If you’re like me, finding that sweet spot between the 9-to-5 grind and your entrepreneurial aspirations is a daily mission as a young professional. Some days we feel extra motivated, and others, completely burnt out. One of the best ways to avoid the lows is having a productive morning routine that can kickstart your day. In this blog post, I will share healthy habits you can add to your productive morning routine, to set the stage for completing goals and embracing the journey.
Hydration Station!
After snoozing the alarm clock a few times, and dreadfully getting out of bed, my first tasks in reaching for a glass of room temperature water. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps rehydrate your body, flush out toxins, and honestly, wake you up. Try it for a few days and you will see how much quicker the grogginess wears off.
The simple act of starting with water also sets a tone of intentional living, since you start your day purposefully doing something good for both your body and your productivity.
Stretch those Muscles
Stretching your body in the morning helps to loosen up all those muscles that have been twisted and compressed throughout the night. Stretching helps with physical flexibility but also helps to wake you up and feel more ready for the day.
This simple tasks starts to make you feel more motivated to have a productive day right off the bat because, again, you have done something good for yourself.
Skincare is Self-Care
The next step is to make it over to the bathroom. Washing your face and brushing your teeth help set the tone for a clear and focused day. The routine isn’t just about personal hygiene; it’s a moment of self-care. It’s a conscious decision to face the day refreshed after some sleep, signaling to myself that I’m ready to put my best foot forward.
It’s a small act with big implications for the day ahead since it will help you feel more put together, awake, and positive.
{Related Post: How to Create a Good Morning Routine in Your 20s}
Delay your Caffeine
While the aroma of coffee is undeniably enticing, adopt a practice of delaying that first cup. Our cortisol levels (the stress hormone) is typically highest when we first wake up. In the first two hours after we wake up, our cortisol levels are still dropping and adding coffee to this not only makes us more anxious, it makes the caffeine less effective. Also, caffeine on an empty stomach is just not the move.
Instead, opt for an herbal tea or warm water with your breakfast to give your body a much needed break before adding in the caffeine. Plus, the coffee will be more effective at keeping you awake.
Catch up on the News
I have never been one to watch the news channels or listen to the radio, but I do think it is extremely important to still know what is going on in the world. As I settle into the morning, I make it a point to feed my mind with current events. Usually, I do this while having breakfast. My favorite platform is Morning Brew for concise, engaging, and informative news that only takes about 5-10 minutes to read. It delivers an informational email to my inbox each morning that is easy to read! Choose whatever service you like; the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, etc; but make it a point to stay informed.
Click Here to Sign up for Morning Brew!
It is also a conscious effort and intentional step in my productive morning routine to inform myself about the world. The insights might spark a new idea, shape my perspective for the day, or advise me how to approach colleagues or situations. It’s a small investment in my intellectual growth, a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey.
Plan Your Day in Advance
Rather than a step in my productive morning routine, this is a step I do the night before, but it makes a difference to the following morning. It is not just about creating a to-do list, but rather, a strategic move to set priorities, allocate time, and ensure that every task aligns with my goals.
This way my mind is clear and focused about the priorities for the day, rather than having spent valuable energy trying to figure out the intentions for the day when I am most productive.
Get Some Vitamin D
Whenever possible, you should soak in some natural sunlight during your productive morning routine. This could be as simple as opening up the curtains or going for a walk. But getting that sunshine is important to your overall health and energy levels.
Getting some morning sun is not only a grounding practice, it helps boost serotonin levels, create some positive energy, and reduce melatonin levels (the hormone that makes you sleepy). In a world of artificial lighting and digital screens, it is also really nice to just get some natural light.
Final Thoughts
As a young professional navigating the corporate landscape and chasing side hustle dreams, these healthy habits to your productive morning routine are not just part of a checklist— they help set the foundation for an intentional day. Each habit, from the first sip of water to the delay of coffee, is a commitment to productivity, balance, and mindful living. So, here’s to mornings filled with intention, fueled by knowledge, and seasoned with the optimism of a new day in the pursuit of your goals!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
