Summer is a great time to relax and recharge, but it's important to maintain a good daily routine to help keep you on track for productive and successful days. By incorporating habits such as waking up early, exercising, practicing mindfulness and planning for the day, we can improve our physical and mental well-being.
Summer routines for a productive day
Wake up sleepy-head
Did you know that waking up early helps to regulate your circadian rhythm? This is your body’s internal 24-hour cycle that responds to changes in light. When the sun peeks in your window each morning it cues your body that it is time to get up. When evening arrives and it begins to get dark outside, this signals your body to settle down and get ready for sleep. Getting into the cycle of waking up with the sunlight each morning and getting to bed at an early hour helps get your body into a long-term sleep-wake schedule.
And, by starting your day earlier in the morning you will have more time to prepare for the day ahead. This means less stress and more time for a good breakfast, a morning workout or mindfulness routine.
Speaking of breakfast
Getting into the habit of eating breakfast each morning is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. You will find that you have more energy and will perform better mentally and physically over the course of the day. The word “breakfast” literally means to break the fasting period from the day before. This doesn’t mean that you need to jump out of bed and eat something as soon as you get up, however, you should be mindful and eat a nutritious breakfast when your body tells you that you are hungry.
Work it out
A good morning routine includes a physical workout of some kind whether you go to the gym or just take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Even if you’re not a morning person, hitting the gym early has its benefits. Engaging in exercise releases endorphins, elevates energy levels, and boosts your mood. These effects last all throughout the day.
While it is fine to workout in the afternoon, it can be easier to come up with an excuse not to go, like working late at the office, getting invited out with friends or just feeling tired. For this reason, it may be easier to remain consistent with a morning workout routine because there are no other distractions or commitments vying for your time.
Morning mindfulness
Setting aside some time on a regular basis for mindfulness or meditation can greatly benefit mental clarity and focus. Spending a few minutes in quiet reflection, deep breathing, guided meditation or journaling helps to center the mind, reduce stress and set positive intentions for the day.
If you haven’t jumped on the mindfulness bandwagon yet, try the three-minute morning meditation to get you started. Taking small steps toward a mindfulness routine is a good way to get into a regular practice. Three minutes a day is easy to do and will still set the tone for a peaceful day.
Personal growth
It is important to dedicate time to personal growth and learning. This could involve reading a book, listening to a podcast or engaging in an educational activity. Getting into this habit helps to foster continuous learning, expands our knowledge and helps to broaden our perspectives.
Get it together
Organizing and planning for the day ahead is another fundamental aspect of a good morning routine. Take a few minutes to review and prioritize tasks, set goals and create a to-do list. This helps establish a clear direction for the day, reduces stress and ensures focus on important tasks.
Say thanks
Don't forget to express gratitude. Taking a few moments each day to appreciate the good things in your life can help cultivate a positive mindset and helps us become more resilient. It can be as simple as jotting down a few things to be grateful for in a journal or expressing your gratitude to the people who have made your life better.
Remember that a good morning routine will lay the foundation for a successful day. Try incorporating habits such as waking up early, exercising, practicing mindfulness and engaging in personal growth. See what works best for you and your schedule. Make changes at your own pace and remember to be flexible. Even with a few small changes we can increase productivity, focus and overall happiness in our lives.
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Photo courtesy Pixabay/kaboompics
Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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