8 tiny things to do in the morning to set yourself up for a really productive day

There’s a significant difference between waking up and seizing the day, and just rolling out of bed with no clear direction.

The difference? It’s all about those first few moments in the morning. I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a true believer in the power of mindfulness.

I’ve learned that incorporating just a few tiny habits into your morning routine can set the tone for a super productive day. It’s not about drastic changes, but rather small tweaks that make all the difference.

In this article, I’m excited to share with you those 8 tiny things you can do each morning to pave the way for a day full of productivity and focus. 

Let’s get started. 

1. Wake up at the same time every day

We’ve all heard of the benefits of being an early bird, but it’s not just about waking up early. It’s about consistency.

Establishing a routine by waking up at the same time every day can help to regulate your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn benefits your quality of sleep and wakefulness throughout the day.

Even on weekends, try to stick to your regular wake-up time. This consistency can lead to better sleep quality and less sleepiness during the day, setting you up for greater productivity.

Consider this: our bodies thrive on predictability. A regular sleep schedule helps to ensure better sleep and a more alert mind during waking hours.

According to the Harvard Medical Blog, “Keeping a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends—maintains the timing of the body’s internal clock and can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily.”

It’s a tiny change, but it can make a big difference in your day-to-day productivity. So let’s set that alarm and stick to it!

2. Hydrate before you caffeinate

This might sound surprising, but I’ve found that drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, even before that first cup of coffee, can really jumpstart your day.

I’ve always been a coffee-first kind of person, but when I noticed that I was feeling sluggish and dehydrated in the mornings, I made a small change. I started my mornings with a glass of water – before anything else.

The difference was noticeable almost immediately. I felt more alert, more awake, and that feeling of sluggishness was gone.

You see, during sleep, your body is essentially in a state of fasting and dehydration. By hydrating first thing in the morning, you’re replenishing your body’s water supply, boosting your metabolism and kickstarting your brain function for the day.

3. Meditate for just 5 minutes

We often think of meditation as a lengthy process, requiring a lot of time and a serene environment. But the truth is, even just five minutes of quiet reflection can have a profound effect on your day.

Meditation in the morning helps to clear your mind, set your intentions for the day, and improve your focus and concentration. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain, allowing you to start your day from a place of calm and clarity.

I’ve personally experienced the power of this tiny habit. In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the intricacies of mindfulness and meditation, and how these practices can lead to a more fulfilled and productive life.

Starting your day with just five minutes of meditation can set the stage for increased productivity, focus, and peace throughout the day. It’s a small investment of time that yields big returns.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn, renowned mindfulness teacher and author once said, “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” So why not start your day by befriending yourself through a few quiet moments of meditation?

4. Practice gratitude

It may not seem like much, but taking a few moments each morning to reflect on what you’re grateful for can significantly impact your mindset and productivity for the rest of the day.

Psychological research has repeatedly shown the positive effects of practicing gratitude. It’s linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental health. But how does this relate to productivity?

Well, when you start your day with a positive mindset, you’re more likely to tackle tasks with enthusiasm and focus. You’re also better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.

One practical way to incorporate this into your morning routine is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each morning, jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things – even simple things like a good cup of coffee or a sunny morning can make the list.

5. Skip the morning news

This tip might seem a little counter-intuitive, but hear me out. While it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening around the world, immersing yourself in the news first thing in the morning can actually hinder your productivity.

News, especially these days, can be filled with negativity and stress-inducing stories. Starting your day with this kind of information can cause anxiety and distract you from your goals for the day.

Instead, try dedicating your morning to positive activities that promote focus and calmness, like the ones we’ve been discussing. You can always catch up on the news later in the day when you’re mentally prepared to handle it.

Productivity is not just about doing more, but also about doing what’s best for our mental health and well-being. 

Consider guarding your mornings from potential stressors like the news, and see how it impacts your productivity levels.

6. Get moving

It’s no secret that physical activity is crucial for our overall health. But did you know that it can also significantly boost your productivity?

Engaging in some form of physical exercise in the morning, whether it’s a quick jog, a yoga session, or even just some stretching exercises, can wake up your body and get your blood flowing. This not only helps you feel more alert but also releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.

Exercise also stimulates brain activity and improves cognitive function, which can help you tackle the day’s tasks more effectively.

You don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can make a big difference.

7. Set clear intentions for the day

One of the most game-changing habits I adopted was setting clear intentions for my day each morning. This simple act of planning out my day, deciding what tasks and projects to focus on, and visualizing successful outcomes, has had a profound impact on my productivity levels.

It’s not about creating a rigid to-do list, but rather outlining your priorities, setting realistic goals, and focusing on what needs to be done to achieve them.

This act of intention-setting can help you avoid distractions and stay focused on your goals throughout the day. It gives you a sense of purpose and direction as you start your day, making you more likely to stay productive and achieve your desired outcomes.

As famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

Take a few moments each morning to look inside and set clear intentions for your day.

8. Nourish your body

Last, but certainly not least, is the importance of nourishing your body in the morning. What you eat for breakfast can significantly affect your energy levels, concentration, and overall productivity throughout the day.

Instead of reaching for sugary cereals or pastries, opt for a balanced meal that includes protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Foods like eggs, avocados, and oatmeal can provide sustained energy and keep you feeling satisfied longer.

And don’t forget about hydration. As mentioned earlier, starting your day with a glass of water can help replenish your body’s water supply and kickstart your metabolism.

When your body is properly fueled and hydrated, you’re more likely to have the energy and focus needed to tackle your tasks effectively.

Make sure to start your day with nourishing foods that will set you up for a productive day ahead.

In conclusion: It’s about the little things

Our daily routines and habits can significantly influence our productivity levels, mindset, and overall quality of life.

These 8 tiny things you can do in the morning are not about drastically changing your lifestyle or adopting a rigid routine. Instead, they’re about making small tweaks and incorporating simple habits that set the stage for a highly productive day.

Perhaps it’s about hydrating before your morning coffee, taking a few moments to meditate, or setting clear intentions for the day. These small actions can make a big difference in how you navigate your day.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how mindfulness and intentional living can transform our daily lives. It emphasizes the power of tiny actions and their cumulative impact over time.

Productivity isn’t merely about ticking off tasks on a to-do list. It’s about being mindful of our actions, maintaining focus on our goals, and nurturing our mental and physical well-being. As the great psychologist William James once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

Start small. Choose one or two of these habits to incorporate into your morning routine and see how it transforms your day. After all, sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.