If getting out of bed early to get ready for work leaves you feeling groggy, we have a few tips to get you energized for the day and to help you get into the habit of a healthy a morning routine.
According to ABC News, a recent survey found that 20% of U.S. population is consistently late, especially when it comes to work. Being late isn’t just about time, but could be affecting your mental health. Studies show that procrastination is a link to anxiety, low self-control, and more. Plus, the stress of feeling rushed in the morning can lead to feeling like you are running behind for the rest of the day.
If you want to make a change and make your mornings more productive, follow these simple steps to establish a morning routine.
- Prepare the night before: Take 10 minutes to lay out clothing, lunch, and other things you may need throughout the day. This saves time in the morning for other tasks – especially the unexpected ones that tend to require time and attention.
- Set an alarm or reminder to go to bed: Whether you feel and do your best after 4 hours of sleep or 8 hours of sleep, setting a reminder when it’s time for you to hit the hay will help make sure you get the sleep you need at night to have a productive next day.
- Track your habits: Use an online app or keep a written sleep journal. Identify things that occur during the day/evening that may make it harder to fall asleep or cause a restless night. As you start to see patterns, make the adjustments you need to get a full night of sleep or that give you the time you need in the morning.
- Eat a healthy breakfast: Your metabolism slows while you are sleeping. Give it the morning boost it needs with a fast and easy meal with the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat.
- Plan to be early: Tack on a 15-minute cushion at the beginning of your day. Whether this means setting your alarm early, giving up a tap or two of the snooze button or prepping breakfast the night before, you’ll feel less rushed or anxious throughout the day.
- Keep your morning routine going on your days off: Continuing to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day will help keep your body on track physically and mentally.
You only get 25,000 mornings in your adult life. Even if some of your days have passed by in a sleepy fog, there is no better time than today to make a positive change. Be sure to make the most out of your mornings and days. Starting a morning routine will eliminate stress, and make you feel better as a whole, inside and out.
Sources:
- Music & Arts Grant Recipients – 2023 - December 1, 2023
- How to Tell When You Need New Brakes - November 20, 2023
- 20 Best Gratitude Quotes - November 16, 2023
Excellent ideas for a smoother more productive morning.