If you’ve Googled how to become more productive, you’ve likely read suggestions starting with: “Wake up at 5 AM.” But what if waking up early isn’t the secret to being productive?
The reality is that a productive morning routine has absolutely nothing to do with waking up early; it has everything to do with what you do after you wake up.
As it turns out, science also shows that what you do to start your day has a significant impact on your state of mind, energy levels, and focus for the rest of the day.
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that starting your day with intention and planning productive things to do in the morning can reduce stress and increase long-term happiness.
Whether you’re a night worker, an office professional, or looking to reboot your morning, this guide will help you design a routine that revitalizes your body, sharpens your mind, and delivers concrete results.
Why Morning Routines Are More Important Than You Think
According to research conducted by Theo Tsaousides, Ph.D., our willpower tends to decline over time during the day, and therefore, we are most likely to possess it in the morning.
That is why the morning is of the most tremendous significance in accomplishing the most important tasks. It was Hal Elrod in his book, “The Miracle Morning,” who stated that
“How you begin your day and your morning routine (or lack thereof) has a profound impact on your levels of success in all areas of your life.”
In the book, he explains this through his “SAVERS” method (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing), which has helped thousands of people start their day with purpose.
However, the fact is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You do not have to do it all. You just need to do what works for you on a daily basis and find out for yourself how to have a productive morning.
That being said, we’re going to show you one pattern suggestion for structuring your morning routine and encourage you to make it your own in every way.
Read More: 9 Outlook Productivity Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Step 1 – Wake up with intention (not your phone)
As soon as you wake up and grab your phone, you put yourself in a reactive state of mind. According to a 2022 Deloitte survey, 79% of people check their phones in less than 10 minutes of waking up, and most of the time, it leads to stress or distraction. You may also try:
- Wake to the sound of a sunrise alarm clock or calming music.
- Utilize the initial 5 minutes for stretching, breathing, and expressing gratitude.
- Write down a brief intention of the day in a notebook
Step 2 – Get Your Body Moving (Even a Little)
You don’t need to do a 60-minute exercise to receive the benefits of exercising in the morning. Even a 10-minute brisk walk or some gentle yoga can increase circulation, enhance mood, and concentration.
Just 10 minutes of morning moderate exercise improved cognitive performance throughout the day. Pair it with some favorite tunes or a podcast to turn it into something to look forward to.
Step 3 – Nourishing Your Brain with Real Food
Missing breakfast or grabbing a sugary pastry in the morning may save you time, but will derail your energy. Many dietitians recommend a protein-rich, fiber-rich, and healthy-fat-packed breakfast to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent mid-morning crashes.
Healthy morning choices you can try:
- Greek yogurt, berries, and chia seeds
- Avocado and eggs on whole grain bread
- Spinach smoothie containing banana, protein powder, and almond butter
What and when you eat affect your energy and productivity levels, so be wary of what you put in your body.
Read More: 30 Quick & Easy At Work Breakfast Ideas For Busy Professionals
Step 4 – Create a Mindset Ritual
How you talk to yourself in the morning will set the mood for your entire day. Positive thinking and visualization have been shown to reduce stress and improve goal accomplishment.
Mel Robbins, the author of The High 5 Habit, explains:
“When you high five yourself in the mirror, you’re getting your brain a dose of dopamine and creating confidence in action”
What can you do to put yourself in a healthy mindset? Try this:
- Stand in front of a mirror and literally give yourself a high five
- I can handle whatever the day throws my way today.
- Picture something being really great today
Step 5 – Plan Your Priorities (And Not Your To-Do List)
A long list of things to do is overwhelming. What you can do is focus on one to three things that will really make a difference. “Deep work,” which is work that requires concentration and mental energy, should be done in the morning, according to productivity expert Laura Vanderkam.
“The morning is your best chance of doing important work before the world starts pulling at your attention,” she explains in her TED Talk.
Planning the day can be stressful by itself, so ease yourself into it by trying these techniques:
- Utilize something like the Eisenhower Matrix or simply ask yourself, What is the most productive thing to do in the morning you can do today?
- Write your top 3 priorities in your journal or on a post-it note.
- Tackle the most challenging task first because it builds momentum and confidence.
Real-Life Examples of What a Productive Pre-Work Morning Routine Should Look Like
How do you use your morning hours productively? Below are two examples of productive morning routines before work that you can personalize:
The Busy Parent (30 Minutes):
- 6:30 am: Wake up and drink a glass of water
- 6:35 AM: 5 minutes of stretching and deep breathing
- 6:45 AM: Make breakfast and listen to a podcast
- 7:00 AM: List your three priorities on a piece of paper
The Remote Worker (60 Minutes):
- 7:00 AM: Wake up and journal for 10 minutes
- 7:15 AM: 15-minute walk routine or yoga sequence
- 7:30 am – Breakfast and coffee
- 7:45 AM: Check schedule and prepare to perform deep work
These routines are full of wonderful things to do in the morning without having to wake up at 5 AM.
The Science behind Habits: Consistency Rules
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, suggests that habits are most effective when they are visible, straightforward to perform, and rewarding. That means that your morning productivity routine must be simple enough to perform on autopilot.
Practice habit stacking, or, easier said, stack a new habit with one you currently do. The easier it is to start, the more likely you will continue.
Plan Your Day to Maximize Your Productivity
You don’t need a perfect checklist or a 5 AM alarm to own the day. Your thoughtful and habitual starting point is what actually gains traction.
Whether you’re building a productive morning routine to start work, creating some additional productive activities to do in the morning, or figuring out how to achieve a productive morning that really invigorates you, always remember that it’s not about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters most, in the first place. Finally, your morning ritual should be your sanctuary, a peaceful environment in which you can center yourself before the day’s mayhem ensues.
Guard it, personalize it, and allow it to fuel the next day. Morning is now your own personal superpower!
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