How you start in the morning sets the day’s mood, and generally shapes your whole day. An efficient morning routine saves time, cuts down stress levels, and increases productivity. Business leaders to creative minds, the world’s most successful people have a lot of morning habits that help them stay on track and stay re-energized. Whether you find it hard to get up or just want to fine-tune your routine, here are 10 morning habits inspired by super successful individuals to get your day on the right track to achieve your goals.
Why Morning Routines Are Important
Perhaps, most importantly, morning routines provide a sense of order and start off the day in the right direction. All this means saving yourself from the mental resources that can be worn on minor issues. Figures as different as Marie Kondo, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama share one thing in common: they use their morning routine to stay productive, creative, and balanced. They can be considered as small changes that are easy to live with regardless of the kind of life one leads for a healthier and more successful life.
Letting the morning get away from you is a surefire way to set the tone for a hectic and disorganized day. Here’s a compilation of 10 morning habits highly successful, productive, and focused people partake:
Try one or two to see what works best for you — but be warned that doing too many at once can shrink your day instead of adding more time to it.
1. Create a Morning Ritual
Having a routine to start your day makes it feel like a beginning. Renowned American choreographer Twyla Tharp is up by 5:30 a.m., has breakfast, gets into her leotards for exercising, and goes to the gym by cab. She maintains that it is calling the cab and not working out that makes the routine doable. In a similar vein, Marie Kondo opens windows to let in fresh air and burns incense to purify a quiet, clear atmosphere. Basic habits like lighting a candle or tidying up your bed can be used to let in good vibes for the rest of the day.
2. Exercise Enhances Energy
Exercise increases energy and mental clarity, but people wonder how some individuals can have such a hectic morning. An hour-long tennis match every morning for Vogue editor Anna Wintour, or weightlifting and cardio for former President Barack Obama to kickstart his day while in the White House. According to a study conducted by the University of Bristol, exercise on a daily basis enhances one’s mood as well as the level of energy. Try taking a short walk, do yoga or work out at the gym to feel refreshed and regain focus.
3. Expressing Gratitude
Mindfulness of thinking takes a moment to appreciate what you have and where you’re at. Marie Kondo prays thanking her family and team for their support and contribution to her day. Five ‘Wealth is not measured in dollars and cents but the love we make.’ And other inspirational cards from her 365 Gathered Truths box from Oprah Winfrey every morning. Write three things you are thankful for in the morning to supercharge your positivity.
4. Wake Up Early
Mostly, early risers do enjoy more productivity. For instance, Apple CEO Tim Cook rises at 3:45 a.m. to be able to check emails and do some exercises, and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson gets up by 5 a.m. to exercise and be with his family. A study in The Journal of General Psychology 2008 discovered that the earlier in the day you get up, the less you’ll procrastinate. Just waking up half an hour earlier will give you that quiet time to plan out your day.
5. Read a Book
Reading in the morning helps to relieve stress and enhance brain activity. According to a University of Sussex study, only six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%. Barack Obama, Bill Gates and other smart people are aware to start their day being informed and reading keeps you sharp. Replace your morning social media scroll with something more mind-stimulating like a book, newspaper or an inspiring article.
6. Journal Your Thoughts
Journaling helps to process through one’s emotions, reducing stress and allowing the individual to focus better. Research has shown that merely expressing in writing can even help in physical healing. Warren Buffet, Richard Branson, and Arianna Huffington write journals on a regular basis to clear their thoughts. Spend 5-10 min of your time writing about your goals, feelings or ideas in order to kick start your day with intention.
7. Drink Water First Thing in the Morning
Starting your day with a drink “energizes you for the day.” The hydration you take in during breakfast also helps you to lubricate your muscles, joints, balance body temperature, and support digestion. Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz advocate going straight to the sink after brushing one’s teeth in order to enjoy a “refreshing” drink of water. Try keeping a water bottle by the nightstand and drink the glass as soon as the alarm goes off for a great way to start your day.
8. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Having a healthy breakfast fuels your body as well as your thinking. Barack Obama has eggs, potatoes, and whole wheat toast. Reese Witherspoon’s is a powerhouse green smoothie. Kelly Ripa keeps it simple with coffee, yogurt, and granola. It doesn’t take much time to prepare, but toast or a smoothie can give you energy and power for the rest of the day.
9. Make a To-Do List
Having a planned to-do list in a day keeps a person organized and on the right track. Michelle Obama and Richard Branson swear by making a list of things to do, including prioritizing tasks and time for self-care. Write down 3-5 core tasks every morning to keep focused and avoid stressing over the rest. This routine will make sure you start your day feeling clear-minded.
10. Experiment and Personalize
Do it step by step and you don’t have to take all 10 routines on board. Begin with one or two that seem doable, such as drinking water or writing a to-do list. Find out through trial and error which ones are the best fit for you and your way of living. For instance:
- If you’re busy: 5 min meditation or just drink some water.
- If you like sports: take a brisk walk or practice a little yoga.
- If you seek peace: be thankful or read for ten minutes.
Consistency is indeed the key. For the next few days, stick to your routine as religiously as possible until it becomes a habit. As Mrs. Obama beautifully puts it, “Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” Make it your routine always to matter to you and be tailored to your needs and goals.
Benefits of a Strong Morning Routine
An intentional morning routine will:
- boost productivity from lowered decision fatigue;
- enhance mental health through meditation, gratitude, or journaling; and
- increase energy through exercise, hydration, and a healthy breakfast.
- Create a cheerful vibe to kick off your day. It will help you face any challenges.
Begin Your Morning Routine Now
Your morning routine doesn’t require being intricate. Simple changes, like getting up 15 minutes earlier or having a glass of water, can reap big rewards. Take inspiration from successful people such as Oprah, Barack Obama, or Marie Kondo and create a routine that works for you. Try one or two of these habits to start and go from there. So with time, you’d feel more focused, energized, and ready for the day.
