How to Have the Most Productive Morning

There are many well-known sayings around the benefits of early mornings – for a good reason too! Research has indicated that people who wake up early have better brain function and superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The way you start your day will generally indicate how it will continue to progress, so making sure that it's a productive one can only be a positive step. Here are a few suggestions that will hopefully set up your day for some fantastic productivity wins.

Wake up early – and at the same time every day

A study by the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that people who wake up early around the same time every day (including weekends) are not only more likely to be proactive but better at setting and achieving goals. Not an early riser by nature? No problem – anyone can achieve it by making a gradual change of getting up 15 minutes earlier, every couple of days, and before you know it – you'll be part of the early bird brigade.

Do NOT hit the snooze button!

You'll use that extra 10 minutes much better in your day, rather than in your bed. If you find yourself struggling with this concept, move your alarm clock to the other side of your room – once you're up, you're a lot less likely to get back into bed.

Also, be sure that you're getting enough sleep. I've covered the importance of sleep on productivity before, and there's simply no point in trying to increase your productivity if you're tired all the time.

Plan the night before

One of my previous blogs talks about the importance of planning the night before. Still, I'll take this opportunity to reiterate that if you have a plan, you're more likely to bounce out of bed with a focus and energy that will allow you to get straight into it.

Eat breakfast

Although research has found that breakfast for children and teenagers is scientifically better for them, the jury is still out for adults. However, those who enjoy a good protein breakfast have indicated better – and more importantly – stable energy levels through the rest of the day and improved mental clarity. Science or not, your body has been fasting, and without the proper nutrients available to it, it can be tricky for your body and brain to find the energy to meet your productivity goals.

Start your day on a positive note

This will be different for everyone, and it's about finding what makes your day start with a punch of positivity. For some, it might be exercise! Research has indicated the many benefits of exercising first thing in the morning, particularly on mood and productivity. For others, it might be silence with things like meditation, prayer, or yoga that will tap into their mindfulness and result in improved productivity and mindset. Or perhaps it's journaling, visualisation and a quick to-do list with your first coffee that helps to make your mornings more productive.

Whatever it is for you, be sure that it improves your expectations of the day, which will inevitably result in a better – and generally more productive – outcome. Once you know what works for you, stick to it and make it part of your daily ritual - you'll soon be hitting some key productivity goals straight out of the gate.