In today’s busy society, there aren’t enough hours in the day. Time is the most valuable asset, and if you’re starting out your day on the wrong foot, it will set the tone for the rest of the day; which is why your morning routine is so crucial. We know you don’t have loads of time in the morning to prep yourself for the day’s challenges, so we put together a 20 minutes or less routine to maximize getting in the right mindset.
From the time your alarm goes off to the time you hit the door.
Stop hitting snooze! – 0 minutes
Who else is guilty of setting multiple alarms and hitting snooze two, three or more times? Time to stop. You’re not doing yourself any favors, and you could actually end up being more groggy. Go ahead and let those feet hit the floor and get your day going. This could keep you from running late and feeling rushed in the morning as you are getting ready to head out the door.
Stretch – 1 minute
You know what feels great after sleeping all night? A nice stretch. Stretching will also help to improve your flexibility. It is also an excellent way to relieve any stress you may be feeling before starting your day. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can pick a few easy yoga poses and go from there.
Drink water – less than 1 minute
Drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning is one of the best things you can do for your body as you start to wake up and get your morning going. Its hydrating benefits help to replenish your body after a full night’s sleep. Drinking water first thing in the morning also helps to flush toxins out of your body.
Take a shower – 10 minutes
Is there anything that a shower can’t cure? There’s no better feeling than having a shower first thing in the morning to really wake you up and get your mind going. Many leaders solve all the world’s problems while lathering up. Showering is a great way to wash away all your worries and feel a burst of energy needed to conquer the rest of the morning.
Keep up with current events – while you’re getting dressed
Take a quick glance at the newspaper, watch the local news while getting ready or catch up with current events online. It’s always a good idea to know what’s going on in the world. Reading can also stimulate your brain first thing in the morning and inspire creativity.
Get mentally prepared for your day – 4 minutes
Mentally preparing for your day is a great way to think about your to-do list and the things you need to accomplish. You can mentally prepare yourself for what you need to prioritize and tackle first. Focusing will leave you with a sense of accomplishment before you even arrive to work.
Don’t forget to eat breakfast – 4 minutes or less
We often get so busy we forget to eat sometimes. Don’t deprive yourself of this necessary step to get your morning off to a good start. Having a nice, nutritious breakfast can give you energy and mental clarity, prevent headaches, and help you to be more productive without your stomach growling. Think you don’t have time to eat? You can always meal prep and plan ahead so that you can eat on your way out the door.
So, there you have it! In under 20 minutes, you can easily jump-start your day and set yourself up for success.
Looking for more inspiration? Listen to stories from some of our rock star entrepreneurs here.