3 minute read
The way we start our mornings often sets the tone for the entire day. Ultra-productive individuals rarely leave this important time to chance; instead they craft deliberate morning routines that maximise energy, focus, and accomplishment. When examining these patterns, we can acknowledge strategies that improve our own productivity and well-being.
1. Waking up early to maximise productivity
Research consistently shows that early risers tend to be more proactive and better at anticipating problems. According to a study published in the American Psychological Association reports that morning people have higher levels of positive emotion and life satisfaction compared to night owls. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, famously begins his day at 3.45 am. This early start gives people uninterrupted time for strategic thinking before the demands of the day take over. Even gaining just 30 minutes of quiet time before others wake up can improve productivity and reduce stress.
2. Engaging in physical activity to boost energy
Exercise is an important habit among high performers. The British Heart Foundation states that morning physical activity improves blood flow, which in turn, increases cognitive function throughout the day. Richard Branson credits his exercise routine with helping him become more productive and even states that it’s one of the reasons that helped him get to where he is today.
3. Practising mindfulness and meditation for mental clarity
Many high performers incorporate mindfulness practices into their morning routines. This isn’t coincidental since mindfulness lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for planning and decision-making.
4. Consuming a nutrient-rich breakfast to fuel the day
What we consume in the morning has an impact on our cognitive performance. Foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy without the mid-morning crash associated with sugary alternatives. Many high performers, for example, drink matcha tea as part of their morning nutrition. This powdered green tea contains L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness, as well as a moderate caffeine content that gives energy without the jitters associated with coffee.
5. Planning and prioritising tasks for effective time management
Perhaps the most universal trait among ultra-productive people is deliberate planning. You could be using digital tools or paper planners, but the important aspect is that they identify their most important tasks (MITs) before the day’s distractions happen.
When implementing even one or two of these evidence-based practices, you can change your mornings from a rushed blur into a powerful foundation for productivity. The important aspect is not in adopting someone else’s routine wholesale but in experimenting to find out which practices most effectively set you up for success.
