5 Things to Improve Your Morning and Productivity

There are plenty of things you can do in the morning but these things will definitely improve how you feel in the morning and therefore will help you to stay focused and happy during the day. These will improve your productivity during the day as well.

1. Lemon water.

Start your day with a warm glass of “lemon water”. This will prepare your digestion for the breakfast ahead. Make sure it’s warm water, you don’t want to shock your insides with a cold shower.

I find 1/4 or even 1/8 of lemon is enough depending on how big the lemon is. Start with a small amount if you’re new to lemon water.

Alternatively, you can also try apple cider vinegar. And if don’t like either, at least have a glass of warm water. Sip slowly.

2. Exercise.

Exercising is important not only for your body but for your productivity and your mood.

Not a huge fan to exercise in the morning?  Stretch or do a Tibetan Rites or go for a walk (see point 5) and exercise when you feel more energetic.

Morning workouts for you to try:

Kaila Itsines (tough but you will get great results, just don't put too much pressure on yourself. Start slow and eventually you'll get there) - via the app "Sweat" (it also gives you meal plans if you are into meal plans).

When I don't feel like intense exercising I do Pilates or yoga and if I really really do not feel like doing anything, I do:

Tibetan Rites. I always add at least a few repetitions of each exercise every morning regardless of what I choose to do. Because they are super good for you. Try them for yourself here.

I learned them from Vicky Vlachonis. She wrote an amazing book "The Body Doesn't Lie", the best book on body care I've ever read. She is also an osteopath and Gwyneth Paltrow is one of her clients.

One of my most favourite morning yoga workouts:

Wake Up Yoga - 15-minute yoga practice with Tara Stiles (amazing!).

3. Meditate or do some breathing.

If you’re new to meditation, try Mindful Daily app. It will teach you all the basics, step by step. Another great alternative is Calm app.

If you are looking for some sounds to meditate,try Tide app. You can use Tide app as a focus app or as a meditation app.

For those who are not ready for meditation yet - try some mindful breathing. Both Mindful Daily app and Calm app will teach you how to do this. 

4. Journal / Morning Pages.

Journaling has many benefits, including improving your mood and increasing your productivity as a result.

I learned about morning pages (writing 750 words of everything that is in your head) from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I like Penzu for journaling online.

You’ll be more productive and creative once all the random thoughts you have in your head end up on a piece of paper or your screen.

5. Go for a walk.

Go for walk to your favourite place without your mobile phone. It’s a wonderful experience walking without your phone. No pictures to take, nobody can interrupt you by sending you a message or calling you. Even if it’s only a walk around the block, it is still very beneficial to get yourself outside, breathe some air and move your body.

Notice when you’re productive. What helped you to boost your productivity? Write it down or make sure to remember this for the time when you need it most.