How to Win Your Morning | Top 9 Tips for a Productive Day

We often hear the saying, "If you want to win your day, you have to win your morning!" Last week, I caught up with a friend who exemplifies this mantra. She is a successful business owner, a mom, and what I can only describe as a superwoman. She managed to turn around her 100-year-old food brand while also excelling in managing her household and her child. Recently, despite her cook being unavailable, she chose to prepare meals for her family herself. I was amazed because we often assume working moms have extensive support to manage everything. When I asked her how she does it all, she simply replied, "I have a morning routine that keeps me sane and going."

We shared our morning routines, discovering many common activities. If these routines work for us, they can certainly work for you too. Here’s what I do every morning to set myself up for success:

1. Wake Up at 5 am Waking up early is crucial. It might seem difficult, but going to bed early helps. Aim for a 10 pm bedtime, making it easier to rise at 5 am. Starting your day early allows you to begin with productivity and focus, without chaos and interruptions.
2. Avoid Checking Your Phone First Thing Imagine allowing a hundred people into your room right after waking up. You wouldn’t, right? Checking your phone floods your mind with notifications and other people’s agendas. For the first hour, avoid your phone to focus on yourself, not on others.
3. Express Gratitude (10 mins) Write down specific things you’re grateful for in a journal. This practice helps you recognize and appreciate small positive moments in your life. According to research by John Gottman and Robert Levenson, maintaining a positivity ratio of 5:1 is key to happiness. Gratitude journaling helps cultivate these positive thoughts.
4. Visualization (5 mins) Visualization is a powerful tool. Before important events or daily tasks, visualize yourself succeeding. This technique reduces fear and boosts confidence. Picture your dream life and feel the excitement as if it’s already happening. Research shows visualization can lead to neuronal changes in your brain, enhancing your confidence.
5. Meditation (20 mins) I prefer guided meditation. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. When distracted, gently bring your focus back. Meditation centers and grounds you, reducing stress and anxiety. It’s like hitting the reset button for your mind.
6. Workout (20 mins) Move your body to boost energy levels, mood, and mental clarity. It doesn’t have to be intense; a brisk walk, yoga, or a quick jog suffices. Morning exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, helping reduce anxiety and depression.
7. Bath Before 9 am (10 mins) A morning shower refreshes and prepares you mentally for the day. It’s a vital part of my routine, especially since I work from home and need to feel ready and energized.
8. Skincare (5 mins) A simple skincare routine reflects self-care. Cleanse your face, apply a hydrating moisturizer, and never skip sunscreen. This routine isn’t just about looking good but feeling good in your own skin.
9. Reading (30 mins) I dedicate time each morning to reading. Currently, I’m exploring "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" by David Epstein. Reading expands my horizons and challenges my thinking, providing a fresh perspective for the day.

In total, these activities take around two hours. By waking up at 5 am, I finish my morning routine by 7 am, ready to conquer the day.

Incorporating these rituals has transformed my life, and they can do the same for you. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Start small, wake up 15 minutes earlier, and gradually build up your routine. As you become comfortable, add more elements until you have a complete morning ritual.

Feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay. Take it one day at a time. Each small step forward is progress. Soon, you’ll have a morning routine that sets you up for daily success.

What else should I include in my daily rituals? Do comment below!