On the internet, there are numerous articles titled "Things to do in the morning" or "My morning routine." Although they are useful, and I frequently incorporate a few of the habits suggested in those articles into my morning routine.
But I'm going to take a different approach here, and I'm going to talk about some of the not-so-useful things most of us do in the morning. Similarly, to how adding good habits can make your morning more productive, subtracting bad habits can do the same.
The way we start our day can set the tone for the rest of the day. If we start it with grumpiness and complaining, chances are the rest of the day is going to follow the same suite.
Most of us are guilty of this habit. According to the survey, 61% of people check their phones within 5 minutes of waking up.
1. Stop Checking Social Media
What begins as "just checking in for 5 minutes" ends up being 30 minutes of mindless scrolling. Keep your phone away from the bedroom. Those who rely on their phones for alarms should invest in a real alarm clock. You won't be tempted to check social media first thing in the morning this way. I've tried this and it has worked for me, so I believe it will work for you.
2. Stop Drinking Coffee
I know what you're thinking: horror! Calm down, I'm not saying don't drink coffee at all; I'm just saying don't drink it right after waking up.
The majority of us rely on coffee to wake us up and make us feel energized. However, Cortisol (a stress hormone that raises blood sugar levels) levels are at their highest in the first 30 minutes after waking up.
It provides us with a natural energy and alertness boost. Caffeine forces your body to produce less cortisol if you drink coffee immediately after waking up. So after 9.30 a.m. is the best time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
3.Stop Hitting Snooze
We have all been there and done that. It's tempting to hit the snooze button and sleep for "just 5 minutes, Mom!" But, let's be honest, 5 minutes is never enough; it usually takes 1–2 hours.
Hitting the snooze button as your first action of the day is admitting defeat. You set an alarm with the intention of waking up at a specific time, but you fail if you hit snooze.
A better method is to determine how much sleep you require. If you go to bed at a reasonable hour the night before, you won't need to hit the snooze button.
4. Stop Leaving Your Bed Unmade
For many of you, this will appear to be a minor detail. What difference does it make whether you make your bed or not? However, according to Charles Duhigg, it makes a huge difference.
In his book "The Power of Habit," he claims that making your bed every morning will increase your productivity for the rest of the day. People who make their beds are more likely to have a higher sense of well-being and better ability to stick to a budget.
Also, according to Psychology Today, bed makers are more likely to enjoy their jobs, own a home, exercise regularly, and be well rested.
5. Stop Taking A Hot Shower
In the chilly morning, a hot shower sounds appealing. It relaxes and soothes tense muscles. Although beneficial, hot showers can be too relaxing in the morning. Keep it for the evening.
Take a cold shower instead. A cold shower, as unpleasant as it may sound, can help shock your body awake. It improves mental alertness and alleviates fatigue in the body. This enables us to tackle important tasks first thing in the morning.
Overall, if you want to be more productive, happier, and successful, make your bed first thing in the morning.
Cold showers also cause your skin's pores to close, keeping dirt and grime out. It aids in the treatment of split ends. Overall, taking a cold shower helps to keep your skin and hair healthy, which is an added benefit.
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