What is that one thing or thought that strikes you when you wake up in the morning? Do you think about the deadlines, the short turnaround times and the workload? Or, do you just think of making the most of the day?
Well, studies show that the way wakeup in the morning dictates a lot about how your day will go. For instance, if you wake up stressed about work then by the end of the day you’ll be exhausted.
But, if you wake up with a smile and a set morning routine then you will be pumped up to make the most out of the day.
A daily morning routine helps you maintain good health, transforms your body, mind and consciousness to a higher level of functioning, improves mental health, gives you more time to relax, reduces anxiety, promotes better sleep and also encourages people around you to try a routine.
Here are a few ideas you can consider for setting the stage for a successful business day:
Rise EARLY and shine. One of the most significant benefits of waking up early is reduced stress. You get more time to complete your morning rituals which help to start the day on an optimistic note. Ideally, you should aim to wake up between 5 am – 7 am. A recent survey showed that most successful people woke up between 3:45 am – 6 am.
Gratitude takes you a long way. According to a Harvard Medical School report on positive psychology, gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness. So start your day with a simple quote to give thanks or write five things you’re grateful for.
Good things happen when you sweat. Regular exercise not only keeps your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate in control but it also promotes mental firepower. Incorporating exercise into your routine improves concentration, sharpens memory, enhances creativity, increases mental stamina and learning skills.
As a general rule, exercise up to half of your capacity, so you don’t overexert yourself.
Meditate. Thousands of studies have shown how mindfulness meditation can positively impact both mental and physical health. With meditation, you gain new perspectives on stressful situations, increase self-awareness, reduce negative emotions and increase imagination & creativity. Just meditate for 10 to 15 minutes each morning to reap these benefits!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast replenishes your body with a supply of glucose after fasting overnight. It boosts your energy levels and alertness by providing the essential nutrients required for good health.
Prioritize and achieve. Prioritization not only makes you more efficient at daily activities but also gives you the latitude to focus on important tasks. Successful people find time each day for working with full focus on their most important tasks to get desired results.
*High-Quality Work Produced = (Time Spent) x (Intensity of Focus)*
A quick way to prioritize the tasks is to write down three or four most important tasks of the day. You can also find a few prioritization tools online to help you to manage different tasks.
In the end, remember that it takes at least 21 days to form a new habit. Try to follow these steps for at least 3 weeks and set healthy habits for a successful business day!
