10 Tested Morning Routines of Remarkably Productive People
How are famously productive people able to accomplish so much in a single day?
The magic is often found in their morning routines. Starting the day with carefully chosen habits can kick off a productive and successful day.
In this post, we’ll discuss ten morning routines of remarkably productive people and include tips on how you can blend these habits into your life.
The Science Behind Morning Routines
Zillions (approximately😜) of studies have shown that having a structured morning routine can powerfully boost productivity.
Morning routines help reduce stress, improve focus, and provide momentum.
Following a regular morning routine helps you feel more in control for the rest of the day.
Routines of Remarkably Productive People
Early Rising
Many productive people, such as Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, start their day early.
Early rising allows for quiet time to plan or enjoy some “me time” before the daily demands begin. This quiet period can make a huge difference to the outcome of your day.
I use my morning quiet time for self-care such as toothbrushing, skin care, getting dressed, and making my bed.
This lets me feel prepared for anything that might come up whether I’m at my computer all day or need to run an errand.
It also allows me to start and finish work early so I have plenty of winding down time in the evening.
Physical Exercise
Like many successful people, former President Barack Obama begins his day with a workout. Morning exercise boosts energy levels, elevates mood, and enhances cognitive function (thinking).
Whatever your exercise of choice is, physical activity can lead to a positive attitude for the rest of the day.
My main form of exercise is walking. I aim for 30 minutes in the morning but even 10-15 minutes of movement will have a beneficial effect.
Depending on the weather, I can walk outdoors or inside, and sometimes I switch it up with a video Zumba session.
A Healthy Breakfast
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, swears by a healthy breakfast.
A nutritious meal fuels your body and brain, providing the energy needed to stay productive throughout the day. Include protein, healthy fats, and fiber for a balanced start.
For example, you could have half of an avocado (healthy fat) spread on whole grain toast (fiber) and topped with a poached or fried egg (protein). Fast, easy, delicious, and healthy!
I also love oatmeal (fiber) with a big spoonful of peanut butter (healthy fat/protein) and fresh blueberries stirred in (fiber).
Limit Technology Use
Arianna Huffington avoids technology first thing in the morning.
Use an alarm clock rather than your phone.
If you check social media, emails, texts, etc., you allow other people to take over your thoughts and focus.
Avoid digital distractions at least until after your morning routine is complete.
Mindfulness or Meditation
Oprah Winfrey practices meditation each morning.
Mindfulness practices help reduce stress and increase focus. Spending 10-15 minutes meditating can clear your mind, preparing you to tackle the day’s challenges with clarity and calmness.
Goal Setting or Planning
Benjamin Franklin famously outlined his daily schedule each morning.
Setting clear goals and planning your day provides direction and motivation. This doesn’t have to take long — 5-10 minutes listing your top priorities and scheduling your tasks for the day should be plenty.
Reading or Learning
Wealthy investor Warren Buffett spends his mornings reading.
Consuming educational or inspirational content stimulates the mind and keeps you informed. Dedicate 15-20 minutes to reading a book, article, or listening to a podcast.
I like listening to podcasts when I’m walking indoors. When I walk outside, I simply enjoy being surrounded by nature!
Writing or Journaling
Author Tim Ferriss practices morning journaling. Writing can help clarify your thoughts, set intentions, and get rid of mental clutter.
You can also go back over previous journal entries to detect any triggers that cause certain behaviors such as losing your temper or overeating.
Spend 5-10 minutes jotting down your thoughts, goals, reflections, or whatever occurs to you.
Personal Development Activities
Robin Sharma, author of “The 5 AM Club,” dedicates some morning routine time to personal development.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, working on a hobby, or engaging in a creative project, personal growth activities can enrich your life and increase productivity.
Cold Showers
Tony Robbins includes cold showers in his morning routine. Cold exposure can invigorate the body, increase alertness, and boost mood.
Start with a few seconds of cold water at the end of your shower then work up to more cold time.
**Once I stepped into a shower without letting the water heat up, and it sucked the breath out of me and caused an immediate asthma attack.
I know lots of people love this morning habit but it is one thing I will never willingly do!
Creating Your Own Morning Routine
Begin by observing your current morning habits and evaluating which practices you want to keep and which you should discard.
Customize your routine to fit your lifestyle and preferences. What works for someone else might not work for you, so pick and choose the routines that will help you the most.
Build your morning routine gradually bit by bit. Introduce new habits gradually to avoid feeling overwhelmed and giving up. Experiment with one or two changes and build from there.
Be flexible and adjust your routine as needed while remaining consistent with your core habits. Your morning routine will constantly evolve as your tastes and needs change.
For example, reading turned out to be too low energy for my morning routine, but I consider learning to be essential. So, I moved work related reading, courses, etc. to an afternoon break time block in my schedule.
Conclusion
Building an effective morning routine can level up your productivity as well as your overall well-being.
By incorporating some of these habits practiced by highly productive people, you will generate a confident mood for your day.
Start experimenting with your morning routine today and see the difference it makes in your life.
Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear what routines work for you!
