For most of us, time is a valuable resource. Time is the one thing we cannot get back, no matter how hard you try or how much money you spend.
Mastering the efficient use of time is a key to a successful career and a successful life.
Many entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, Tim Ferriss, and Arianna Huffington, swear by the benefits of having a morning routine to start the day off right. Here are 4 ways to help you hit the ground running each morning:
1. Prepare for success – the night before
Having a good morning routine can often mean spending a few minutes of your evening preparing for the day to come. Do the dishes, organize your desk, set the coffee maker to brew your morning coffee automatically and make sure to set an alarm (if you need one).
2. Catch those Zzzzs
Another important factor that can set you up well for the following day is sleep. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night so that you are functional and ready to jump into a new day. More and more studies are coming out about the importance of sleep, so don’t slack here!
3. Meditate daily
Okay, I must admit, I’m not very good at following this one, BUT I’ve heard so many leaders discuss the benefits of it that I had to include meditation. Just 20 minutes of meditation in the morning can help clear the mind and allows you the time and space to figure out the best plan of attack for the day.
“In the morning I stand up, stretch a little bit, then I light a candle and I meditate. Every morning. I’ve been meditating for maybe 20 years. I meditate so I can make choices — so I’m not a sheep all the time. So I can see better than what everyone else is doing.” – Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam.
Meditation has a bad rap in some circles, but just because you don’t identify as a crunchy granola type of meditating hippie, doesn’t mean that millions of people (including many successful entrepreneurs and world leaders) are wrong. Meditation is a fantastic way of combatting decision fatigue, anxiety, and stress.
4. Exercise
No one is asking you to run a marathon before heading off to work, but if you can jog around the block, swim a couple laps, or hit a few tennis balls in the morning you will notice an increase in your productivity and positivity for the whole day. MRI scans of the brain show that your mind is more active and productive after exercise. You will be able to focus better after a little light exercise, plus it’s good for your physical health too.