What are the differences a healthy morning routine can make for a productive day?
The morning practices we engage in at the start of each day can enhance both mental and physical wellbeing, while also setting the tone for a productive, successful day with positive energy.
You may have heard the common adage that the simple and quick act of making your bed first thing in the morning can set the tone for a positive and productive day. The reason behind this is that this one simple habit can provide a sense of achievement, and an organised bed makes for an organised and less stressful day.
How to maintain circadian rhythm to support better sleep
Waking up at a consistent time each day can help support and synchronise the rhythm of the body’s internal biological clock, also called the circadian rhythm. This routine can help the body to get into the habit of going to bed at a reasonable time each evening to achieve adequate sleep, which, as
Harvard University reports, is important for energy levels, focus, long-term health, and safety during the day.
Journaling and gratitude practices for a clearer mind
Journaling can also help deal with any negative or worrying thoughts for a clearer mind.
Meanwhile, thinking about what you are grateful for can encourage positive thoughts towards yourself and others throughout your day.
Positive mood
If you have time to do an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s something creative, like drawing or writing, or listening to music you love, this can set a positive tone for the day. Self-care can aid emotional wellbeing for the day.
How to manage stress with meditation
Engaging in mindful practices such as yoga, meditation and mindful breathing can also help to manage stress that might be overhanging from the day before and set the day up with a sense of calm.
Movement for an active mind and body
Getting some movement as part of your morning routine means you can start the day naturally energised and alert with the benefits of better focus for the rest of the day. It also releases good endorphins to support mood, help manage stress and aid better sleep. Aim for at least 10 minutes. If you can afford longer, exercising in the morning can also help build a consistent routine for fitness, especially if that is the preferred time for your body or is more convenient for you to exercise.
Prepare the night before by laying out your workout clothes.
Hydrate to nourish wellbeing inside and out
With water making up 60% of our body, hydration is important for so many functions, such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, flushing out waste from our body and carrying essential nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Water is lost through breathing, perspiring and bowel movements, so after a long night’s sleep and fast, ensure to replenish the body with water. Low levels of fluid in the body can also cause headaches, feelings of dizziness, lethargy, poor concentration and a dry mouth, according to the
British Dietetics Association.
Drinking water first thing in the morning can help prevent dehydration once a busy day gets underway.
Feeding a productive and positive day
A healthy breakfast can set your body and mind up well for the day. It can refuel you and give your metabolism and energy a kickstart after an overnight fast.
According to
Nutrition Australia, eating a nutritious breakfast can also reduce the likelihood of over-consuming high kilojoule foods later in the day, stabilise your blood sugar levels and aid memory and concentration.
Nutrition Australia recommends aiming for a breakfast that includes ¼ protein, ¼ wholegrains, half a plate of fruit or vegetables and some healthy fats.
Plan for extra time to have breakfast at home or for a portable breakfast such as a sandwich or savoury muffin if you need to be on the go.
Mindful goal setting and planning for a smoother, successful day
Carving out time for writing down intentions and goals for the day can help provide focus, direction, purpose and motivation, all of which can lead to increased productivity for your day.
Taking the time to plan the day with a to-do list that prioritises the most important tasks first can help ease the flow of the day, manage distractions and procrastination. It can also provide a sense of structure, control and certainty for the day, easing worry or stress you may have had for the day.
Predictable routines to reduce mental load
Morning routines can also help to build self-discipline and the habit of following a predictable schedule, reducing time and energy and mental load that can go into working out what to do next and making the decision between many choices. Planning the steps for the morning can also ensure each step flows effortlessly into the next and offers the opportunity to prepare for these steps the night before, saving time once again.
How to create a personalised morning routine that works
The ideal morning routine is one that can be followed consistently, as it is important for it to be sustainable. To build such a routine, think about how much time you have in the morning, list the practices you want to include in your morning ritual and plan out the order and timing of each activity so that it fits within the timeframe you have.
This is where the use of AI tools can assist.
How can AI help plan my day more efficiently?
AI tools can help automate some of the decision-making and planning, make suggestions, create plans, send reminders, and help you sort and prioritise your morning activities. For example, some tools like ChatGPT can suggest a morning routine based on how much time you have in the morning, by asking the right questions or “prompts.”
Benefits of using AI in the morning
This kind of automated assistance can reduce the mental load and decision fatigue and provide tips for overcoming barriers you may have in creating and sticking to a morning routine. It can also change up your routine and keep it exciting if you need ideas for this.
Best AI tools for creating a morning routine
Many of the AI tools available automate processes and plans based on the information you provide, as well as the data and patterns related to your schedule, preferences and habits that the tool collects as you use it.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI, through which you can ask it your question or dilemma, and, like a personal assistant, can provide you with tailored responses in a matter of seconds, based on all the information and sources that are already available on the internet.
AI-powered to-do lists
Task management tools can help to classify, organise and prioritise tasks based on deadlines, send you reminders and estimate completion times to streamline your typical to-do list.
AI habit trackers
Smartwatches can track habits such as exercise, sleep and water intake to monitor your progress, showing you results so you can see where you are doing well and areas where you may need improvement.
AI-powered calendars
Calendars with AI technology can analyse patterns in your schedule and suggest and schedule optimal times for tasks and meetings.
AI-powered apps for health and wellbeing rituals
Fitness apps can suggest and personalise workouts based on your previous workout history and the goals, type of workout and duration you input, so you can save time searching for the best workout yourself.
If you can’t think of what to eat for breakfast, some apps can help suggest a meal idea based on what you have in the pantry.
Take advantage of AI for the perfect, personalised morning routine
With our busy lifestyles, AI can serve as a personal assistant to help automate repetitive tasks to save time on tasks like scheduling and planning. It can make personalised suggestions, reduce mental load, and, importantly, create a morning routine for a more organised start to the day, leading to success.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and insights about using AI tools such as ChatGPT. It should not be taken as professional or personalised advice. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and verify information as needed.