The way you begin your morning can have a big impact on the rest of your day. Here are some simple things you can do every morning to get those tasks ticked off the list.
- Start the night before!
Not strictly something you do in the morning but preparing for your day the night before can make a huge difference to your productivity the following morning - and have a positive knock-on effect for the rest of the day. The trick is to leave as little room for decision-making and will power as possible. Instead of blearily packing your bag, digging around for your outfit and hurriedly buttering toast before running out the door, prepare the night before and start the day with a calmer tone. Take just ten minutes before bed to write your to-do list, choose your outfit, make your lunch, pack your bag and even get your breakfast ready (try this recipe for overnight oats).
2. Eat the frog
No, this isn’t another breakfast suggestion. This productivity method simply involves doing your worst task first. The saying ‘eat the frog’ came from author Mark Twain, who reasoned that if you ‘eat the frog’ in the morning, you can go about the rest of your day knowing that the worst is behind you. When applied to productivity, this theory implies that if you get your most challenging task out of the way first, the rest of your work will breeze by in no time.
3. Meditation
Starting the day with a short meditation session can bring benefits that extend far beyond productivity. Not only can it improve your concentration and relieve stress and anxiety, but it can also help your immune system, improve your memory and generally increase your sense of emotional wellbeing. To meditate successfully, all you need to do is find a quiet, peaceful spot where you won’t be disturbed, and quiet your mind. Skills You Need provide a simple meditation to get you started. “Close your eyes and concentrate only on your breathing. Count, inhaling for 7 seconds and exhaling for 7 seconds, to help you find a rhythm and quiet your thoughts as your mind focuses on this simple task.”
4. Beat the rush hour
Imagine being able to arrive at work having not had to battle against school-run traffic, or squash yourself underneath a stranger’s armpit on the commuter train. Leaving for work an hour early in order to miss the traffic, or to get a seat on the train, not only saves you time but it can help avoid stress at the start of the day.
You can also try a guided meditation app like Headspace.
Want to find out about more simple habits like these that can transform your ability to focus and get more done at work or college?