Wake up, roll over, hit snooze twice, repeat. This was what my daily morning routine was slowly starting to become. My first class of the day is not until 11:30 AM, so it became very easy to wake up late, shower, and run out the door for class. Eventually, being so lazy in the morning got old quick.
After switching up my routine a little and forcing myself to get out of bed at the same time every day, I feel myself being more productive and motivated each day. Depending on your lifestyle, there are many different ways to reclaim your routine and there are no right or wrong answers. I have narrowed it down to seven steps that have saved my mornings and can do the same for yours.
1. The routine starts before you go to sleep. Plan ahead as much as you can for the following morning.
Have a ritual that will remain the same throughout your week. Set out your clothes, prepare a lunch or various snacks for throughout the day, and pack your backpack or work bag. Not only does this help set a mini night routine for you, but it also will help reduce your stress levels in the morning. Stress puts your brain in crisis mode, making rational thinking difficult and sending your positive attitude into a negative spiral. Waking up and knowing your routine is already cut in half by having your things prepared will significantly help you get out the door quicker.
2. After you wake up, do not be wired.
This is definitely easier said than done. The black-hole of social media, emailing, and texting can steer your morning routine right off course. Try to stay offline as long as long as possible in the morning so you do not lay in bed being unproductive on Twitter for 25 minutes. Instead, get up and get a work out in if possible. Hit up the gym, go for a run in your neighborhood, or even spend 10 minutes meditating to help your day begin peacefully and with a clear mind.
3. Get ready and take time for yourself, you deserve it!
Shower and follow your regular beauty routine, take time for yourself before you venture off into the busy day ahead. Spend five minutes in front of the mirror and say positive things about yourself. It sounds silly but after a few days of incorporating it into your routine, you will make sure you have the time for this step. Starting off the morning by acknowledging your love for yourself will help your confidence soar.
4. Get focused and stay focused.
Ask yourself how you can add value to the day, who you can help, and what you can make better. Make a to-do list or open up your planner to see what the day holds, and remind yourself of your long-term goals. What are you working towards and why? This is also important: do not dwell on yesterday. It is a new day and all you can do now is make today reach its highest potential.
5. Instead of having the television on during breakfast, listen to a Podcast, an audiobook, your favorite YouTuber, or even a TED Talk.
This is something I look forward to each morning; I love listening to one of my favorite YouTubers or a Podcast as I prepare and eat my breakfast. Having a breakfast that is nutritious and something you enjoy is so important andI cannot stress it enough. Waking up and looking forward to eating breakfast is just another way to get yourself out of bed quicker. On the way to class I have been trying to listen more to audiobooks. I find they get my mind working and ready for the day rather than listening to the radio play the same five songs. TED Talks are also an awesome way to start your day, the great thing is you do not have to watch it; simply listening to one is just as inspirational. My recommendations for motivational TED Talks would be Dan Pink’s “The Puzzle of Motivation” or Tony Robbin’s “Why We Do What We Do.”
6. Picture yourself succeeding and the day going just as planned.
Think about a recent win or a similar task that had great end results. You’ll get a rush of dopamine - a brain chemical strongly associated with motivation. This will also encourage you to work harder towards your goals so you get that wonderful feeling of being satisfied after finishing a difficult task or even better finally reaching a goal you set awhile back.
7. Once you’re at the office or class, manage your time and more importantly your energy.
Block tasks for certain times of the day, this is very helpful so you get the most important things done while you are wide awake and full of energy. Keep mornings open for tasks that need your creative energy. Do not do busy work simply to pass time; mindless tasks might seem tempting, but think about all you could get done off of your to-do list if you were not delaying time. Avoid your phone and social media. Even short phone calls can derail the rest of your day so try to learn to work without distractions for longer durations of time - once again, easier said than done. Remember that all of the efforts you are making now will pay off in the end.
