A productive day starts the moment you wake up, even before getting out of bed. From planning your day to having the right breakfast, setting yourself up for success begins in the morning. Here are some great tips to help you get your day on track!
When it comes to waking up, people generally fall into two categories: the cheerful ones and the grumpy, sleepy ones.
The cheerful ones are like Joy from “Inside Out.” They jump out of bed with a ton of energy and a big smile, ready to take on the day. “It’s a brand new day!” they might exclaim, arms raised in enthusiasm.
On the flip side, the grumpy, sleepy ones resemble those who woke up on the wrong side of the bed. They’re likely to move slowly, have messy hair, and maybe even grunt a bit. Breakfast might as well be served with a side of grumpiness for them.
Regardless of which type you are, each day is a blank slate where you are in control. You can go from grumpy to cheerful or just make the most of your morning energy with these five tips:
First, resist the urge to hit the snooze button. While it might seem like those extra minutes of sleep will help, they can actually do more harm than good. When you hit snooze, your brain and body start a new sleep cycle. Getting jolted awake mid-cycle causes sleep inertia, leading to grogginess that can last for hours. According to Harvard Medical School, this can impair your ability to perform even simple tasks.
Second, never skip breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day because it refuels your body after overnight fasting. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health says breakfast boosts energy and concentration, preventing a mid-morning slump. It also helps with weight management, as people who skip breakfast tend to overeat later. A quick, healthy breakfast can be made easily by combining something from the bread and grain group, milk products, and fruits or veggies.
Third, consider adding exercise to your morning routine. Michelle Gass, a former president of Starbucks, starts her day at 4:30 a.m. with a run. Exercise can make you feel more energetic and focused throughout the day. You don’t need fancy equipment—simple exercises like jogging in place, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, and lunges can do the trick. There are multiple workout apps available that can guide you through quick routines.
Fourth, adopt a positive mindset. Changing how you think in the morning can set a great tone for the entire day. Positive thinking reduces stress and anxiety and boosts your energy and cheerfulness. Motivational speaker Tony Robbins recommends an “Hour of Power” each morning to frame your day positively. Visualize your tasks positively, and you might find yourself sailing through your day with ease.
Lastly, plan your day. Andrea Allen from Resumes Planet suggests having a clear plan for your day while enjoying your breakfast. Knowing your goals beforehand can make you feel more organized and focused. It also allows you to effortlessly tick off accomplishments or appointments as the day progresses.
The morning is the perfect time to take charge of your day since you’re refreshed from sleep. Starting your day in a good mood can have a positive impact on the rest of your activities. So, get out of bed, try at least two of these tips, and have a fantastic day ahead!
