It is so important to take a closer look at how you start your day. How you start the day can really set the tone for the rest of the day. If you start it well, you are able to be on the offense versus defense. in many cases, there will be lots of distractions, responsibilities and opportunities that come in front of you at any given moment. While you can’t plan for the unexpected, you can still plan how you want the day to go. There are a few things that you can do to start well and be productive.
1. Exercise
Before your mind has time to think about what’s going on, get up, put on your sneakers and head to the gym. It takes discipline. Still, it’s worth it. Your health is important because if you don’t have your health, it’s very difficult to lead a happy life. This one habit will help you to maintain a healthy weight, prioritize the strength of your body and sustain your mental clarity. If you are somebody who prefers to work out in your own home, find a space where you can get it done in the morning. The morning is the best time for one key reason. By the time you get through the rest of the day, you’ll be too tired to work out. When you work out in the morning, you eliminate the excuse of being too tired from the busy, long day.
2. Nutrition
Always pay close attention to what you’re putting inside of your body. Nutrition is essential because it directly impacts your ability to do your work well. If you are feeling sluggish and tired because of a meal, this can impact your brain’s ability to function. Within your breakfast meal, include a form of protein like hard-boiled eggs, chia seed or grilled chicken. Healthy fruits, vegetables and grains are excellent as well. Don’t fully rely on coffee to keep you going. You might decide that you prefer to do a morning smoothie. Just make sure that you have something hearty to go along with the smoothie. Even if it’s a piece of whole-grain toast, you want to make sure you have something substantial to keep you filled until lunchtime. It’s also wise to make sure that you take multi-vitamins to help yourself stay energized and alert. Health365 provides antioxidants and lots of supplements for various needs.
3. Brain Dump
A brain dump is when you write down everything that you’re thinking about in a journal. A lot of times, people carry a lot of stress throughout their day. Write down anything that’s concerning you because you don’t want to be mentally distracted throughout your day. Many people do a brain dump in their journal. Keeping a journal can help you release stress and tension you might be feeling. Do this practice for 15 minutes each morning as it can be very cathartic.
4. Scheduling
It’s also really important to make sure that you create a schedule for your day. For many people, if it’s not written down in a planner, it’s easy to forget. There are few things to remember once you’re creating your schedule in the morning. Don’t overestimate what you can get completed within one day. Pace yourself. Make sure that you take a look at what the overarching needs are. When people pack their day with too many items, this is something that can easily lead to overwhelming feelings of discouragement. Start with three main action items that need to get done. Once those are completed, take it from there.
5. No Electronics
Maintain some quiet time in the morning where you don’t allow any electronics near you. This means that you will not check email, scroll on social media or answer text messages before a certain time. It’s important to have private time for yourself because if you start your day by answering emails and text messages, you’re starting from a place that’s reactive. If you’re reactive, you’re not able to set the tone. Even if it’s just an hour, give yourself time to gain clarity and instruction for your day before you answer anyone’s request.