Many experts and elite performers cannot stress enough how important their morning routine and waking up early is to their success. But does it really matter if you just roll out of bed, scramble as fast as you can to get ready, and run out the door? Research indicates that it does! The morning is when we set the tone for the rest of our day. It is important to develop an effective morning routine that sets you up for success, promoting proactivity rather than reactivity throughout your day. You’ll be more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day if you start the day with a workout, meditation, or self-care other effective behavior. Not only does this put you in a better mood, it also helps promote productivity both physical and mentally. In the morning, the body gets a natural cortisol and energy spike. It is a great time to knock difficult tasks out. Many people tend to postpone the most difficult tasks till later in the day when they are already less energetic. It may be a good time to work out, prepare healthy meals, go outside for a walk or get anything else done that you may find difficult to find time to do. Waiting until later means there’s a good chance these priority tasks will not be completed. The morning is a great time for some “you” time. You can take advantage of your higher energy levels to give yourself some attention before you go into a day they may be hectic and out of your control. The other great thing about a morning routine is that it is a routine… and our brains and bodies love routines! Our circadian rhythm can sync to our routine. So, it is important to make sure you are consistent with waking up at the same time every day. This helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and mood. Making a strong and consistent morning routine your everyday habit is also great for your decision-making capacities. If you have a different morning every day, you are using up your limited decision-making capacities to decide what to do every day. If it is the same, you don’t have to think about it. This is why some people like to wear a uniform to work even if they don’t have to, it is one less thing to have to decide on, so you can focus your energy on more important decisions. How can you make your morning less hectic and more controlled? Is there something you always want to do but never actually do? Perhaps you can dedicate your mornings to consuming a few chapters in a book you’ve been wanting to read. Challenge yourself to answer these questions and create a morning routine that works for you. Own your morning, own your day. Still have questions? Dr. Colvin is available to help you create a morning routine to enable optimal performance.
As we help our numerous clients cope with the unique stressors inherent in today’s uncertain world, we are thrilled to offer the services of Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD. As Director of Human Performance, Kate’s role is to provide training and education around various aspects of mental and physical wellbeing, including stress management, effective thinking, mindfulness, attentional focus techniques, goal attainment, organizational leadership, memory and learning enhancement, and sleep. Kate has assisted hundreds of LSDS clients, and is available to help you navigate the path ahead. Email katecolvin@lsds.us to learn more about what Dr. Kate Colvin, PhD, can provide for you.