Some mornings feel like a breeze. Others feel like you’re already behind before you get up on your feet.
To stop this topsy turvy morning conundrum, I off you my “start the day right” routine. It’s plain, it’s boring, but it gets the morning done with a sense of accomplishment. It will help you be the person you want to be each day.
Try out my morning checklist
1. A glass of water before any coffee. Bonus: add honey to your coffee if you tend to cough now and then, like me.
2. Move around or do yoga or stretches (especially neck and shoulders). Just 2–5 minutes. It signals your body to wake up, stack itself upright, and draw in more oxygen.
3. Acknowledge one goal for the day. Note the task or two that get you closer to the goal by noon, and again set tasks to get even closer by dinner, and so on as the day progresses.
4. Visualize yourself doing the morning tasks effectively (like athletes do with sports moves). When the time comes, action will feel easier. Try this during ‘automatic’ moments like preparing breakfast.
5. Decide a desirable activity for when your day’s goal is achieved. Be sure to do it. It’s a natural result of managing tasks well (I prefer not to call it a reward). Be proud of yourself for finishing tasks promptly and correctly the first time, so you get to enjoy more of this fun time.
6. Eat something with protein before 10 a.m. It’s great for energy and blood sugar stability.
7. Be okay with idle moments when you’re waiting or unable to take action. If you forget your book to read during a bus commute, find pleasure in letting your mind be bored and quiet.
How to manage life after the morning rush
As the day progresses and you get into lunch and dinner and evening, keep focusing on the goal and what it needs done. At bedtime, set an appropriate goal for tomorrow that will get you closer to the goal. Then go to sleep feeling confident and organized.
Remember, some components of getting through your morning are necessities – you likely eat, you might exercise, you may need to drive. So eat well, get some exercise, and notice your accomplishments each day so you sleep well and can stay focused on tasks when needed.