Hey there, have you ever had one of those days where you just couldn’t seem to get anything done? You know, those days when you feel sluggish and unmotivated, and everything just seems to take twice as long as it should? Well, We’ve definitely been there. In fact, I think even the world’s most productive person can relate to feeling unproductive from time to time.
But here’s the thing – there are actually a lot of morning mistakes that can seriously affect our productivity for the rest of the day. And the worst part? We often don’t even realize we’re doing them. That’s why I’m excited to share with you today the 10-morning mistakes that are stealing your time and productivity so that you can avoid them and start your day off on the right foot.
By avoiding these morning mistakes, you can start your day on the right foot and set yourself up for success. So, why not give it a try? Remember, a small change can lead to a big difference. Here’s to a more productive and fulfilling day ahead!
1. The Morning Battle – Hitting the Snooze Button
Have you ever hit that snooze button too many times? Trust me, I get it. It’s so tempting to stay in bed for just a few more minutes of rest. But did you know that hitting snooze can actually make you feel even more tired and groggy? That’s right – those few extra minutes of sleep aren’t doing you any favors. In fact, they’re probably making it harder for you to get going in the morning.
And if you’re having a hard time doing that, here’s a little trick that worked for me. All you have to do is place your alarm clock on the other side of the room. That way, when it goes off, you’ll have to get out of bed and walk to turn it off.
and one more thing – if you’re a fan of hitting snooze because you love the sound of your alarm, try changing it up. There are plenty of apps out there that offer different alarm sounds, from nature noises to upbeat music, that can help you wake up feeling energized and ready to take on the day. Give it a try!
2. Don’t Start the Day With a Scroll!
Are you someone who’s guilty of checking your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning? Maybe you’re scrolling through social media or checking your email to see if anything urgent came in overnight. Trust me, you’re not alone. It’s a common habit for many of us, but it’s also one that can be really detrimental to our productivity and mental health.
When you check your phone right after waking up, you’re essentially setting the tone for your day before it even begins. If you open up your email and see a bunch of messages that require your attention, you might start to feel stressed out. If you’re scrolling through social media and see something negative or triggering, it can put you in a bad mood before you’ve even gotten out of bed.
Now it might be time to set some boundaries for yourself and your phone. Try making a conscious decision to not check your phone or social media for at least an hour after waking up. Instead, start your day with some simple activities like stretches, deep breaths, or a big glass of water. This will help you center yourself and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
3. Drinking Coffee as the First Thing
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying coffee in the morning, but it shouldn’t be the first thing you consume after waking up.
Instead, I highly recommend going for a glass of water. After hours of not drinking anything, your body is in desperate need of hydration, and water is the perfect solution. Not only does it hydrate you, but it also gives your metabolism a nice kickstart, helping you feel more alert and energized throughout the day.
What’s more, drinking water right after you wake up is also excellent for your gut health. It helps flush out any toxins that may have been sitting in your body while you were catching those zzz’s, preventing constipation and promoting healthy digestion.
So if you’re someone who loves their morning coffee, try swapping it out for a glass of water instead.
4. Work Straight Away – No Time to Waste?
Jumping straight into work as soon as you wake up? While it may seem like a good idea to get a head start on your day, Bu it can actually be a huge reason to ruin your day. Because our brain is still waking up, which makes us slow, inefficient, and disorganized. And who wants to start their day feeling like that?
So, how can you make the most of your mornings? First and foremost, take some time for yourself before you start working. Spend that time maintaining your physical health with exercise and a nutritious breakfast. It doesn’t have to be a long workout or a fancy meal, just something to get your blood flowing and your brain working.
In addition to taking care of your physical health, use your morning to inspire yourself. Maybe that means reading a book or a blog, listening to a motivational podcast, or doing some journaling to get your creative juices flowing. Whatever it is, find something that gets you excited and motivated for the day ahead.
5. Skipping Breakfast – Zero Superpowers
I used to skip my morning meal all the time thinking it would save me time. But I was wrong! Also skipping breakfast was my go-to move in my quest for a perfect body, but instead, I found myself feeling like a zombie until lunchtime.
Now, instead of reaching for the sugary treats, I opt for a protein-rich breakfast that keeps me full for longer and gives me long-lasting energy. 45
One of my favorite breakfast options is a veggie omelet with a side of whole wheat toast. The protein from the eggs keeps me full and satisfied while the vegetables provide me with essential nutrients.
To help you I chose the best meal-planning app for you – also my personal choice – Paprika. Also, here are the Best Meal-Planning Apps of 2023 by Cosmopolitan. They allow us to choose specific meal plans and recipes, create shopping lists, and track nutritional information, all from the ease of a mobile device.
