17 Best morning routine ideas for a productive day

Introduction

Do you often feel scattered and stressed for the entire workday? Chances are you either lack a planned routine or are not following one at all.

I know how chaotic and overwhelming mornings can be when you get straight to work without a clear structure. And trust me when I say that it impacts everything that follows, leading to stress, reduced focus, lower productivity, poor decision-making, and even decision fatigue. 

I’ve learned firsthand that most productive people follow daily routines – not just as a habit, but as a strategy for success. 

Because when you are focused and energized, it doesn’t just benefit you; it reflects on your team’s morale, productivity, and performance. 

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 17 best morning routine ideas to help you start your day with positivity, efficiency, and enthusiasm. With a little bit of effort, you can make the most of your mornings.

But before that let’s discuss what a morning routine is and why it is important for you.

What is a morning routine?

“Win the morning, win the day.” – Robin Sharma

A morning routine is a series of actions or habits you follow almost automatically right after waking up – often without much thought. It has a big impact on how enthusiastic, focused, and productive you feel throughout the day. However, not all habits are created equal.

While practicing yoga, meditating, reading a book, or going for a walk has a positive influence on your mindset, habits like checking your smartphones, scrolling through social media, or hitting the snooze button can drain your energy even before the day begins.That said, you can even mix and match different habits to create a personalized routine that works for you – one that leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle your day.

Why is a morning routine important?

As Caroline Ghosn once said, “Your morning sets up the success of your day. So many people wake up and immediately check text messages, emails, and social media. I use my first hour awake for my morning routine of breakfast and meditation to prepare myself.”

As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a busy day and dive straight into the work. However, a well-crafted morning routine is a powerful way to set the stage for a more productive and fulfilling day.

The first hour after waking up, also known as the “golden hour,” is a crucial time. During this time, the brain is in a highly receptive state, with the prefrontal cortex – responsible for decision-making and focus – particularly active. This is the perfect time to engage in activities that promote mental clarity and self-awareness, such as reading, planning, or light puzzles.

Establishing a consistent morning routine can also have physical benefits. It can help regulate the release of cortisol – the stress hormone – and promote a sense of well-being.

So, it’s important to start your day with a good morning routine.

17 Best morning routine ideas to get started

We ran a poll on LinkedIn to find out the best ways to start your day and boost productivity.

And guess what we found?

• A staggering 42% of participants love to kick-start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• ‍While 28% like to get their priorities straight by setting goals for themselves.
• For some peace of mind, 11% of people prefer to meditate in the morning, and 19% believe in getting their blood pumping with a morning workout!

Now that we have some ideas of what people like to do in their mornings. Here are 17 must-try ideas for you to explore for your morning routine:

1. Plan the night before

You might be wondering—why talk about the night when planning a morning routine?

Well, planning your tasks and activities the night before is a trick to prepare your mind for a productive start. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do, how much time you’ll need for each task, and what you’ll need to get everything done.

Stefanie Costi follows this approach and shares, “The night before, I lay out my clothes and create a to-do list. This helps me wake up knowing exactly what I need to do, which sets me up for a smooth, stress-free morning.”

Before you go to bed, jot down the most important things and block off the time you’ll need to complete them.  This way, the next morning, you’ll wake up with a clear plan and get straight to checking them off your list. With the help of a project management tool like ProofHub, you can easily make a to-do list of your tasks and activities and plan them for the upcoming day. Also, you can define their priorities and view them in the My Agenda to stay organized and focused the next day.

2. Get a good night’s sleep

Did you know that adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night?

Yet, over 35% of adults in the US report getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night! 

If you don’t sleep enough, you may feel tired, grumpy, and have trouble focusing. And in the long run, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to some serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

So, a good night’s sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. Sleeping well can help improve your memory, reduce stress, and boost your decision-making ability. You stay alert the entire day. 

Here are a few tips to improve your sleep:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading or taking a warm bath
• Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
• Put away electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime

3. Don’t hit the snooze button

Yes, almost everyone snoozes their alarms in the morning. And the next thing you know, you’ve slept through all of them – running late, rushing, and feeling stressed. And those extra five minutes? They were of no help.

According to the Journal of Sleep Research, 71% of people snooze their alarms on workdays, while 23% snooze on both workdays and days off.

Among those who snooze, 60% reported that they often or always fall back asleep between alarms. If you think that sleeping a bit longer is helping you get more rest, it’s doing the exact opposite.

When you snooze your alarm, it disturbs your sleep cycle and makes you feel more tired and confused. This is because it affects your REM sleep – the stage of sleep when your brain is active and helps you learn and remember things.

