A productive day starts the moment you wake up, even before getting out of bed. From planning your day to enjoying a nutritious breakfast, the foundation for a productive day begins in the morning. Check out these great tips to set yourself up for a fantastic day and how to get back on track if needed!
There are two types of people in the morning – the cheerful ones and the grumpy, sleepy ones. The cheerful ones, much like Joy from “Inside Out,” bounce out of bed full of energy and a big smile, ready to take on the day. On the other hand, the grumpy, sleepy ones might wake up with messy hair, move slowly, and grumble, starting their day in a bad mood.
No matter which type you are, a new day is a clean slate that you control. Whether you’re grumpy or cheerful, you can make the most of your morning energy with these five tips.
While hitting the snooze button is tempting, try not to give in! Snoozing might give you a few extra minutes of sleep, but it can actually be harmful. When you snooze, your brain and body start a new sleep cycle. Being jolted awake by the next alarm can cause sleep inertia, leaving you groggy for hours. Research from Harvard Medical School shows this can last two to four hours, making even simple tasks hard to perform.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it refuels your body after an overnight fast. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health says breakfast gives you the energy and nutrients needed for better concentration and prevents mid-morning slumps. It also helps with healthy weight management, as skipping breakfast often leads to overeating later. A quick and healthy breakfast can be made by combining items from bread and grains, dairy, and fruits or vegetables.
Interestingly, Michelle Gass, Starbucks’ former president and Kohl’s current chief merchandising officer, doesn’t rely on caffeine in the morning. For the past 15 years, she has been waking up at 4:30 a.m. to run. Exercise boosts productivity by making you feel energized and focused throughout the day. Try incorporating a short workout after waking up; exercises like jogging in place, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, and lunges require no equipment.
Start your day with a positive mindset. Believing your day will be great can change its entire tone. Positive thinking reduces stress and anxiety, making you feel more energized and cheerful. Tony Robbins suggests an “Hour of Power” every morning, framing your day positively for good motivation.
Planning your day as soon as you wake up can also help. Andrea Allen, a writer from Resumes Planet, plans her day while eating breakfast. Setting your goals early gives you a clear picture of your schedule and priorities. This focus makes it easier to navigate your day, as you can check off tasks as you complete them.
Mornings are the best time to take charge while you’re still refreshed from sleep. Starting your day in a pleasant mood can positively affect the rest of your day. So get out of bed, try at least two of these tips, and have a great day ahead!
