8 things to do before 8am

I’ve always naturally been a morning person. I usually can’t stay up past 11pm for the life of me.

That being said, I usually shine as a morning person. When I can knock my morning routine out of the park.

Without a set routine, my day usually feels off. Whether you’re a morning person or not, your morning will set the tone for the rest of your day.

Because we’ve all had those days where a few things go wrong in the AM and our mood is just ruined for the day which can atone for everything else going wrong. Like a ripple effect.

Here are 8 things to do before 8am to have a productive morning routine:

1. Don’t reach for your phone

Hopping on social media while still lounging in bed is a bad habit that, frankly, most of have. And once we get into the daily routine of scrolling through our phones first thing, it can be a tough habit to break.

Not only is it rough on your eyes but it’s also a time sucker. Before you know it, you’ve spent an hour scrolling and now you’re late.

I also find that reading or seeing what’s been going on while I’ve been asleep can put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.

If there’s an important text or emergency, you’ll see it. But most of the time, there isn’t. So try to go through the majority of your morning routine without scrolling through your phone.

2. Make your bed

This is another fantastic habit to get into and one that I abide by. It’s just nice to come home at the end of the day to a nice, made bed.

I’ve been doing this everyday since I was in high school and it’s truly made all the difference in the world. Having a clean bed usually results in having a clean room as well.

3. Drink water

If you’re getting your recommended six to eight hours of sleep then chances are you’ve gone all that time without water. And our bodies are made out of 60% water and in need of some serious replenishing.

Try to drink a whole glass of water (or as much as your can) when you just get up, before breakfast.

4. Meditate/journal 

Meditating isn’t for everyone. While I truly believe in it, you may not and that’s fine. If you do meditate I think it’s an integral part to add to your morning routine. I notice a drastic shift in my mood during the entire day if I don’t take a few minutes of quiet at the beginning of my day.

Alternatively you could journal! Or if you have the time, do both! I find journaling to be one of my favorite parts of the day! Take the time to focus on what you’re grateful for, write down your hopes, dreams, feelings. What ever you choose!

5.  Get moving 

In whatever form that is for you. Whether its a full workout, a light walk/jog, yoga or simply stretching. Similar to the point I made about water, your body has spent quite a few hours without moving very much.

Stretching and getting your body moving does wonders for your motility, your digestion and just helps you wake up more.

6. Set goals for the day

This is a daily must for me if I want to have a productive day. Setting a few goals or intentions at the start of your day can really help set the tone for the rest of your day and ho it will go.

And honestly it can be something as simple as “have a good day” or “get groceries”. Don’t over think it.

7. Get dressed

Naturally, getting dressed should be a part of your morning routine. But do it before breakfast. You don’t want to spend your week day morning breakfast in your PJ’s. I find it makes me feel a lot more unmotivated and just plain lazy.

Especially working from home, getting dressed (and not just in sweatpants) makes for a way more productive day.

8. Eat breakfast

Finally, eat a healthy breakfast. Not a bowl of cereal. No matter how “healthy” it is. Have a well balanced and filling breakfast. One that’ll give you energy and pump you up for the rest of the day.

Related: How to practice mindfulness everyday

These are my 8 non-negotiable things to do every morning. usually before 8. Weekends tend to be a little slowers, of course.

What’s the favorite part of your productive morning routine? Let me know down below!

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