We all know the phrase “got up on the wrong side of the bed”. But just how true can this old saying be? Well, mornings do really set the tone for the rest of our day! Research shows that a good morning routine has a direct impact on your self-confidence, your efficiency during the day, your happiness, and your overall performance. So it’s not just folklore, a solid morning ritual can lead to a more productive day.
Okay so now that we’ve cleared up any doubts about how starting off the day strong makes you more productive, focused, and energetic, how can we make it happen? Trust us, we know it can be tough to find the time to have the mornings for yourself and your morning habits. Especially when you have to be on time for work or have a family to get going and out of the house. That’s why we are dedicating a post to the perfect morning routine for success. We’re sharing with you the key steps that your morning ritual should include to help you achieve your goals. Keep reading to learn how to have a productive morning to make for an even more productive work-life balance!
The Absolute Best Morning Routine For Success:
Wake up early and at the same time each day.
If you’re not an early riser yet, it’s time to get in a relationship with your alarm clock or break up with the snooze button if you’ve been a repeat snooze offender. A recent survey by Amerisleep reported that early risers had higher life quality and productivity levels compared to night owls. So the perfect morning routine starts early! Depending on how late you go to sleep at night, you could set your alarm at 6:00,7:00, or 8:00 am. Hell, even consider waking up at 5:30 for good measure.
Be sure to pick a time you know you can wake up every single day of the week. Consistency is key when it comes to a solid morning ritual! Wake up early (no, 9:00 am isn’t early) and at the same time every day to set yourself up for success every day. Just make sure you go to bed in order to get enough hours of sleep!
Perform a 20-minute morning meditation.
It’s best to clear up the mental mess and ground yourself as soon as you wake up to have a positive mindset to face your daily tasks. Before you start checking emails and digging into your work day. That’s when meditation comes into play! Meditating is a wellness trend that never goes out of style. And there are a lot of these trends, as discussed in THIS episode of The Blonde Files! This mindfulness practice has a plethora of well-known health benefits and is a fantastic addition to any morning ritual. You can do any type of meditation you like, as long as it sets the tone for the day. From quick breathwork to 20 minutes of guided meditation, anything works as long as it makes you feel at ease!
Make your bed.
Making your bed and organizing your room is a great way to start the day. In fact, studies have found that daily bedmakers are more likely to organize their day and be more productive. Making your bed is a ritual that reminds your body, that sleep time is over, and the day is starting. Plus, when you return to bed at night, the act of turning your sheets is a ritual that reminds you of bedtime.
List positive affirmations.
What better way to set the intention for the day than with affirmations to get you pumped up for success? If you have a few affirmations you love, repeat them while you make your bed, morning coffee, or brush your teeth. Or buy a positive affirmations calendar if you’re into that! If affirmations are not your thing you can always listen to a positive confidence-boosting podcast instead. The goal here is to get some good vibes and motivational energy going. For work motivation, try tuning into THIS episode of TSC Him & Her all about prioritizing your goals and setting yourself up for success.
Try journaling for gratitude or self-discovery.
Journaling has been a popular addition to morning routines for quite some time now. And with good reason! Studies suggest journaling can actually help to reduce the risk of depression and be just as useful as cognitive behavioral therapy. It’s actually one of our favorite ways to improve your mental health. So you can try to spend time journaling as part of your morning ritual! This can be to set an intention for the day, to keep a gratitude log, or just as a tool for self-discovery. It’s up to you what type of journaling you decide to try!
Read for 15 to 30 minutes.
Reading not only serves as a way to sharpen your intellect and advance your personal development. It’s also a great strategy for relaxing before tackling the first important task of the day! Research shows reading has positive effects on both your physical and mental health, especially as part of a productive morning routine. So why not give it a try? There are thousands of riveting books out there waiting for you! You can opt for poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. You’re bound to find a book that will inspire you!
Have an energizing sweat session.
Working out has several health benefits and is even a great stress management technique! Doing exercise releases high levels of serotonin, AKA the happy hormone that stabilizes your mood for the better. This is a great way to set yourself up for success in the morning! Not only do you stay in shape, but you also improve your mental health in the process. Plus, you’ll feel accomplished if you get your workout done before you go onto your to-do list for the day. And there are so many different workouts you can try! From dance cardio classes to weightlifting, there’s no doubt you’ll find an exercise routine that makes you excited to get up in the morning. Just remember to drink plenty of water, in addition to your first glass of water in the morning. We recommend getting a solid 30-minute to hour-long session in.
Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
You know, Cameron Diaz once said, “The first thing I do when I wake up is… I just sit there for a moment and breathe.” And let’s be honest if the queen of Hollywood swears by deep breathing, who are we to ignore its power? So, before you conquer the world, take a few moments to breathe in the good and exhale the bad. In those early hours, find a quiet space, close your eyes, and concentrate on each breath. Feel that surge of calmness washing over you as you prepare to take on the day. Trust us, your future self will thank you for starting your day on this zen note!
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Before you tackle any important task to kick off a productive day, you need to eat breakfast! There’s a reason it’s called the most important meal of the day. Breakfast helps you get energized and is the best way to end a perfect morning routine. Especially if you’ve just burned some calories during a morning sweat session! What you have for breakfast is entirely up to you. Just make sure it’s energizing and as nutritious as possible! You can even listen to a motivating podcast episode while you prepare your food. THIS episode of Dear Gabby is one of our favorites for any morning ritual! Tune in to hear Gabby talk about manifesting what you want in life and how to bust free from despair with simple and practical tools. What’s better than inspirational words over a delicious meal, right?
Listen to a Motivational Podcast
Hitting the snooze button might feel tempting, but let’s take a leaf out of CEO Tim Cook’s book. He’s up before the birds, and what’s the secret to his success? Fueling his mind with knowledge. And what better way to do that than through a motivational podcast? Slip on those headphones, crank up your favorite show, and let the wisdom of Arianna Huffington or any other powerhouses guide you on your journey. Let their words ignite that fire within you and set the tone for a day full of dreams, determination, and a dash of humor. So, hit play and get ready to seize the day like the incredible boss babe you are!
What is your current morning ritual?
Now you know how to structure your morning routine for success! These tips are some of the very same ones we see highly successful people talk about all the time. Think the Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates type. If you follow these steps, you’ll find that every day is an opportunity to have a productive morning. Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. Your morning routine is meant to feel good. So feel free to add or remove any steps, it’s your morning ritual after all. The key is for it to set the tone for the rest of your day! So dedicate some time to crafting the perfect morning routine for your goals. Do you struggle to be an early riser? How do you currently start the day? Let us know in the comments. Good luck with your new morning ritual!