Kick-start Success With a Meaningful Morning Routine
Not all hours of the day are created equal. In fact, mornings are important for calibrating day and directly affects our overall wellbeing, whether you’re a morning person or not.
While the rest of your day may unfold differently from what you might expect, the 1–2 hours you have in the morning is the perfect time to incorporate positive habits, especially as studies have shown that motivation peaks during this time.
Everyone’s morning routine is different, but the objective is to carry out tasks that add meaning to your life. In other words, spending time on yourself to improve mental & physical health allows you to progress personal & professional goals.
Love Yourself First
We hear this way too often, but getting 7-hours is absolutely essential for maximising productivity. Reaching for the snooze button is an indicator that you’re lacking sleep or you need to improve it’s quality.
Also, having this time gives you control over your day, rather than racing to get ready only to face a stressful commute. Many Fortune CEOs have shared their early-bird practices, with some noting waking up before 5 am.
From taking your time to make a good cup of coffee or reading for something not work-related, use this time to do the things that puts you in the right rhythm to carry out your day.
De-Clutter Your Mind
Living in a busy city like Hong Kong means we’re faced with a high volume of tasks and decisions daily, and with that comes mental fatigue.
This is especially true for entrepreneurs, who often experience mental fatigue and even anxiety from the hundreds of decisions they have to make, however small. Removing decision-making in the morning can improve your ability to do so later in the day.
By establishing a set routine, you’re able to keep on top of habits that maintain your health, while minimising the chance of mental fatigue. This can be as small as choosing your outfit the night before to taking 10 minutes to practice mindfulness.
Live Long & Prosper
Having a meaningful morning routine can go far in improving your physical health as well. Drinking water first thing in the morning hydrates & flushes toxins from your body, jumpstarts your metabolism, and fuels your brain.
Also, studies have shown that people who wake up late and skip breakfast will consume more unhealthy calories during the day. Incorporating a lean protein breakfast helps with weight control, heart disease, and strokes.
Lastly, doing just 15 minutes of light exercise like stretching or yoga gives you an energy boost, and puts you in the right state of mind for achieving your goals.
My Personal Morning Routine
I need to give myself around an hour and a half before heading out the door because I need to take my time getting ready, or else the rest of the day feels off.
6:30 am — Wake up and drink a full glass of water.
6:30–6:50 am — Get dressed, wash up, and makeup.
6:50–7:20 am — Make breakfast & coffee. I usually have toast with avocado and the occasional egg. I listen to Podcasts while I eat; typically anything on NPR or Ted Radio Hour.
7:20–7:35 am — Wash up and brush my teeth. If I have time, I’ll also tidy up the flat a bit.
7:35–7:40 am — Make some tea for the road and get everything together for the day before heading out!
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