10 Things you should be doing before you start the day

Success Tips: 10 Things you should be doing before you start the day

Angela Goh

31 May 2016

1/10
Plan for the next day the night before
If you want to make the most of your current day, you’ll need to have started yesterday! Many famous early risers become successful because of their daily habits of setting out their to-do lists and schedules the night before. Most of us aren’t very alert in the mornings and might not feel motivated to do up a list of tasks first thing each day, so having a prepared plan of what you will be doing that day will help.
2/10
Have a good breakfast
Everybody knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We're talking about a satisfying and fulfilling meal that will give you the energy to tackle all your tasks before your lunch break rolls around. Don't hesitate to make your breakfast super special each morning by adding superfoods such as quinoa and blueberries to the mix.
3/10
Drink plenty of water
In 2012, a study was done to prove that even being mildly dehydrated can cause difficulties in concentrating. The very first thing you should do in the morning, even before eating your breakfast, is drink a litre of water. This effectively wakes your body up from the inside out and rehydrates your system after a long 8-hour night.
4/10
Gym it up
Engaging in early morning exercise will give you more energy to start your day, and can even get those creative juices flowing. Whether it be half an hour on the treadmill or a tennis session before work each day, some movement will get the heart pumping and the blood flowing. Even basic yoga or a walk in the park will help get some oxygen into your lungs.
5/10
Listen to some fun and uplifting tunes
Music has the ability to change one’s mood in the blink of an eye. As soon as it’s time to get out of bed, turn that stereo on and groove to some cheerful, positive tracks – they’ll put a smile on your face and make you leave for the office with a sunny disposition and possibly a good song stuck in your head.
6/10
Get that big project done, first thing
Got a huge task to tackle on your to-do list? Make it a point to take on the most important, daunting and time-consuming project on your list – it’s best to get it out of the way before things like phone calls, emails and meetings start to bombard and distract you.
7/10
Embrace the early morning tranquillity
The first few hours of the morning might be the only time of each day that you get to yourself. By using this time to meditate, read a book or write in a diary, you will be able to gather your thoughts.
8/10
Clear your inbox
Sick of waking up to a long list of unread emails? Get a head start on those pesky replies by taking a leaf out of Martha Stewart’s book and using the early hours of the morning to sift through it all. We all know how good it feels to get the unread email count down to zero, but with all the other distractions throughout the day, sometimes it just seems impossible. By spending the morning leisurely sifting through your emails, you’ll be able to mentally sort out which ones need urgent replies, getting you that much closer to an empty inbox!
9/10
Do something that’s not work-related
Though the morning is a great opportunity to get an early start on the work day, it’s also a good time to take care of yourself too. Whether it’s working on a pet project of yours, doing some household chores, or even just spending some extra minutes with the family, your mind and body will thank you for it. It also helps to get rid of any distractions throughout the day, giving you the energy to focus better in the office.
10/10
Read motivational material
One of the best ways to inspire yourself to make a change is to read success stories and get advice from the professionals. Looking to lose weight, eat healthier, or make positive financial decisions? Reading motivational books each morning might help drive you to achieve those goals.

Unlock the secrets to a proactive mind and body by adding these simple steps to your morning routine.

We’ve given you 8 cool reasons why you should be waking up early every morning, and to make this practice just a little more fun and productive, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will allow you to unleash your daily potential and help you start your day right. By making the most out of those precious predawn hours each work day, you’ll find that taking on the world is a much easier feat than you thought.

What are you waiting for? Get up with the birds and gear yourself up for productivity. Adding a handful of these tricks to your morning routine will put you on the path to success!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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