What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Maybe you check your email. Perhaps you head to the coffee maker to brew a cup of java. Some of you may even hit the snooze button.
However you initiate your morning, the way you begin sets the tone for the remainder of your day. The right routine and habits help you achieve a successful and positive experience.
The first step to a productive morning is getting a good night’s sleep. “A successful night of sleep impacts our energy, mental sharpness and decision-making,” says Tanya C. Oliver, an executive coach for high-end achievers who practices in Miami and virtually. “It’s the pregame to making sure you have a good morning.”
Imitation is the best form of flattery. So consider copying the habits of successful people. These ideas will get you started on your way to a positive day.
They read
Read five or so pages of a book. “It can be something that will elevate your energy and spirit,” says Oliver. She says some people read the Bible and others will want a personal development or self-help book. “Read something that gives you peace,” says Oliver. “First thing in the morning is sacred time to program your mind and subconscious.”
They write
Some people jot down notes of gratitude. Others write in a journal. Or maybe you make a list of the to-dos for your day. Writing can help reduce anxiety and stress before you start your morning. “Brain dumps open mental space in your mind,” says Oliver. “It’s a simple yet powerful tool where you write everything that’s going on in your mind on paper. It will be laid out, so you feel more capable of organizing your day and priorities versus trying to remember everything and then forget it, which is energetically exhausting.”
They move
Being healthy physically correlates with being healthy mentally. Make exercise a morning habit. “Exercise helps fight and quiet the chaos of the mind,” says Oliver. “It gives oxygen to your brain so you’re more likely to be mentally sharp. It gives you the energy and capacity to help you handle your day.” Hit the gym, pound pavement or move your body at home for as little as 15 or 20 minutes to reap the benefits of exercise, she says. “You’ll feel capable of handling what the day throws at you.”
They get dressed
It sounds silly but putting yourself together goes a long way, impacting your mood and energy. “Even dressing simply impacts how we feel about ourselves,” says Oliver. “It impacts if you’re going to show up. Get dressed so you can be the product of your appearance.”
They eat a nutritious breakfast
It can be tempting to skip the first meal of the day when you need to hop onto I-95. Sitting down and eating a nutritious breakfast can help give you mental sharpness to last the whole day. Eat something with protein and good fats instead of processed fare. “You’ll be in a healthy space when you start your day with a healthy breakfast.”