Starting your day off right can help you stay productive and keep a positive mindset all day long. When you’re intentional about how you start your day, you’re better able to tackle challenges, collaborate with others, and power through your daily tasks at work.
Spending just a few minutes each morning cultivating good habits can do wonders for your personal life and your professional performance.
Small changes you make before work can have massive effects throughout your day. You may feel happier and more focused by simply waking up a few minutes earlier to meditate, go for a run, or enjoy a healthy breakfast.
Taking time to yourself in the morning can also help you prepare for the stress and chaos you may face at work.
Implementing these small changes into your morning routine allows you to feel in control of your environment, which will impact your mood for the rest of the day.
7 Small Things to Do Before Work for a Great Day
1. Wake Up Earlier: Give Yourself Time
Giving yourself extra time in the morning can do wonders for your day. Waking up earlier can help you feel more organized and relaxed before you even step foot in the office. You can use your extra time in the morning to center yourself, meditate, or do something to kick-start your day with positive energy.
One benefit of waking up earlier is that you can take time to sit with your thoughts. Use your alone time in the morning to think about what you want to accomplish that day. You can use those few extra minutes to clear your head and feel ready to take on the tasks that you need to complete.
Many people use this time to meditate or practice mindfulness. If you feel like you need to sharpen your focus or decrease stress, try spending a few minutes meditating in the morning.
Waking up earlier also allows you to fit in a morning workout. Exercising in the morning can do wonders for your mood and energy levels at work. Not only will you feel healthier by waking up early and moving your body, but you’ll also have extra energy to power you through your workday.
Read Also: 7 Small Things to Do Before Work for a Great Day
2. Drink Water First Thing
One habit you can easily fit into your morning routine is drinking water. Not only is drinking water good for you, but starting your day off with a glass of water can benefit you in many ways.
Drinking water first thing in the morning helps replenish your body after hours of sleep. Starting your day off hydrated can help you feel your best and allow you to tackle anything thrown your way at work.
Drinking water in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism. Not only can drinking water help with digestion, but it can also allow you to feel energized throughout your workday.
Drinking water may also cause you to eat less during the day, which can help you lose weight. Drinking water before meals can help you feel full, causing you to eat less.
Drinking water can also help your brain function properly. Did you know that being thirsty can actually make you moody? By drinking water in the morning, you can start your day off happy and ready to work.
Lastly, drinking water can benefit your skin! When you’re hydrated, your skin is too. Skin that is dehydrated can appear dull and lackluster. If you want to feel rejuvenated and help your skin, make sure to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
Read Also: 9 Ways to Be the Best Version of Yourself
3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After sleeping all night, eating breakfast will replenish your body and allow you to conquer your day. Eating breakfast not only fuels your body but can allow you to be more productive while at work.
By eating breakfast, you’re boosting your brain function. You may feel less tired throughout the day and be able to concentrate easier when you eat breakfast each morning. When you start your day off with a nutritious meal, you’re also forming good habits.
Try to include protein, carbs, and healthy fats in your breakfast. For carbs, you can have whole grains such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread. Not only will these provide you with carbs, but they’ll allow you to receive carbs that aren’t processed.
You should also include some sort of protein in your breakfast. Eggs, yogurt, and nuts are great sources of protein. Not only will eating protein in the morning keep you fuller longer, but it also helps boost your energy.
Last but not least, try to fit some fruit into your breakfast. Fruit is a great source of vitamins and will also help keep you hydrated.
If you’re short on time in the morning, try making overnight oats. Overnight oats are easy to make, and you can top them with anything your heart desires. Another quick breakfast idea is to make yourself a smoothie. Add some spinach, banana, and a scoop of protein powder for an easy breakfast on-the-go.
If you have time in the morning, make yourself an egg omelet packed with vegetables and have a side of toast. Eating a balanced breakfast will keep your brain and body fueled.
Read Also: 9 Simple Things to Do After Noon to Boost Your Day
4. Plan Your Day: Make a To-Do List
One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to plan your day. When you have a set plan for your day, you’ll feel more productive and less stressed. You can plan for your day by writing yourself a to-do list.
When you write yourself a to-do list, you know what needs to be done that day. By taking a few minutes in the morning to write down everything you have to do, you will be more likely to tackle those tasks.
Making a to-do list can help you manage your time. When you look at your full day’s tasks, you can break down your projects into smaller sections. This will make your tasks seem less daunting and something you can actually get done.
Writing a to-do list can also help you hold yourself accountable. If you know what you have to do that day, you’ll be more likely to make sure those things get done.
Lastly, making a to-do list can help you feel less stressed. If you know what needs to get done, you’ll feel overwhelmed. You’ll also be less likely to forget about something you needed to do.
5. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can help you clear your mind before you start your workday. By taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness or meditation, you are allowing yourself to be present throughout the day.
Mindfulness is the act of being present and aware of your surroundings. You don’t need to be a mindfulness expert to practice this when you wake up. You can start by sitting in a comfortable position and closing your eyes.
Take deep breaths in and out and focus on your breathing. Let any other thoughts fade away. If you think about something else, that’s okay! Acknowledge the thought, then redirect your focus to your breathing.
Meditation is another great way to clear your mind before work. You can find YouTube videos or use a meditation app that will guide you through meditation.
These videos can range from 5–15 minutes, so you’ll be able to fit it in your morning routine. Like mindfulness, you’ll need to make sure you meditate daily to see results.
Did you know that meditation can help you be happier at work? Meditation can help you deal with stressful situations that you may encounter at your job.
Read Also: 5 Daily Habits That Completely Transformed My Life
6. Get Moving: Light Exercise or Stretching
Doing some sort of movement when you wake up will better your life. Exercising in the morning can increase your energy levels and help you feel great throughout your day at work. You can go for a quick morning jog or do some yoga.
Exercising in the morning will help wake you up. When you move your body, you allow more blood to flow through your body. Not only will you feel less tired, but you’ll also feel ready to conquer your day.
Doing some light stretches in the morning can also help your body feel ready for your day. When you sleep, your muscles can become tense. By stretching in the morning, you allow your muscles to loosen up and feel energized.
Stretching can also help release happy hormones, making you feel happy and relaxed.
7. Set a Positive Intention for the Day
Setting an intention can help you have a better day at work. Your intentions are what you think about and how you handle situations that come your way. You can set your intention for the day by repeating positive affirmations or mantras.
You could try telling yourself that you will be patient throughout the day or that you are open to helping your colleagues. By saying these affirmations, you will catch yourself when you act opposite of your intention.
Setting an intention will also allow you to be mindful. If you know what you want for your day, you’ll be less likely to feel stressed and more likely to focus on the task at hand.
Sharing your intentions with your coworkers can help you achieve your goal. When you tell someone your intention, you’re more likely to follow through. You can help your coworkers achieve their intentions by sharing yours.
Talk to your colleagues about their intentions. You never know.
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