How I Got More Productive With My Morning Routine

Have you ever felt like your mornings just slip through your fingers, leaving you scrambling for the rest of the day?

I certainly have. For a long time, my mornings felt more like a race against the clock than a peaceful start to the day. It wasn’t until I revamped my morning routine that I realized how transformative a calm, structured start could be.

Here’s how I redefined my mornings to boost my productivity and how you might do the same.

Waking Up at a Consistent Time

Like many, I used to hit the snooze button repeatedly.

The extra minutes of sleep felt good temporarily, but they didn’t help my energy levels. Once I committed to waking up at the same time every day — yes, even on weekends — my body clock adjusted, and waking up became less of a struggle.

Solution

Setting my alarm for 6 AM every day was a game changer. The consistency helped regulate my sleep pattern, making it easier to wake up naturally after a few weeks. Now, my eyes often open a few minutes before the alarm even goes off.

Hydrating First Thing

Did you know that you wake up dehydrated every morning?

Drinking water first thing helps kick-start your metabolism and hydrates your body, setting a healthy tone for the day. Even if you do not feel thirst, your body is craving some water. So, don’t be fooled, take at least two glasses of water each morning right out of bed.

Solution

I keep a bottle of water beside my bed every night. As soon as my alarm goes off, I sit up and drink it before I even step foot out of bed. It’s a simple habit, but it makes me feel more awake and ready to start the day.

A No-Screen Morning Policy

This was an easy one for me. Unlike many people, I didn’t make a habit of starting my day by checking emails and social media.

However, when I started working with people in different time zones, I realized that I could not wait for some of the responses and as soon as I jumped out of bed I started checking my phone.

I found that this often led to a cluttered mind and a reactive mindset. Implementing a no-screen rule for the first hour of my day has been pivotal.

Solution

Instead of reaching for my phone, I now reach for a book. Spending the first part of my morning reading a chapter of a book or my daily devotional keeps me grounded and focused. It’s amazing how much this one change has helped in maintaining a proactive stance throughout the day.

Exercise to Energize

Incorporating some form of physical activity in the morning can boost your mood and energy levels. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a short walk can invigorate your day.

Some people are more into stretching, and some are into yoga, but no matter the movement — just do it!

Solution

I started with 15 minutes of Aikido moves each morning. At first, it was more about stretching than anything else, but soon I began to enjoy how it energized my body and calmed my mind. Now, it’s an indispensable part of my routine.

Planning My Day with Intention

Every morning, I spend a few minutes planning my day.

This doesn’t just mean jotting down tasks. It involves prioritizing them based on my goals and the energy levels I typically have at different times of the day. And writing can bring in reflection to clear your mind for the day.

Solution

I use Things to keep track of my tasks. After my morning reading, I review my tasks for the day, adding or adjusting based on my priorities. This helps me stay focused and ensures I’m working on the right things at the right times.

A Mindful Breakfast

I’ve learned that what I eat in the morning sets the stage for my entire day. A mindful, nutritious breakfast can really boost your cognitive functions and energy levels.

Just like water, our body needs food after a good night’s sleep.

Solution

I used to skip breakfast or grab something on the go. Now, I make it a point to sit down for a balanced meal — usually eggs with cheese, or fruits and nuts, and a side of green tea. It doesn’t take long to prepare, and it makes a huge difference in how I feel throughout the morning.

Transforming my mornings has not only made me more productive but also more serene and satisfied.

It’s about carving out a slice of the day just for me, setting the tone for everything that follows.