“ Having a consistent routine can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.” - Dawn Calvinisti

What is the big deal about routines?

As a busy entrepreneur, I know how important it is to start the day off on the right foot. A consistent morning routine can set the tone for the rest of the day and help you be more productive, focused, and energized. Today I'll explore the benefits of a morning routine, provide tips on how to create one, offer morning routine ideas, and share hacks for busy people to help you stick to your routine.

The Benefits of a Consistent Routine

There are many benefits to having a consistent morning routine. One of the biggest advantages is that it sets the tone for your day. When you have a routine in place, you know what to expect and can start the day off feeling organized and in control. This can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and make you feel more relaxed and focused throughout the day.

A morning routine can also help improve your productivity. By establishing a set routine, you can eliminate decision fatigue and free up mental space to focus on more important tasks. Additionally, having a consistent morning routine can help you establish good habits and routines throughout the day, leading to increased productivity and success.

Finally, a morning routine can help improve your mental health. Taking time for self-care, such as exercise or meditation, can help reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, having a consistent routine can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, leading to improved mental health and overall wellbeing.

How to Create A Morning Routine

Creating a morning routine is easy, but it does require some planning and commitment. The first step is to decide what activities you want to include in your routine. Some common activities include exercise, meditation, journaling, and reading.

Next, you'll want to establish a set time to wake up each day. This will help establish a consistent routine and ensure you have enough time to complete your activities. Try waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual and gradually working your way up to a time that feels comfortable for you.

Finally, be sure to schedule your activities in a way that works for you. For example, if you prefer to exercise in the morning, make sure you have time for a workout before starting your workday. If you prefer to meditate or read, schedule those activities for later in your routine.

Morning Routine Ideas

If you're not sure where to start, here are some morning routine ideas to consider:

1. Exercise: A morning workout can help wake you up and energize you for the day ahead.

2. Meditation: Taking a few minutes to meditate can help reduce stress and improve focus.

3. Journaling: Writing in a journal can help improve mental clarity and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

4. Reading: Reading a book or article can help improve focus and stimulate the mind.

5. Gratitude practice: Taking time to reflect on what you're grateful for can help improve mood and reduce stress.

The Best Morning Routine for Productivity

The best morning routine for productivity will vary from person to person, but there are some common activities that can help improve focus and productivity. Exercise is one of the best activities to include in a morning routine, as it helps wake you up and get your blood flowing.

Another effective activity is meditation, as it can help reduce stress and improve focus. Journaling can also be a great way to clear your mind and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Finally, taking time to plan your day can help ensure you're focused on the most important tasks and maximize your productivity.

How Morning Routines Can Improve Mental Health

A consistent morning routine can have a significant impact on mental health. Taking time for self-care, such as exercise or meditation, can help reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, having a consistent routine can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, leading to improved mental health and overall wellbeing.

The Benefits of Exercise in a Morning Routine

Exercise is one of the best activities to include in a morning routine, as it helps wake you up and get your blood flowing.

Additionally, exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and improved mental health.

Adding exercise to your morning routine can also help improve productivity and focus throughout the day. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory, making it an excellent activity to include in a morning routine.

How to Stick to a Morning Routine

Sticking to a morning routine can be challenging, especially if you're busy or have a lot of distractions in your life. However, there are some strategies you can use to help make your routine a habit.

First, start small and gradually build up to a more complex routine. This will help you establish good habits and make your routine more manageable.

Next, be sure to schedule your routine at a time that works for you. If you're not a morning person, don't force yourself to wake up at 5 am to complete your routine. Instead, schedule your routine for a time that feels comfortable and achievable.

Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. It takes time to establish a new habit, so don't beat yourself up if you miss a day or two. Instead, focus on the progress you've made and keep moving forward.

Morning Routine Hacks for Busy People

If you're busy or have a lot of distractions in your life, here are some morning routine hacks to help you stick to your routine:

1. Prepare the night before: Lay out your workout clothes, pack your gym bag, and prep breakfast the night before to save time in the morning.

2. Use technology: Use an app or smartwatch to track your progress and keep you motivated.

3. Multitask: Combine activities, such as listening to an audiobook while exercising or meditating while waiting for your coffee to brew.

4. Keep it simple: Don't try to include too many activities in your routine. Focus on one or two activities that are important to you and build from there.

That's it

A consistent morning routine can have a significant impact on your productivity, focus, and mental health. By establishing a set routine, you can reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve productivity, and promote overall wellbeing. Whether you're a morning person or not, there are many benefits to creating a morning routine. So, rise and shine, and start your day off on the right foot!

Check out my podcast Imperfection in Progress for more helpful resources

Start your own morning routine checklist:

Here is a quick checklist of ideas to get you started with your morning routine below. Remember imperfect action beats inaction, get started and keep going.

• drink water

• brush teeth to wake up

• read something inspirational

• exercise/move your body

• write down 5 things you're grateful for

• check your tasks for the day

• meditate/pray

• block out time for self-care

• remind yourself of your goal and why you want to reach it

• listen to motivational music