To start your day off well, try getting up as soon as your alarm goes off. One of the best pieces of advice mentioned by a user in our previous discussion was:

“The best thing to do is get out of bed immediately and avoid hitting the snooze button. This small action will help you avoid procrastination and start your day with momentum.”

This method can help you break bad habits and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

4. Avoid checking your phone first thing

Did you know a staggering 74% of smartphone users check their phones right after they wake up? While it may be tempting, this habit can be detrimental to your mental health and well-being.

Grabbing your phone first thing in the morning can make you feel stressed, tired, and unfocused all day long. 

Instead, try easing into your morning with something more intentional— like reading a book or taking a walk outside. 

Zahra Hassan offers a simple yet effective tip: “What works best is putting the mobile away from the bed before going to sleep. It also helps you sleep early and not scroll late into the night. Invest in a digital alarm clock for your nightstand.”

A small change like this can help make a big difference –  not just to your morning, but to your sleep and daily focus. 

5. Drink a glass of water

Drinking water may sound simple, but it can provide you with amazing benefits. 

For starters, it can help increase alertness and energy levels after a night’s sleep. Plus, it boosts your metabolism, so replenishing fluids in the body becomes crucial.

Drinking water in the morning also helps flush out toxins from your body and improve your digestion. It even helps keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. And if you’re trying to lose weight, drinking water makes you feel fuller, reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.

“One habit that has helped me stay consistent with drinking water in the morning is my New Year’s resolution of going for a walk in the park. Not only does it give me time to enjoy the beauty of the clouds and greenery, but it also makes me thirsty and hungry—naturally encouraging me to drink more water and have a hearty breakfast”- Zahra Hassan.

Note: Individual results can vary based on specific health conditions and overall lifestyle.

6. Make your bed

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.” – Admiral William H. McRaven

Beyond productivity, making your bed has another surprising benefit: better sleep.

According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 75% of participants said that sleeping on clean and fresh sheets helped them sleep better.

A tidy bed can create a more relaxing environment, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

So, the next time you’re tempted to skip making your bed, remember how it boosts both your mindset and your sleep. Not only will it set the tone for a productive day but a restful night as well.

7. Prioritize movement

“I definitely can achieve twice as much by keeping fit, it keeps the brain functioning well.” – Richard Branson

Any form of movement in the morning—whether it’s stretching, walking, or a full workout— gets your heart rate up and boosts blood flow to your brain. Apart from making you feel more alert, focused, and ready to take on the day, it aids in work-life balance as well. 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate movement into your morning routine. Simply start with something you enjoy and that fits your schedule. A quick walk around the block, a yoga session, or light stretching can work wonders. If you prefer something more dynamic, activities like cycling or playing your favorite sport can get your energy levels soaring.

One user recently shared, “I prioritize a morning walk or workout every day before I dive into work. The physical activity gets my blood flowing, while the fresh air and hydration refresh me, which sets me up for a day filled with energy and focus.”

Personally, I like to start my day with a quick game of badminton. It clears my mind, sharpens my focus, and gives me the momentum I need to power through the day.

8. Take a refreshing shower

A refreshing shower may be just what you need to kickstart your day. 

Where taking a cold shower in the morning can help you increase your energy levels and reduce stress, a warm shower helps you relax and reduce muscle tension, improving your overall mood and wellness.

So, make a refreshing shower part of your morning routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to start your day on the right foot. And it doesn’t have to be a long shower, even a quick five-minute shower can help you feel more awake and energized.

9. Dress for success

“Dressing well is not about fashion or vanity. It’s about self-expression, self-acceptance, self-love, and teaching others how to treat you.” – Michele Gustafson

When you dress well, you’re showing yourself and others that you value yourself and your work. This can help you feel more confident and motivated throughout the day.

But dressing for success isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good. When you wear clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable, you’re more likely to have a positive outlook and be productive throughout the day.

So, dress up in an outfit that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day. Whether it’s a classic combo or a power suit – neutral tones or bright hues – choose clothes that make you feel amazing. 

10. Eat a healthy breakfast

Eating a healthy breakfast is one of the mindfulness techniques that impacts your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to start your day. It can also improve your mood and cognitive function, making you more alert and focused.

According to research by Fast Company, people who eat breakfast are 12.3% healthier throughout the day than those who skip it.

Moreover, people who don’t eat breakfast are likely to eat 6.8% more food throughout the day, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

As a leader, you need to set an example for your team by making healthy choices, including eating a nutritious breakfast.

