Morning Routines for a Productive Day | HBR Personal Training

The past year has disrupted nearly every aspect of our lives. Have you been struggling to establish a new routine since the pandemic and stay-at-home orders? Don’t worry—I have some easy tips to help get you back on track.

How you spend each morning really helps set the tone for the rest of your day. Here are 5 recommendations to help you create a new healthy morning schedule:

1.     Start with gratitude, NOT your newsfeed

Avoid checking social media or scrolling through the news first thing after waking up. Not only can these be emotionally draining, but they also take up a lot of time that could be spent doing something to help kickstart your day [in a positive way]. Try writing down what you’re grateful for in a journal, or you can use guided apps like 5mins Gratitude. This will help you get in a great frame of mind to begin your day with purpose & intention.

2.     Create your own movement

It doesn’t matter how you move, what matters is that you move in a way that works for you and your body. Do yoga, lift weights, take a walk or turn on your favorite song and have a dance party… Any way you choose to get in some activity to get your blood pumping is going to have both your mind and body thankful for the rest of the day. I like to spend as much time in the morning on my feet or stretching, which helps with my work-out later that day.

3.     Fuel preparation 

Preparing your meals is a great example of how a morning habit can impact your regular schedule. Instead of scavenging your kitchen for snacks as the day progresses, meal prep in advance to help prevent you from eating the foods you know you shouldn’t be eating. It will also free up time later on!

4.     Utilize your time accordingly 

Setting daily goals can help build structure, especially at a time when it has taken a back seat. Everybody has a different schedule so the best way to be productive is to work when YOU have the most energy and focus. Find the best time in the day to do something for yourself; exercise, start a new project, give your pet some attention, etc.

5.    Get dressed

While the idea of spending the day working from the couch in pajamas seems tempting, you’re only setting yourself up for lounging. Getting dressed can be a helpful cue to getting in work mode. What you wear can change your attitude towards how you work. Picking something that makes you feel equal parts comfortable, productive, and good about yourself. will help get you in the right headspace and stop the days from running into each other.

I challenge you to use at least one of these (IF NOT ALL) when you get up tomorrow to help you get back on the right path to achieving your desired goals.