your memory and cognitive function.
- Increases your energy levels and productivity.
So how can you connect with nature in the morning?
- Take a walk outside and enjoy the fresh air and greenery.
- Practice yoga or meditation in a park or garden.
- Eat your breakfast outside and enjoy the sunshine.
By connecting with nature, you can start your day feeling refreshed and energized, with a clear mind and a positive outlook.
14. Do a quick brain dump
Ever felt overwhelmed with thoughts in your head?
It’s like you have so much to do and remember that you can’t even focus on one thing.
A brain dump can help you. It’s when you write down everything on your mind, like your worries, tasks, or ideas. This can help you feel less stressed and more focused. It’s like emptying your brain so you can start fresh.
Here are some tricks to do a quick brain dump in the morning:
- Write down everything, even if it seems silly or unimportant.
- Spend just a few minutes doing this, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Use a notebook or a digital tool to keep track of your thoughts.
By doing a quick brain dump, you can start your day feeling organized and ready to tackle your tasks.
On ProofHub’s Notes, you can jot down your thoughts and ideas and organize them into different categories. You can easily refer back to them later and stay on top of your task planning.
15. Start your day with a positive affirmation
Positive affirmations let you reflect on your desired outcome and help you visualize success. When you practice affirmations in the morning, you start your day with a positive mindset. This mindset motivates you to do your best and believe in yourself throughout the day.
Here are a few examples of common affirmations that you can try:
- I can achieve my goals and lead my team to success.
- I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.
- I can make the right decisions for my team and organization.
Simply choose one or two statements that resonate with you and repeat them to yourself several times each morning. You can also write them down in a journal or on a sticky note and place them somewhere visible as a reminder.
16. Create a to-do list
A thorough to-do list is an effective way to stay organized and prioritize tasks all day. It’s my #1 step for work management!
By writing down all the tasks you need to accomplish, you can better manage your time and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
A well-structured list can aid in focusing on the most critical tasks, thereby making your mornings more productive.
You can easily jot down your most important tasks in ProofHub. You can also prioritize your tasks using labels, so you can tackle the most critical ones first.
But that’s not all.
You can also visualize your workload with clear deadlines and collaborate seamlessly with your team on shared tasks.
Plan your day with ProofHub to make it more productive! Sign up for a free trial today!
17. Prioritize your important tasks
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” – Mark Twain
Similarly, as a leader, you need to identify and tackle the most critical tasks during your peak energy hours in the morning.
You have already listed all the tasks you need to accomplish for the day. Now, determine which tasks are most critical to your overarching goals and require immediate attention.
Take note of any deadlines associated with specific tasks to gauge their urgency. Evaluate the potential impact of each task on your team, projects, or organization. Once you’ve identified your high-priority tasks, create a plan to address them in order of importance.
Pro tip: Use task labels or priority fields to set the priority of each task in ProofHub and view your tasks in board view to track their progress easily.
Conclusion
A good morning routine can make a huge difference in having an average day or an excellent one. Your productivity and mood are influenced by how you start your day, so you must establish healthy habits for a successful workday.
From having a healthy breakfast to working out or reading, the activities you prioritize can transform your mindset. You need to create a morning routine that makes you happy, improves your productivity, and supports your work-life balance.
Good habits are a great way to start your day, but to stay organized and focused throughout the day, you need a robust project management tool like ProofHub.
With ProofHub, you can track, manage, and organize your workload. It helps you plan your mornings and keep track of everything you need to do.
Try ProofHub’s 14-day free trial! (No hidden fees. No credit card) Start your free trial
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FAQs
What are the benefits of having a morning routine?
A morning routine can help you start your day well by boosting your mood, productivity, and focus. It lets you prioritize what matters to you and gives you more control over your schedule. It also helps you achieve your goals.
How can I stick to my morning routine?
Here are some tips to help you stick to your morning routine:
- Be consistent: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends. This will help your body get into a regular rhythm and make it easier to wake up feeling refreshed.
- Start small: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Instead, build up your routine gradually, introducing new habits over time. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and increase your chances of success.
- Find your motivator: Think about what you enjoy and what will help you look forward to your mornings. It could be anything like a cup of coffee, listening to a podcast, or taking a morning walk to watch the sunrise.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress and hard work by treating yourself to something you enjoy. The reward could be anything from a delicious breakfast to a new book or a relaxing massage.
How long does it take to form a habit with a morning routine?
It takes 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. On average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic in a morning routine.
