By adopting a few morning habits, you can increase productivity, focus, motivation and more. Set yourself up for success with these seven tips:
1. Establish a morning ritual
Whether you choose to start your daily morning routine with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of water with lemon, a brief meditation session, or an early a.m. workout, the key is to repeat the same behavior each workday morning. Over time, your morning ritual will signal to your brain that it’s time to get going with your day.
2. Don’t check email right away
Early morning may seem like the best time to catch up on emails and respond to messages, but experts recommend waiting until later in the day to check email. Why? Email is reactive and not proactive. Instead of checking email, focus on an important task that needs your attention.
3. Eat breakfast
Mom was right – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does eating breakfast give you an energy boost that’s crucial for helping you power through your day, it also helps you feel more productive. Eating foods rich in vitamin B is also helpful for improving concentration and focus, so slice a banana into your bowl of oatmeal or enjoy a slice of whole-grain toast with some scrambled eggs.
4. Catch up on the news
An understanding of current events is important for business owners. Being able to discuss what’s happening both locally and in the world at large is a big benefit for people who need to network often, whether with colleagues or customers.
5. Triage your to-do list
Prioritize your task list, figuring out what needs to be done today and what can be carried over into tomorrow, if necessary. Many entrepreneurs find it easier to dig into more creative projects or tasks that require more focus and attention in the morning, saving emails, interviews, calls and administrative tasks until after lunch, when concentration and energy levels naturally dip. Figure out what method works best for you and plan your day accordingly
6. Get motivated
Set a goal for your day and think about it as you commute to the office or get ready for work. What do you want to have accomplished by the end of the day? How will you make it happen? Focusing on your overall daily goal and visualizing success will help you stay on track as you dive into your workday.
7. Connect with your family
Make it a point to spend at least 15 minutes in the morning connecting with your family, partner, spouse or pet – no phones, no computers and no screens allowed. Starting your day by engaging with loved ones will help set a positive tone and can even serve as a great reminder of why you work so hard. Similarly, when you get home at the end of the day, don’t hop on your computer or start checking office email immediately – spend at least 15 minutes chatting with your kids or catching up with friends or relatives to help unwind and foster those important relationships.
