There is an old British expression, “Start as you mean to go on,” which highlights the importance of a good beginning. And if beginnings are important, then how we begin each day is a vital component in how productive and effective we will be that day. So how do we ensure that our morning routines will lead us to the best results possible? Let’s see what advice there is to be found…

Starting the Day Off Right

Here at the Freedom Personal Development Blog motivational speaker Alan Mong shares certain techniques that work for him in the morning, including the use of verbal affirmations combined with matching physical movements.

Blogger Brian Brown highlights the importance of establishing regular morning routines to ensure that no matter how many different directions the day then pulls you in, you have begun with a certain sense of control. Brown’s routine includes devoting time to a high quality cup of coffee, a good book and a yoga workout.

Getting a Head Start

An article posted on the Alice Blog by Rebecca Thorman offers 12 ways to simplify your morning routines. The tips include practical steps to take the night before, such as preparing your lunch and picking out your outfit, as well as good habits to cultivate in the morning to ensure calm – like avoiding the temptation to turn on your TV or computer.

Forming Good Habits

Henrik Edberg from the Positivity Blog uses the word ‘ritual’ to describe his morning routines, and he encourages readers not only to create their own, but to then stick with them for 30 days to ensure they become habits. Edberg’s morning ritual is about as simple as can be, including activities such as drinking a cup of tea, making his bed and making sure his home and workspace are organised and without clutter. According to Edberg, these practices help him to enter the day with the right mindset and avoid procrastination.

The list could go on and on; what is so remarkable about these morning routines is how unremarkable they are; nothing outrageous or difficult to achieve – just simple tasks that most of us perform each day anyway, but formally written into a daily habit. It’s also important to note that most of the routines contain some combination of activities for the body, the mind and even the soul.

So give it a try – create your own morning routine and see how it affects your productivity, your effectiveness, and your sense of energy and wellbeing as you enter the day. And if you insist, you simply don’t have enough time for a morning routine, here’s a video that shows just how much can actually fit into the span of five minutes.

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