Boost Your Productivity by Ditching These 15 Awful Morning Habits
Starting your day off on the right foot can set the tone for a productive and positively awesome day.
But there are some things that can quickly derail your morning before it even begins and completely stress you out.
Here are 15 things you should avoid doing first thing in the morning to keep your day on track.
Hit Snooze
It’s always tempting as it is to grab a few extra minutes of sleep. But hitting snooze can actually make you feel more groggy. Those little bits of sleep mess with your internal clock, making it harder to wake up refreshed. Try setting your alarm for the latest possible time you need to get up and then just get up.
Check Your Phone
Diving into emails, social media, or the news can overwhelm and overstimulate you before you’ve even had your coffee. Instead, give yourself a few minutes of peace to wake up and gather your thoughts. Your notifications and TikToks can wait.
Skip Breakfast
Skipping breakfast might seem like a time-saver, but it can leave you feeling sluggish and irritable. Give your body a nutritious breakfast to kickstart your metabolism and steady your energy levels. Even something simple like a smoothie or a piece of fruit can make a big difference.
Stay in Bed
Lounging in bed might feel relaxing, but it can actually make it harder to get moving. Get up, stretch, and start your day with some light activity to wake up that body of yours. Although many hate this task, try making your bed. It can be a good first step to signal that it’s time to get going.
Drink Coffee Immediately
As much as we love our morning coffee, drinking it right away can mess with your cortisol levels. Wait about an hour after waking up to let your body’s natural wake-up hormones do their thing. Your coffee will still taste just as good (maybe even better).
Check Work Emails
Reading work emails, first thing can throw you into stress mode before you’ve even had a chance to wake up fully or enter the office. Give yourself a bit of time to ease into the day before diving into work tasks. You’ll handle them better when you’re more alert. Or just leave work emails for during work hours altogether!
Skip Hydration
Your body is dehydrated after a night of sleep. So don’t skip out on grabbing your Hydroflash, Stanley, Owala, or just a glass of water. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can help wake you up and kickstart your metabolism. It’s a simple habit that can greatly impact your overall health.
Start with Negativity
Beginning your day with negative thoughts or self-criticism can set a negative tone for the entire day. Instead, try to focus on something positive, like something you’re looking forward to or a goal you’re excited about. As the old workplace saying goes, “Positivity breeds productivity.”
Rush Through Your Routine
Rushing can make you feel stressed and flustered before you even leave the house. Give yourself enough time to get ready without hurrying. A calm, collected start can help you handle whatever comes your way more effectively.
Forget to Stretch
Your body has been at rest all night, so give it a gentle wake-up with some light stretching. Stretching can help improve circulation and flexibility, and it feels great. Even just a few minutes can make a difference.
Leave Your Bed Unmade
It might seem trivial, but making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment right at the start of your day. Plus, it makes your room look tidier and sets a productive tone. It’s a small task with big benefits.
Dive into Social Media
Scrolling through social media can quickly eat up your morning and fill your mind with unnecessary comparisons and distractions. Save the social media check-ins for later in the day. Morning time is precious and should be used wisely.
Skip Morning Exercise
If you’re able to, incorporating some light exercise into your morning routine can boost your energy and mood. Whether it’s a quick walk, some yoga, or a full workout, moving your body can help you feel more awake and ready to tackle the day.
Overwhelm Yourself with Tasks
Starting the day with a huge to-do list can feel daunting or overwhelming. Instead, pick one or two important tasks to focus on. Choosing just 1 or 2 can help you feel more in control and less stressed out.
Ignore Personal Time
Taking a few moments for yourself in the morning can set a positive tone for the day. Whether it’s meditation, reading, or just sitting quietly with your coffee, personal time can help you feel more centered and ready to face the day ahead.
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