As a young female professional navigating the corporate world, I understand the challenges of hectic mornings and the importance of staying productive throughout the day. The alarm clock goes off, and it can feel like a race against time, especially when we are so early in our careers. But this morning routine I finally nailed down helps boost my productivity, improve my overall well-being, and set the tone for a successful day. This blog post will provide you with everything you need to know to have a good morning routine for every day.
Start with a Consistent Wake-up Time
One of the most important pillars of a productive and good morning routine is consistently waking up at the same time each day. It is not just about setting an alarm; it is about establishing the habit of sleeping and waking up well-rested at the same time each morning. A consistent wake-up time regulates your internal clock, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. It is also essential for setting the pace and reducing the stress associated with rushed mornings. Having a fixed wake-up time gives you the luxury of time for self-care and a relaxed start to the day, reassuring you that you have time to get everything you want done in the morning.
Waking up at the same time each morning promotes a sense of control over your day, reducing the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the snooze button. Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, find a time that aligns with your work schedule and sleep needs, and commit to it even on weekends, if and when you can. Your body and mind will thank you for the consistency and over time you will start naturally waking up at the same time. This is the best foundation you can lay for a good morning routine.
Actually Make Your Bed
A good morning routine is not complete without making your bed. Making your bed is a task everyone always says you should do, but it carries psychological benefits that can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. When you make your bed, you’re taking control of your immediate environment, creating a clean and organized space to operate in. This act sets the stage for a day because you have shifted your mindset to be one that is more structured, focused, and motivated to continue checking tasks off the list.
Making your bed is the easiest task you can accomplish each day which fuels the desire to get more done throughout the day. It’s a small but productive task that you can accomplish right away, offering an early sense of achievement. This feeling of accomplishment can set the tone for a productive day, encouraging you to tackle bigger tasks with the same enthusiasm. Don’t underestimate the power of making your bed; it’s a simple act that paves the way for an organized, successful day.
Do that Morning Hygiene
This one is hopefully self-explanatory so I’ll keep it short, but brushing your teeth and washing your face is important in any good morning routine. It is an easy way to splash away the grogginess of a good night’s sleep and also is important for maintaining good hygiene and confidence in the workplace.
When you feel fresh and clean, it reflects in your interactions with others, fostering better professional relationships and overall well-being. Plus, it’s a simple, quick routine that demonstrates your commitment to personal care and discipline. So just get it done first thing in the morning and feel more awake!
Stay Away from Your Phone
Resisting the urge to immediately reach for your phone in the morning is a crucial element of a good morning routine. I know this is a hard one to do, but your mind will feel a lot less stressed when you resist the urge to fill it with overwhelming amounts of information as soon as you wake up. By avoiding email, social media, or messages right after waking up, you preserve a valuable window of time to focus on yourself before delving into the digital world.
Try to spend the first few minutes of waking up on self-reflection, deep breathing, or a brief stretch. This time of self-focus provides mental clarity and sets the tone for a purposeful, productive day. Remember that your emails and notifications can wait a little while longer.
{Related Post: How to Be More Productive in Your 20s: 11 Ways to Take Control of Your Day}
First Rehydrate with Water
After several hours without water during sleep, your body craves hydration. Beginning your day with a glass of water can kickstart your metabolism, flush out toxins, and provide an immediate energy boost. You’ll be surprised by how awake you feel after chugging some water first thing in the morning. You can even enhance the effects by adding a squeeze of lemon or other herbal ingredients, which offer a refreshing flavor and other health benefits, such as immune system support and improved digestion.
I personally just chug water after brushing my teeth, but you can do it as soon as you wake up if that is easier. The key is to drink water before you consume anything else in the morning. It should be the first thing you do to break your fast from the night. This small step contributes to overall health and well-being, making it an essential part of the good morning routine you are trying to establish.
Skip the Caffeine (for now)
While the caffeine feels essential, consider delaying that coffee or matcha or black tea fix for a little while. Our body slowly increases our energy in the first two hours we are awake, so an intake of caffeine disrupts this process. This means we actually don’t need coffee, or caffeine, right when we wake up. Coffee and caffeine can also mask our hunger and appetite, making it so we don’t eat the nutritious breakfast we need in the mornings. Instead, opt for an herbal tea, milk, or just more water.
So focus on consuming non-caffeinated liquids in the first couple of hours after waking up before taking on a cup of coffee. I love tea, in particular, because it offers a ton of benefits and antioxidants. Do whatever feels right for you, just delay that first cup of caffeine to create a good morning routine.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Breakfast
Aim for a balanced breakfast that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Whether that is avocado toast, eggs, or something else, your body needs the nutrition after going without eating for so long. Eating an actual breakfast (not just cereal or croissants) ensures sustained energy throughout the morning, improves focus, and helps you stay full until your next meal.
Some breakfast ideas include scrambled eggs with sautéed vegetables, whole-grain oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits, or a protein-rich smoothie made with a scoop of your favorite protein powder. These options provide essential nutrients that your body and brain need to perform at their best, making your workday more efficient and productive.
Change Out of Your Pajamas
The shift from loungewear to regular clothing is not just a change in attire but a transformation of mindset. Changing out of your pajamas signals that you’re transitioning from relaxation mode to work mode, helping you feel more alert, focused, and prepared for the day’s tasks.
Even if you’re working from home with a flexible dress code, dressing in regular clothes creates a sense of professionalism and structure. Even making the switch from pajamas to other loungewear can help, as long as you take the initiative to put something on that makes you feel ready to work. The act of getting dressed becomes an act of intention, signaling that you’re ready to tackle your daily responsibilities.
Catch Up on the News
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, staying informed about current events is essential. Spend some time in the morning reading or watching the news to stay updated on developments in your industry and the world at large. This practice arms you with valuable information, conversation topics, and insights that can benefit your workday.
Consider exploring a variety of news sources to gain a well-rounded perspective. Whether you prefer newspapers, news apps, or brief podcasts, staying informed not only enhances your professional knowledge but also broadens your horizons and keeps you engaged with the ever-changing landscape of your field and the world around you.
I personally love Morning Brew, which sends me a quick 5-minute email about the most important news topics each week. I love reading the newsletter while eating breakfast and before getting started with work for the day.
Sign up for Morning Brew here (it’s free!)
Prioritize Your To-Do List
Before you dive into your work tasks, take a moment to prioritize your to-do list. Identify the most critical and time-sensitive tasks that require your immediate attention. Think about the tasks that, if completed, will make you feel like you had an accomplished and productive day. This prioritization helps you focus on what truly matters that day.
Creating a to-do list, whether on paper or digitally, keeps you organized, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done. Plus, crossing items off your list as you complete them offers a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle the next task.
Get Some Movement In
If your schedule allows, consider incorporating some exercise into your morning routine. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout; a short yoga session, a walk to work, or a few opening stretches can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. Even a dance party while you are getting ready can help get the blood flowing, making you feel more awake.
Morning exercise boosts your energy, metabolism, and mood. It helps you start the day feeling refreshed and invigorated, with increased blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and focus.
Conclusion
Incorporating these practices can help create a good morning routine that is a game-changer for us young professionals navigating the corporate world. Each element contributes to setting a positive tone, boosting productivity, and promoting overall well-being. Starting these habits now means we can do them without thinking later, which will set us up for career and personal success in the future.
While it is essential to follow a routine, it is equally crucial to tailor it to your unique needs and preferences. The goal is not rigidity but finding a balance that helps you start your day on the right foot. So, rise and shine, make your bed, and take time for self-care in the morning – you’ll be amazed at the positive impact a good morning routine has on your daily life.
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.
