Do you have a morning routine?
Crazy few days.. huh?
It seems like everything has turned upside down in the world, and we’re now going to need to adapt to new ways of connecting with people. New ways of collaborating, and new ways of working.
With a dramatic shift not to home working and having online meetings with apps like Slack and Zoom. People have been dunked into a new world of virtual working. One which may be completely alien to them. And one in which they are trying hard to adjust to.
I’ve been lucky to have several remote working opportunities in my Freelance career. I’ve experimented with different setups, a variety of working environments, and experimented with different techniques to aid my productivity.
However, there has been one thing that has boosted my productivity tenfold.
My morning routine
In a home-based environment in which there are numerous distractions and its easy to waste time on social media, which can quickly turn to hours lost. Having a set routine which I follow every single day. Focuses my mind on the one thing that I need to achieve. And enables me to face the day feeling energised and relaxed.
The concept of a morning routine was introduced to me via the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
“You are where you are because of who you were, but where you go depends entirely on who you choose to be.”
Hal Elrod
Hal is an amazing guy. From being hit by a car and being declared dead for six minutes. He is now a celebrated keynote speaker, best-selling author, and ultra runner.
The book has multiple lessons within its pages. From waking up early, mindset advice as well as details about Hal’s own life story. But the one lesson that stood out to me the most when I read it. Was the concept of a morning routine.
Much like a system has its startup sequence that it needs to go through to function correctly. Your mind needs to start in the same way to be able to produce effective output.
Otherwise, you might be tempted to work from your bed every day or stay on the couch cuddling your pet. Which isn’t a bad idea. But doesn’t get much work done.
SAVERS
Hal’s routine that is promoted in the book is based around the acronym SAVERS. Making it easy to remember the components that make up the routine.
- Silence
- Affirmations
- Visualisations
- Exercise
- Reading
- Silence
I would fully recommend reading the book to get a full rundown of each of these and how they are beneficial. But you can also read a quick summary here.
I don’t follow all of Hal’s steps. For instance, I find writing a to-do list the night before negates the reason to write (aka Scribe), in the morning. But perhaps try Hal’s routine. And then adjusting it to your own needs and what works for you.
My routine
After much experimentation with the morning routine. I have come up with my version which is made up of four individual activities. Which when combined early in the morning. Leave me feeling calm, centred and energised to face the day ahead.
I don’t have a fancy acronym sadly. But being only three parts. It’s fairly easy to remember.
Hydrate
Upon waking. The first thing that I do is head to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water. I’m sure there’s a scientific reason behind why this habit is optimal for brain function. But I find myself dehydrated after a long sleep and need to get some H2O in me.
I also make myself some Matcha tea. Which is full of anti-oxidants and natural caffeine which doesn’t give you the jitters. Which I find a drink like coffee does. It gives me a nice alert feeling. Without the crash associated with a cup of coffee.
Meditate
I mentioned meditation in my post on self-care. But with so many great Apps and resources to make use of. Meditating early in the morning has never been easier.
I find that a quick 10-minute session to balance my thoughts. Helps to centre me, and relax the mind. Enabling me to better think about my daily problems. And react more mindfully.
Exercise
Getting your body moving in the morning is what this activity is all about. It doesn’t have to be long, although I am quite partial for going running first thing.
A few push-ups are all that’s needed or even some light cardio. Just something to get your heart rate up, the blood pumping. And your body ready to tackle the day.
Find what works for you
These are all just guides and even though my exact set of steps works for me. I recommend experimenting with it. I don’t think there’s one right morning routine for everyone.
What gets me fired up. Might not work for you.
