7 steps to an effective morning routine

Time management is a challenge for many people. Whether you work from home or elsewhere, balancing all your responsibilities can sometimes seem insurmountable. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do manage several important aspects of my life, including running several websites and social networks as well as daily household chores.

Plan the night before

Honestly, the best morning routine wouldn't work if it didn't start the night before. So, before you go to bed (or relax in the evening), grab a piece of paper, your phone, or whatever you prefer, and make yourself a list of what you have to do in the week ahead.

Once you've drawn up your list, decide what's a priority by adding points to what you feel is most important to do first thing on Monday morning, for example. Remember to plan the tasks that require the most concentration at a time when you are generally the most alert and efficient. For many people, that time is in the morning, when the mind is fresh and rested.

If you have tasks that are more routine or less demanding in terms of concentration, consider placing them at times when your energy is naturally lower, such as in the afternoon.

You should also bear in mind that certain tasks may be better suited to specific times of the day. For example, calls or meetings may be better planned when you know that the other parties involved will also be available.

That way, when you get down to work, you won't have to think about what you have to do, and you'll save precious time.

Get up early

You grunted, didn't you? You knew it was coming, didn't you?

Ok, so yes, one of the ways to get more hours in your day IS to literally add more hours awake, but even if you're not a morning person, the difference of half an hour can be crucial, not only to what gets accomplished, but also to how your mind feels and processes the day!

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Did you know that before you even open your eyes in the morning, you can already start to shape your day (and your future)? It's true, so start well: before you put your two feet on the ground, imagine your WHY (why you're doing all this, what you want to happen, or change, in your life/family/home business) becoming a reality.

Visualise (see/hear/smell, etc.) what you want for yourself, your success, your dream company, etc.

You'll automatically feel better than if you start your day thinking about worries and bills to pay.

Meditate

Pray, meditate, sit quietly, do whatever suits you during this moment; simply put yourself in touch with all that is greater than you. Centre yourself before the world rushes in!

Activate blood circulation

Activating blood circulation first thing in the morning is an excellent way of awakening the body and mind. There's nothing like alternating between running and walking in the morning, with the addition of morning stretches or a bit of yoga. Not only is it refreshing, it's also extremely beneficial for your health.

There are many benefits to this morning routine. Firstly, whether you're running or walking, you're boosting your cardiovascular system, helping your heart to stay in shape and building up your stamina. Secondly, stretching and yoga aren't just relaxing; they also improve your flexibility and reduce the risk of injury, as well as loosening up muscles and joints that can become stiff overnight.

Exercising in the morning also gives your metabolism a boost, which can help you control your weight better. It's also a great way to clear your mind and mentally prepare for the day. You may even find that you're more focused and productive after incorporating a little physical activity into your morning routine.

Incorporate your passions and moments of relaxation into your priorities

Part of planning the night before involves highlighting what absolutely must be done. This could include important deadlines, work appointments or urgent household chores.

But don't forget to also plan what's important to you, and then adjust everything else around that. This means setting aside time for your passions, your hobbies, or even moments of relaxation. It's essential to find a balance between obligations and activities that bring you joy and well-being. Working from home gives you the unique flexibility to structure your day in such a way that it includes not only work, but also time to recharge and fulfil yourself.

Isn't that the whole point of working for yourself from home? It's an opportunity to create a working environment that takes account of all the facets of your life. By integrating personal and professional elements into your daily routine, you not only work more productively, you also build a more harmonious and balanced life.

Cut yourself off from the internet

It's undeniable that we spend a considerable amount of time on social networks, often to the detriment of our productivity. If I had to highlight one crucial aspect of improving efficiency at work, it would certainly be the need to limit this time. The fact is, it's easy to become absorbed in emails, blogs, articles, or even calls and messages to friends and family, which translates into a significant loss of time every day.

To remedy this, I recommend disconnecting completely from the Internet, particularly social networks, during the first few hours of work in the morning. This allows you to concentrate fully on your professional tasks without the constant interruptions caused by notifications and other online distractions. In an emergency, it's best to revert to traditional methods of communication such as a phone call or text message.

Conclusion

We discussed several strategies for optimising our mornings. The most important thing is to start the day with some physical activity, whether it's a light run or a soothing yoga session, to wake up the body and mind. Planning the day the day before is also an excellent way of clarifying our goals and prioritising our important tasks.

At the same time, it's crucial to recognise the impact of time spent on social networks and other digital distractions. Disconnecting from these platforms during working hours can greatly improve our concentration and efficiency.

Finally, it's important to remember that perfection is an unattainable ideal and that life often has its unexpected moments. At such times, it's essential to be indulgent with yourself, accept the unexpected and adapt accordingly.