5 Ways to Improve Your Mornings and Be More Productive

By: Samantha Higgins

If you’re trying to be more productive during the day, it’s important to start your mornings off right. According to the University of Nottingham researchers, who conducted 83 studies on self-control and energy, both energy and self-control are intertwined, but they are also finite.

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You have to train your mind and body to be disciplined and focused on your objectives throughout the day. When we start to run out of self-control near the end of the day, we may also be exhausted and find that it’s more difficult to complete important tasks.

Since you likely have the most self-control and energy at the beginning of the day, it’s important to set the tone for your day in the morning. While you shouldn’t take up all your morning hours working, there are some important ways to improve your mornings so you can get more accomplished by the day’s end.

Drink a Glass of Lemon Water

As soon as you wake up, drink some lemon water to boost your mental and physical energy. Lemon water provides natural energy that will last all day because it improves the way nutrients are absorbed when you eat. Lemons are filled with antioxidants, as well as vitamin C and potassium. That’s why it’s best to consume lemon water before you have breakfast. Wait around 20 minutes after drinking the water to eat your first meal of the day. If you’re under 150 pounds, mix the juice of half a lemon with a glass of water. If you’re over 150 pounds, juice a whole lemon and combine the juice with a glass of water.

Exercise

Researchers from the University of Bristol asserts that people who work out during their workday have increased energy and a more optimistic outlook overall. Feeling good mentally and physically is important when you’re trying to get things done. Even if you only have 10 minutes to work out, your body will release GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that calms your brain and gives you more impulse control. If you take time in the mornings to exercise, you’ll be more likely to stick to the routine, since you’ll likely become busier throughout the day.

Reserve Screen Time for Breakfast

When you get on your phone or laptop before you roll out of bed, you can lose your concentration and your morning will be taken up with answering emails or having discussions on social media. Take the first few moments of the morning to relax your mind and set your intentions for the day. Watching the birds out of your window, meditating, or even praying as soon as you wake up can help you start the day in the right frame of mind.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

You’ve heard it all your life –“breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” If you get the chance to grab anything for breakfast, you’re likely doing better than a lot of your friends or coworkers. If you make time for breakfast of any sort, you’re less likely to be hungry throughout the day, which can keep you from overeating. However, when you eat a breakfast that is healthy, you’ll have more energy, improved short-term memory, and longer concentration times. You’ll also keep your blood sugar more balanced throughout the day so you won’t hit an energy slump by the afternoon. After you’ve eaten, enjoy a cup of coffee to keep your energy up. Kona peaberry coffee is a delicious choice and can be enjoyed hot or iced.

Determine the Day’s Goals

Research indicates that having definite goals is closely related to a boost in confidence. When you know what you want to accomplish during the day, you’ll have a better sense of self-control as well. Break your goals down into small, attainable steps to avoid getting overwhelmed. Be as detailed as possible so you can accurately measure whether or not you’ve completed a task. You may also want to give yourself a time estimate for each task so you can stick to a schedule and meet important deadlines.

It’s crucial to have a detailed plan to get your morning off to the right start. Whether you’re working from home or are still commuting to work, set the tone for how you want your day to go and concentrate on not losing momentum. Whether you need to listen to calming music, carry some essential oils to calm your nervous system, or need to post a written list of your goals on your computer, remain determined throughout the day to make sure your hard work is rewarded.

Author Bio:

Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.