12 Morning Routine Hacks Proven to Boost Productivity

We all know getting out of bed can be a struggle–I mean who doesn’t want to sleep in? But mornings don’t necessarily have to be rough. While your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, you’re in the driver’s seat and have control over your mornings. A bad start to your day can bring the rest of your day down with it. So, use your mornings to achieve goals, amp up the productivity, or better yet, try new amazing things!

To get you started, here are 12 routine productive hacks to get the most out of your mornings and overcome procrastination!

The Night Before

Start your morning the night before. Don’t waste precious morning time or brain power making low-level decisions. You have enough daily decisions to make, minimise them by creating routines in making less important decisions at night.

1. Create a to-do list for the next day

Whether you’re a notebook or a tech savvy person, list three things you want to accomplish the next day. It’s easier to plan for what to do the next day than planning in the mornings of the actual day. As if getting out of bed and being ready doesn’t take up enough time in the mornings! 

2. Set aside your outfit

Eliminate the decision making in the morning of what to  wear to work when you plan for it the night before. Iron and primp your outfit before you sleep to improve efficiency. It’s easier if you streamline your wardrobe and work with what you love! No more flustering over having no outfits to wear. You’ll find planning beforehand gives you more than enough time and less rush in the morning. 

3. Pre-pack your bag

Whether you work out in the mornings or take lunch to work, pre-packing helps with less fuss and rush in the mornings. It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s all too easy to say “Ah, I’ll do that in the morning,” when in reality, it sets you back a good 15 or 20 minutes. Get a bag that’s ideal and perfect for your lifestyle! Try one before you buy one — Join the Designer Bag Subscription Waitlist here.

4. Use an overnight hair mask

You don’t have to compromise on your beauty regime just to get more time out of your mornings. Mask weekly and you’ll notice that there are less upkeep and frustration in the long run. Overnight sleeping masks are also popular for the busy ladies!

In The Morning

Being a morning person doesn’t mean you have to be disgustingly cheerful from the moment you wake up. It simply means that you start your day on purpose, as opposed to only waking up because you have to be somewhere.

5. Wake up at your right time

Get in tune with your body’s clock. Not sleeping enough makes you feel lethargic as the day goes by and also reduces your productivity levels. It’s all about your quantity and quality of sleep. Try  monitoring your sleep or use a sleep calculator to get ahead!

6. Turn on the light

Whether it’s natural or artificial, light plays an important role in telling the brain that the day has begun. The brain will then signal the body to stop producing melatonin — the hormone that helps regulate sleep.

7. Hydrate!

What you put in your mug matters. Drinking water in the mornings will kickstart your day and prepare your body for the day ahead. We find putting a bottle of water at your bedside for a fuss-free morning drink helps. Lemon-infused water, anyone?

8. Eat right

Reward yourself with a hearty first meal of the day: high-fibre carbohydrates help to regulate your blood sugar levels and lean protein keeps you feeling full for a longer period. Fruit-o-philes can choose to add some slices of multigrain toast to go with their fruit bowls!

9. Get a vitamin regime going

If you’re not a smoothie or breakfast person, it’s important to get your daily nutrients in. Find a vitamin and supplement regime that works well for you. Keep it simple, too much of anything is no good.

10. Don’t neglect your skincare routines

It’s not revolutionary but bright-and-early skincare routines like a morning mask or hydrating toner help give your skin the base hydration it needs and prep it for makeup. You’ll certainly feel more refreshed! You can even carry with you a face mist just for extra hydration throughout the day.

11. Exercise in the morning

Speaking of refreshing, there’s nothing that feels as good as a morning workout. Be it a HIIT workout, a yoga session or a simple morning jog, exercising in the morning gives you energy.It renews motivation, improves physical and mental stamina and increases day-to-day productivity.

12. Practice me-time

Don’t forget to take time out of your mornings for personal meditation or doing an activity that relaxes you. . Before you start on the work email or social media check-ins, tune in to the news or catch up on reading. You’ll start the day differently, we promise.

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By doing a few focused things daily, it sets the course for more productivity throughout the day. While it can be daunting to overhaul your routines all at once, simplify your current routine and introduce one new productive practice every two days.