Everyone knows how you start your morning can set the tone for the rest of your day, week and even month. Now, I know what you’re thinking - how can I set myself up for success when I have no time in the morning. The keyword is time, and time is of the essence. It’s how we schedule our days, track our productivity and determine our bedtime and wake-up time. All you have to do is give yourself a few more minutes at the end of the day and in the morning to implement these tiny tasks that will make a significant difference on the rest of your day. It takes six weeks to pick up a habit. That’s only 42 mornings to practice your productivity in the morning before it becomes ingrained into your everyday morning routine. Ready to get started? Here are a few things you can do to feel productive first thing in the morning and set the tone for the rest of your day.
Plan Your Day The Night Before
One of the most important ways to set yourself up for productivity and success first thing in the morning is by planning your day the night before. This plan doesn’t mean you have to write out exactly what you’re going to do every minute of the day, but give yourself a general plan and list of what you need to get done and what steps you need to take to get there. On an in-office workday, our favourite thing to do is plan our outfits the night before, which usually includes our dainty jewelry picks. Something as simple as figuring out what you want to wear and the jewelry to style it with the night before can save you time in the morning and increase your productivity.
Get Up Right When Your Alarm Goes Off
While this might seem like a difficult task, it can have a significant impact on how awake you’ll feel throughout the day. The body needs around 90 minutes to correctly enter the sleep cycle, and in those short 8-10 minutes of your snooze time can be detrimental to your energy levels, alertness, metabolism and more because you’re experiencing low-quality and extremely light sleep. Here are a few tips to get up right away:
- Give yourself something to look forward to (a warm cup of coffee, your favourite book, journaling).
- Charge your phone across the room - so you have to get up to turn off the alarm.
- Sit up right away and drink water - don’t even allow yourself to get cozy again.
Make Your Bed & Clean Your Workspace
There’s no surer sign of productivity than making your bed. You spend more than half your life sleeping, so it only makes sense that protecting your oasis can increase productivity. Not to mention if you work in your bedroom, this is one step closer to cleaning your workspace. Mess can lead to stress, and that’s why we always recommend cleaning your space and starting your work day on a clean, fresh note.
Water, Water, Water
Time and time again, you’ll hear experts raving about the benefits of water and being adequately hydrated. After a long night’s sleep, it’s normal to be dehydrated. Having a large glass of water when you first wake up can help boost your metabolism, hydrate the body and start your day on the right foot.
Some Form Of Meditation
Meditation is a great way to help set the tone for the day as it allows us to think more clearly, efficiently and effectively. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about meditation is that it’s restricted to listening to a guided mediation or sitting silently with your eyes closed. But in reality, there are many ways we can meditate. Some practices of meditation we try to incorporate each day:
- Journaling to help set your intentions for the day, goals you want to achieve, and your daily affirmations (We use the 5-minute journal).
- Walking meditation - whether you walk outside or on an indoor treadmill listening to nature, your favourite music, or an interesting podcast, this is a great way to start the day and get some steps in.
- Exercise or dance! There’s no better way to get those endorphins going than a quick workout or dance.
We often try to include at least one form of meditation in the morning and at other times of the day!
Get Some Vitamin D & Fresh Air
Our vitamin D intake might be limited in Toronto during the winter months, but that’s all the reason to take advantage whenever the sun does come out. Vitamin D and fresh air is known to help increase energy levels, enhance your mood and more - so try your best to get outside even if it is just for 10 minutes.
Morning Fuel: Coffee & Breakfast
Last but not least, is getting in your morning fuel. While some people may argue that they’re not hungry or thirsty in the morning, food is actually what gives your body fuel and energy throughout the day.
Feeling Productive First Thing In The Morning
At Dainty Diamond, we believe that looking and feeling your best every damn day starts with you. Practicing all these habits daily will help you feel better from the inside out, but who’s to say a good pair of dainty earrings, or your favourite gold necklace can’t help either. We can’t wait to hear if you try any of these tips!
