How to Make the Most of Your Morning
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A great morning routine can be the perfect foundation for the day ahead or your overall lifestyle, but it can be hard to know where to start. If you often find yourself waking up without a plan just wondering what the world will bring today, a morning routine can help. If you want to know the best ways to make the most of your morning and maximize your productivity for the whole day, keep reading!
Don’t touch your phone (at first)
It can be a serious temptation but don’t pick up your phone immediately after you get out of bed. When you grab your phone and immediately start looking through your notifications, you’re choosing to let the people texting or emailing you control your day instead of controlling things yourself.
Instead, develop a simple morning routine and stick to it every day. Doing so will help you to be the one in control so you can develop the lifestyle you want instead of living on others’ terms.
Get some sunlight
Your mornings will always be more productive if you’ve slept well, and what you do in your mornings might also be key to getting good sleep. The human body is made to wake and sleep with the sun, so getting 30-45 minutes of direct sunlight in the morning can tell your body it’s time to wake up.
Getting some morning sun can be as simple as taking a walk or sitting out on the porch while you eat breakfast. Whatever you do will help your body’s internal clock get on the same schedule you’re on. Similarly, staying away from harsh light for 30-45 minutes right before you go to bed will help your body know it’s time to sleep and keep a healthy cycle going.
Get some exercise
The morning is the best time to get out, get your heart rate up, and work up a sweat. Whether you like running, lifting weights, doing yoga, or playing a sport, doing it early in the morning will get your blood pumping and prime your brain for a great day. If you’re looking for a great way to start, try these great heart-healthy exercise ideas. Your heart and body will thank you!
Make a short to-do list
One of the easiest ways to improve your productivity in the morning and throughout the day is with a to-do list. Once you start writing, however, it can be easy to plan too much. If you have too many things to focus on in one day, you’ll find that none of your to-do list items get the benefit of your full attention.
Author and lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss recommends folding a piece of notebook paper in half three times to use as your daily to-do list. This allows you to focus on a few key things, making it more likely that you’ll actually accomplish those things.
Eat the frog
Once you’ve finished getting ready for the day, do the hardest thing on your to-do list first. This is a great productivity trick known as “eat the frog.” The idea is that if you have to eat a frog every day, make that the first thing you do in the day so everything afterward is more pleasant. While you probably don’t have to eat a frog every day (if ever), doing the hardest thing on your to-do list first is still a great way to start each day with a feeling of success and accomplishment.
All the tips and tricks in this list should help jumpstart your day and get you in the right mindset. You’ll be able to complete any tasks you’ve set for yourself – and whatever else arises.