5 Productivity Hacks to Sneak into Your Morning Routine

A productive morning routine can establish structure and give you the momentum you need to tackle a big day ahead. So, if you’re looking to have a productive day, starting it right is one of your best bets.

In this article, we’ll share five low-key morning routine ideas that anyone can apply, because here at Zenkit, we understand that not all of us can rise at the crack of dawn, run 10,000 miles, and learn the Greek alphabet before breakfast.

“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” – Lemony Snicket

Any early riser will tell you that there are perks to enjoy when engaging in a productive morning routine. For instance, not having to rush around before work can put your mind at ease and focus on the tasks in front of you. This kind of stress-free attitude can encourage clarity which can also help with fending off distractions and overcoming procrastination.

But not all of us are morning people. The option of extra sleep over anything else can be too good of a temptation to pass up. So, here are five subtle ideas you can include in your daily morning routine that can help keep you productive for the rest of the day (without having to wake up too early).

Morning Routine Ideas

1. Drink a glass of water with lemon 🍋

Drinking water first thing in the morning not only rehydrates our bodies after seven or so hours of sleep (and fasting), but it can also improve our level of alertness and fuel our brains.

While most of us already reach for a glass of water the moment we wake up, the next time you do it, try adding a bit of lemon for a more nourishing effect. Not only can its vitamins help kick-start your metabolism, boost your immune system, and aid in keeping your digestion intact, but it’s a great alternative for anyone looking to cut down on caffeine.

2. Wash dishes while you wait for your coffee ☕

If you can’t seem to kick your coffee habit, then why not do something a little productive while you wait for it to brew? Doing something proactive like washing a few dishes left over from the night before lets you tick something off your list at the beginning of the day. And knowing that you’ve already accomplished something so early is a great feeling to carry for the rest of the day.

3. Have a cold shower 🚿

If you weren’t already woken up by your alarm, then a cold shower will certainly do the trick. While the thought of climbing out of bed and hopping into an ice box is the last thing many of us would do, keep in mind that on top of jumpstarting your mind and body, this technique is also believed to help alleviate stress, stimulate weight loss, and be good for muscle soreness.

4. Eat breakfast 🍳

Whether it’s due to a lack of time or lack of appetite, going without the most important meal of the day is a common practice for many of us. But if you’re looking to amp up your productivity levels for the rest of the day, eating breakfast can be a simple solution to improved performance.

Forgo the doughnut or croissant and instead opt for something rich in protein to keep you full, such as eggs or oatmeal. If time is your biggest hurdle, then prepare it the night before.

5. Skip the train commute 🚲

Experts assert that moving your body in the early hours of the day can have many health benefits, but that doesn’t mean you have to haul yourself to the gym every morning. If feasible, instead of catching the train or bus to work, try walking or cycling. Being active is a great way to boost your energy, plus you also save on transport costs, which is always a bonus.

How to Have a Productive Morning: 3 Things to Keep in Mind

Be realistic

When beginning a new daily morning routine, start with manageable steps. Humans are creatures of habit, so adopting a new routine or adding to existing routines is best done when a realistic goal is set. (Case in point: doing dishes while you wait for your coffee).

The best practice is to select one or two things that you’d like to achieve, and once they’ve been accomplished, keep building from there. Diving straight into the deep end and trying to fulfil a bunch of new goals could have the opposite effect and prove to be counterproductive.

Get into a habit

It’s near impossible to change your life completely in one day. So until your daily morning routine becomes second nature, be prepared to commit and discipline yourself to repeat your daily morning routine several times over.

Remember that for productive morning routines to be successful, consistency is key. Do whatever it takes to keep up the momentum, write things down, set reminders, and use productivity tools.

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Scale down decision making

Facebook’s founder and successful entrepreneur, Mark Zuckerberg, is as infamous for his grey T-shirt as he is for evading questions. But wearing his grey T-shirt every day isn’t a fashion statement, it’s Zuckerberg’s way of eliminating frivolous decision-making, which leaves more room for the more important things.

Be like Mark and don’t spend too much energy on smaller decisions (always answer important questions tho), and make as much space as possible for things that hold a higher value.

Final Thoughts

Productive morning routines look different to everyone. While some of the tips we’ve mentioned could do wonders for you, they may not work for your colleague or friend.

Remember that finding your perfect routine it’s all about trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try out as many ideas as possible, from the obvious to the outrageous. And don’t forget to share your morning routine ideas with us!😊

Cheers,

Dinnie and the Zenkit Team

Asmo Published on August 2, 2018, updated on March 1, 2024 · 7 min read