Design Your Before Work Daily Routine

by | Sep 2, 2020

morning routine

Think about the last time you had a bad day. How did it start? Or what about the flip side. When did you have a great day? Chances are good that something happened in the early hours of your day to impact your mood. Your morning routine and how you start your day makes a difference.

Your before work daily routine either works for you or against you. Your morning routine sets the stage for the day to come, so if you don’t like how it currently feels, it’s time to intentionally design this important part of your day. 

Skip the Snooze

If you’re a regular snoozer, start rising when the first alarm sounds. Getting out of bed without the snooze will leave you less groggy and more alert, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Taking back those extra minutes allows you to do things you might skip now because you run out of time. Use the extra minutes to stretch, eat breakfast (sitting down!), or meditate. 

Stack the Habits

Habit stacking is helpful when you create a new before work daily routine. Certain parts of your morning routine are non-negotiable, like getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed. So, consider what kind of additions would make your routine better. Maybe it’s eating breakfast or talking to a family member or working out. Now, “stack” the new habit with a current one. An example might be, “After I get out of bed, I will do 10 pushups.” Pairing something you want to do with something you already do helps you build habits more quickly.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

A good morning meal can give you long-lasting energy for the day ahead. A breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and a touch of carbs (like fruit) is ideal. You want long lasting energy and brain fuel to boost your mood. Be cautious about grabbing a bagel, muffin, or bowl of cereal since these choices are likely to leave you depleted and fatigued by mid-morning. Better on-the-go options include beef and cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs, or greek yogurt. 

Fill Your Mind With Positivity

For many, a common before work daily routine includes scrolling social media, checking email, or reading the news. But going from a restful state to a stressful one isn’t the best way to start your day. What you put into your mind impacts your wellbeing for the day to come. Opting for meditation or prayer, writing in a gratitude journal, or practicing yoga will help you start your day with better wellbeing. This shift in your before work daily routine leads to a healthier and happier workday.

Get Some Exercise

It feels overwhelming to build an extra 30-60 minutes into your morning routine, which is why so many people have trouble exercising in the morning. But getting your heart pumping and muscles working energizes your body before work. Adding exercise to your before work daily routine does not have to be long or complicated. Doing 10 jumping jacks, pushups, situps, or squats is a great start. Habit stacking works brilliantly to trigger this new habit!

If you’re struggling to get through your day or noticing your mood sags quickly at work, consider your morning routine. Notice if there are places for improvement and if so, choose one thing to shift in your morning routine tomorrow.

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