There are only so many hours in the day, and finding time to fit in all the different tasks it requires to successfully look after oneself can be incredibly challenging. This is why your morning routine is so crucial – it can make or break your entire day. Luckily, we have come up with a tried and true routine recipe that will completely transform your productivity levels and overall wellness.
Preparations Promotes Productivity and This is Why You Should Join the Club
Have you ever had so many tasks on your to-do list that you choose to procrastinate even more due to the stress? Preparing in advance for your days will help to mitigate stress and instead promote productivity. It can feel easy to fall behind when your day seems insurmountable, but by making small changes to your routine, you can prepare and feel confident going into your days.
Here are some ways you can prepare for the day ahead in the mornings:
- A Quick Timed, Tidy Up Session: As the week progresses, our personal spaces can start to look more lived in and cluttered. Clutter can cause extra stress and a lack of productivity. It is important to stay on top of any messes that might have developed throughout the week. Giving yourself a timed-15 minute cleaning session every morning can help you to keep your environment clean and peaceful. You will be especially grateful in the evenings when your usual cleaning routine would be complete.
- Dress to Impress: Our wardrobe can be easy to overlook but the way you dress can actually impact the way you carry yourself. One’s choice of attire can impact their mood and reflects different aspects of themselves. Make sure that you are choosing your outfit to align with the goals you desire for yourself. Find confident and comfy outfits that exemplify you and your personality.
- Prepare Meals: Cooking full blown means throughout your day can be tedious and time consuming. Instead, try prepping your meals in the mornings so that you can still eat nutritious well-balanced meals without having to sacrifice your time. Ingredient prepping at some point during your week can make preparing meals even more efficient.
- Create a to-do list: Do you find your brain constantly logging all of the different things you have to get done that day? Writing down a to-do list will mean a calmer headspace and will allow you the peace of mind of knowing you have a list of your tasks to refer to in times of need.
Movement and Mindfulness Are Two Must-Have Pillars to Your Morning Routine
The best way to start your day is by moving. Your body will be filled with energy post-workout which is why it can be a great addition to your morning routine. Think of it as your natural cup of coffee. The mornings can also be a great time to workout, because it is another task that can feel completed before your day has actually begun. Moving your body goes hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it can fall to the wayside when other aspects of our life go into overdrive. Making it a habit to workout as part of your morning routine will only help you to solidify your healthy lifestyle in the long run. Some of my personal favorite ways to move my body in the mornings include: yoga, running, long walks, and pilates.
In addition to working out, you should also practice mindfulness. Think of it as a workout for your brain. It will help you to recenter your brain first thing in the morning so that it will be clear and at ease for all of the new information it will gather in the day ahead. Mindful practices will vary from person to person and will require patience. It might feel abnormal at first, but the more you practice mindfulness, the easier it will be to reap the benefits. If you struggle to calm down your mind, mindful tactics might be especially helpful for you. Journaling can be a great habit to include in your morning routine post participating in your mindful practice to really ensure your brain has entered a new state of mind.
The Must-Have Activities One Should Check Off In the Mornings
Aside from these changes, there are certain morning habits we believe are non-negotiables.
- Take a supplement for bloating: The last thing one needs during a busy day is to feel bloated and sluggish. That is why we prioritize taking our bloating supplements and gut health enzyme supplements in the mornings. By doing so, you will leave your house knowing you have taken those extra steps to protect your gut and to promote healthy digestion.
- Stand outside: Does your job require you to be in the office for the majority of your shift? People tend to spend a small period of time outside due to the restraints of their job, meaning that many people fail at breathing in fresh air and take in the nature outside. It is crucial that you make an effort to spend time connecting with nature to boost your overall well-being. The mornings can be a great time to spend intentional time outside simply appreciating the nature around you, the air, and the beaming sun.
- Eating a balanced breakfast: Have you ever heard the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? This saying has been around for quite some time, and while eating consecutively throughout the day is most important, breakfast is incredibly crucial to prioritize. It will give you the energy you need to start your day off and the strength for you to keep moving. As someone who loves to cook, breakfast is the one meal where I can set aside time to get creative in the kitchen. Adding small new ingredients to my breakfast meals brightens up my day and puts me in a good mood.
Find ways to add that extra bit of sparkle to your mornings!