How you choose to spend the first few hours after stepping out of bed can set the tone for the rest of your day. Are you someone who wakes up and spends their first few hours staring at your phone screen or do you have some sort of routine you enjoy completing every morning? Be honest with yourself. It’s okay if you’re the former- we can all agree we’ve been there before. It might seem obvious but choosing to spend your first few hours being productive will help set your day up for success. A 2008 study published in The Journal of General Psychology found that early risers tend to procrastinate less than others who choose to sleep in. There are many different ways to achieve a productive morning and it might take some time to figure out what that looks like for you but we will highlight a few common practices that are found to have positive effects. Meditation Well-known Oprah Winfrey is known to spend her mornings in meditation. In an interview with Bazaar, she explains her 5:30 meditation helps eliminate any negative thoughts and feelings and creates a calm demeanor. She also likes to read five cards from her 365 Gathered Truths box. Try this first thing in the morning- no distractions- coffee in hand (of course!) and practice by listening to soft music or maybe a meditation guide until you find a good practice of being still, mindful, and intuitive with your body. Morning Jog Rise with the sun (or before it) and get a nice jog in before your busy schedule begins. Running in the morning tends to be even more beneficial than running in the afternoon or in the evenings. This is because it gives you mental and physical stimulation, increases your alertness, and increases the endorphins and adrenaline flowing through your body. This is most commonly referred to as a “runner’s high” that can last hours after finishing your exercise. Read a Book We all know the benefits of reading when it comes to boosting our cognitive abilities, but how about the benefits of dealing with stress? Did you know that by just reading for 6 minutes your stress levels can be reduced by up to 68%? This is a great way to prepare you for a work day - especially if you know it’s going to be a long one! Even former President, Barack Obama was known to start his day off by reading. Journal Journaling could be a great way to set your intentions for the day. Whether that means having a to-do list and crossing off your accomplishments along the way or using it as a source to write down any stress or doubts you may have for the upcoming day. Regardless of how you journal, checking in with yourself and your tasks ahead of you will help you navigate how to handle the day.