11. Take some time for self-care

“People that look after themselves [and practice self-care] do have the better cognitive ability. They do have better focus and they do have better concentration,” – Dr. Russell Thackeray.

Self-care helps you start your day with a positive mindset. It keeps you more productive, focused, and creative throughout the day.

Yet, many leaders overlook it, thinking it’s a luxury rather than a necessity.

Michael Hyatt once said, “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.”

As a leader, you need to prioritize self-care and set an example for your team. After all, a healthy and happy leader is essential for a healthy and happy team.

12. Listen to upbeat music

Listening to happy and energetic music in the morning can help you feel more positive and motivated.

Research shows that listening to music for just 15 minutes can significantly lower stress levels and improve overall mental well-being.

This means that adding some upbeat songs to your morning routine can help you start your day feeling good and ready to tackle your tasks. 

Play some energizing tunes during your morning routine and see how it affects your mood and productivity. With the right music, you can start your day feeling happy and motivated to handle whatever comes your way.

13. Connect with nature

Spending time in nature helps with stress management, boosting your mood and overall health. Also, it has a significant impact on your memory, cognitive function, and energy levels.

So how can you connect with nature in the morning?

• Take a walk outside and enjoy the fresh air and greenery.
• Practice yoga or meditation in a park or garden.
• Eat your breakfast outside and enjoy the sunshine.

In one of my discussions with a fellow professional, they shared, “One New Year’s resolution that I have been able to keep since last year is going for a walk in the morning in a park. It not only gives me plenty of time to feast my eyes on the clouds and the greenery but also makes me thirsty and hungry, compelling me to drink a lot and have a hearty breakfast.”

By connecting with nature, you can start your day feeling refreshed and energized, with a clear mind and a positive outlook.

14. Do a quick brain dump

Ever felt overwhelmed with thoughts in your head?

It’s like you have so much to do and remember that you can’t even focus on one thing. 

Writing down everything on your mind – like your tasks, priorities, or ideas – can help bring clarity and improve focus. It’s like emptying your brain so you can start fresh. 

Here are some tricks to do a quick brain dump in the morning:

• Write down everything, even if it seems silly or unimportant.
• Spend just a few minutes doing this, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Use a notebook or a digital tool to keep track of your thoughts.

By doing a quick brain dump, you can start your day feeling organized and ready to tackle your tasks. On ProofHub’s Notes, you can jot down your thoughts and ideas and organize them into different categories. You can easily refer back to them later and stay on top of your task planning.

15. Start your day with a positive affirmation

Positive affirmations let you reflect on your desired outcome and help you visualize success. 

When you practice affirmations in the morning, you start your day with a positive mindset. This mindset motivates you to do your best and believe in yourself throughout the day.

Here are a few examples of common affirmations that you can try:

• I am capable. I am enough.
• I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.
• Today is filled with opportunities, and I am ready to embrace them.

Simply repeat these affirmations to yourself each morning. You can also write them down in a journal or on a sticky note and place them somewhere visible as a reminder.

16. Create a to-do list

A thorough to-do list is an effective way to stay organized and prioritize tasks all day. It’s my #1 step for work management!

By drafting a well-structured list, you can better manage your time and focus on the tasks that matter, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.You can easily jot down your most important tasks in ProofHub. You can also prioritize your tasks using labels, so you can tackle the most critical ones first.

But that’s not all.

You can also visualize your workload with clear deadlines and communicate effortlessly with your team—ensuring everyone stays aligned and on track.

17. Prioritize your important tasks

“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” – Mark Twain

Similarly, as a leader, you need to identify and tackle the most critical tasks during your peak energy hours in the morning.

You have already listed all the tasks you need to accomplish for the day. Now, determine which tasks are most critical to your overarching goals and require immediate attention.

Take note of any deadlines associated with specific tasks to gauge their urgency. Evaluate the potential impact of each task on your team, projects, or organization. Once you’ve identified your high-priority tasks, create a plan to address them in order of importance.

Pro tip: Use task labels or priority fields to set the priority of each task in ProofHub and view your tasks in board view to track their progress easily.

Conclusion

A good morning routine can make a huge difference in having an average day or an excellent one. 

Your productivity and mood are greatly influenced by how you start your day, so you must establish healthy habits for a successful workday.

From having a healthy breakfast to working out or reading, the activities you prioritize can transform your mindset. You need to create a morning routine that makes you happy, improves your productivity, and supports your work-life balance. With ProofHub, you can kick-start your day with clarity and focus by organizing your tasks, setting priorities, and collaborating with your team—all in one place. Stay on top of your schedule, eliminate last-minute stress, and make every day a productive one!

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