So, make sure to fuel up with a healthy breakfast to set yourself up for a successful day! It might take a little bit of extra time in the morning, but the benefits are definitely worth it.
6. Not Stretching in the Morning
Do you ever wake up feeling stiff and sore, like you’ve been hit by a truck? I used to feel that way too, until I discovered the power of stretching in the morning. When we sleep, fluid accumulates in our spinal discs and causes them to expand. This can lead to stiffness, especially in our back. But don’t worry, a simple morning stretch can help!
I know it can be tempting to jump straight out of bed and get your day started, but taking just a few minutes to stretch can make a big difference. You don’t need to do anything strenuous, especially first thing in the morning when your muscles and disks aren’t warmed up yet.
When I started doing yoga a few years ago, I learned just how important stretching can be in the morning. Not only does it help with muscle tension and reduce body pains, but it also improves your mood. And you don’t need to be a yoga pro to reap the benefits.
A quick 10-minute stretch routine can do wonders for your body and mind. If you’re not sure where to start, Emi Wong has a great YouTube video with a simple 10-minute stretching routine you can even do in bed. Trust me, it doesn’t get any easier than that.
So next time you wake up feeling stiff and sore, take a few minutes to stretch and see how much better you feel.
7. Not Having a Positive Mindset – Complaining
It’s time to stop that negativity train and start your day with a positive mindset!
The words you choose to use in the morning can have a tangible effect on your state of mind and level of motivation. Instead of complaining about how early it is or how tired you feel, focus on what you’re grateful for and what you can be positive about. If you start your day with these thoughts, you’ll be an overall happier person.
So take some time to think about your goals and aspirations, what you’re grateful for, and other similar activities to put yourself in a positive headspace.
I also started incorporating a gratitude journal into my morning routine. Every morning, I would write down three things that I was grateful for. It could be something as simple as a cup of coffee or a warm bed, or something bigger like a supportive family or a fulfilling career. Focusing on what I was grateful for helped me shift my mindset and start the day on a positive note.
If you need some inspiration for a morning routine, check out the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. He recommends using a morning journal as a way to gain clarity, capture ideas, and more.
8. No Plan, No Gain – Not Having a To-do List
Having a to-do list has also helped me stay organized and complete all the tasks I have planned for the day. I break down my list into smaller, manageable tasks, so I don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s so satisfying to check off each task as I complete of them. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivates me to keep going.
Another benefit of having a to-do list is that it helps us prioritize our tasks. We can focus on the most important things first, and then move on to the smaller tasks. This has helped me be more productive and efficient with my time.
Creating a to-do list is easy! Simply take a few minutes each evening to write down the tasks you need to complete the following day. It doesn’t have to be complicated or detailed, just a simple list of the most important things you want to achieve.
And remember, a to-do list isn’t set in stone. If something unexpected comes up, it’s okay to adjust your list as needed. The important thing is to have a clear plan for the day, so you can stay focused and productive.
9. Leaving the Bed Unmade – The Lazy Person’s Guide
You might be thinking, “How can making my bed help me have a productive day?” Well, let me explain. When you make your bed in the morning, you start your day with a small accomplishment. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives you a sense of order and control. And who doesn’t want to start their day with good vibes?
On the other hand, leaving your bed unmade can make your whole room feel messy and disorganized. This can affect your mood and energy levels, making it harder to focus on the tasks ahead.
So, the next time you get out of bed, take a few extra minutes to make it.
10. Not Drinking Enough Water – Don’t be a Desert Plant
Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do for your body, and it’s especially crucial in the morning. After hours of sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated, which can lead to a whole host of issues. But by hydrating yourself first thing in the morning, you can promote a healthy gut and metabolism, boost your immune system, and prevent bad breath and bladder infections.
Now, you might be wondering how much water is enough to hydrate your body in the morning. Well, the answer is simple. You should aim to drink at least 2-3 glasses of water as soon as you wake up. You can even add a squeeze of lemon to your water to detoxify your body and promote digestion.
I know that it can be tough to remember to drink water in the morning, especially when you’re rushing to get ready for work. That’s why I always keep a bottle of water on my bedside table, so it’s the first thing I see when I wake up. Plus, it helps me to jump-start my day with energy and focus.
Closing thoughts
By streamlining your priorities and focusing on what truly matters, you’ll not only feel less frazzled but also more motivated and ready to take on anything that comes your way. It’s amazing how much more productive and happier you can be when you simplify your life and cut out the excess noise.
So, let’s all take a step towards a more productive and fulfilling morning routine. Start small, and before you know it, you’ll have created a habit that will set you up for success every day. Keep striving for excellence and don’t forget to enjoy the process! Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you again soon on my blog.