There is lots of press and literature out in the world about high-performance habits. The major one for me is that of a good and consistent morning routine.
But what does that mean? and what time does it start? Plus what does ‘best practice’ look like to actually create a positive impact?
Well, I am so glad you asked!
A morning routine is a set of activities (mainly habits) that you do every morning to start your day. It can include a variety of tasks such as exercise, meditation, journaling, eating a healthy breakfast, or preparing for the day ahead.
The purpose of a morning routine is to set a positive tone for the day, increase productivity, and improve overall well-being. A morning routine is unique to each individual, and I personally don’t think there is a one size fits all, so it can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. It’s best to set a consistent time for the routine and stick to it as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to be a martyr who gets up at 5am and sacrifices lay-ins at weekends.
Establishing a morning routine also takes time (evidence says it takes 66 days to build a new habit) but with practice, it can become a habit and a natural part of your life that sets you up to perform on a daily basis.
Having a morning routine built up of small habits can bring many benefits to your daily life.
Here are some of my top ones:
- Increased productivity: Starting your day with a set routine can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. You can use this time to plan your tasks for the day, prioritise your work and set goals.
- Improved mental health: A morning routine can also help with mental health. By starting your day with positive habits, you can set the tone for the rest of the day. For example, you can take a few minutes to meditate, journal or practice gratitude. These practices can help reduce stress, and anxiety plus improve your overall mood.
- Better physical health: A morning routine can also include healthy habits that can improve your physical health. For example, you can use this time to exercise, eat a healthy breakfast or even just stretch. These activities can help you feel energised and ready for the day ahead.
- Quality sleep: Having a consistent morning routine can also help improve your sleep. By waking up at the same time each day, you can train your body to get tired at the same time each night. This can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Increased self-discipline: Having a morning routine can also help you develop self-discipline. By setting a routine and sticking to it, you can train yourself to be more focused and motivated. This can help you to achieve other goals you have set for yourself.
- Better preparation: Having a morning routine can also help you be more prepared for the day ahead. For example, you can use this time to plan your meals, pack your bag or prepare your work materials. This can help you feel more in control and less stressed throughout the day.
- Better time management: Having a morning routine can also help you manage your time more effectively. By starting your day with a set plan, you can stay on track and make better use of your time. This can help you to achieve more in less time.
I know what you are thinking? what does a good practical morning routine look like? 😉
Here is my morning routine as an example (warning I am one of those martyrs who gets up at 5am, but hey that is my choice).
- A morning routine starts the night before – I am in bed by 10pm at the latest
- That gives me at least 7 hours of sleep – which give me energy (7-8 hours of sleep is recommended by Professor Matt Walker).
- 5am – 6am is my hour. I do some form of exercise for 20min, then journal for 20min, then do some reading for the last 20min
- 6am – The rest of the house is up and its coffee, vitamins (by the kettle 😉), and breakfast to 6.30am
- 6.30am – 7.00am is get dressed washed etc
- 7.00am – 7.15am is get our little one dressed and ready to be out the door at 7.15
- 8ish (depending on traffic) travel to work and listen to a podcast or my Spotify playlist depending on mood.
- 8am – 8.45am – planning hour. Consists of Linked In, Social media and then doing an Eisenhower matrix based on my objectives of the day (if you need a copy of this let me know)
- 8.45am open emails and adjust the matrix if needed
- 9am open for business 😊 and start the day #micdrop
So, as you can see a morning routine can bring many benefits to your daily life. It can help you to be more productive, improve your mental and physical health, sleep better, develop self-discipline, be better prepared, and manage your time more effectively. It’s important to find a routine that works for you and stick to it, just because my day starts at 5am it doesn’t mean yours needs to.
With time, you will find that your morning routine becomes a positive habit, and you can start your day with a sense of purpose and direction. And remember, it takes on average 66 days to build a positive routine so stick with it for at least 2months.
If anyone needs any more info or support with this you know where I am.