9 Things Successful People do in the Mornings

Bogged down by hectic work schedules and stressful urban lives, most professionals today are unable to enjoy mornings in their true glory. Many have probably forgotten how amazing the rising sun can look. Mornings are beautiful, and full of hope and opportunities. They mark new beginnings.

What we do with our morning actually sets the tone for the rest of the day. Let us look at some activities that can make our mornings meaningful and help us be productive.

1. Most successful people admit that the first thing they do when they open their eyes is, express their gratitude to the Almighty. This is important. The very fact that you went to bed healthy and actually woke up the next morning is something to be thankful for. In fact, I feel, it is overconfidence that makes us plan so many things for the future, or even for the next day. Who can foresee what is in store? How can anyone be sure that they will wake up the next morning? Therefore, when you do, it would be right to thank God for giving you another bright new day, full of opportunities.

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day. 

2. Make your bed. Once you wake up, ensure that you make your bed before you leave the bedroom. When you complete this first task of the day to your satisfaction, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. By making the bed, you are taking charge. What better way to start the day than by taking charge? You are organizing things, putting things in their proper place and making way for a fresh start. If you leave the bed in a messy state, you will be forced to attend to it later when you are already in the midst of other important things. Either the activity will frustrate you then, or it will get postponed and you will most likely end up crashing on a messy bed after a long and tiring day, instead of a neat and welcoming bed. Of course, most people have house helps to take care of things. But making the bed is something you should do on your own.

Being organized, is being in control.

3. Hug your partner and your children. Just looking at them sleeping peacefully can make your day. The sight of them gives you a purpose in life. Those who are single or living alone should take a minute to look at the pictures of their loved ones before getting on with the innumerable chores that await them. If possible, exercise with your partner in the morning or go on a jog together. Use this precious time to connect before the pace of the day engulfs you.

Hugging is a silent way of saying you matter to me.

4. Our body is a temple. Just as extra effort goes into keeping a temple clean, spotless and well maintained, it is our duty to maintain our body. By maintenance, I obviously mean health. Our body requires cleansing and upkeep. Therefore, begin the day with a glass of warm water and lemon. This helps clear the toxins from within your body. Breathe in the fresh air. Go for a jog or a walk and let the early rays of the morning sun caress your skin and penetrate every pore. This body will spend the next almost eight hours indoors, breathing in stale air and getting dehydrated in an airconditioned environment. So, let it enjoy the freshness of the outdoors for a little while at the beginning of the day. Let your mind relax. Sit on a park bench and close your eyes. Enjoy the sounds of nature and listen to the birds chirping. All this helps your body and mind rejuvenate and prepare for work. Many hit the gym, which is a good practice. However, nothing can match the quality time you spend connecting with nature.

Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live.

5. Eat healthy. The body is like a machine that needs to be kept well oiled. Feed your body the right things, that will give it energy and infuse it with the stamina to work the whole day. Breakfast should be had in peace and slowly. Most people today just grab a buttered toast, gulp down a glass of milk even while they are gathering up their laptop bag and keys and heading out the front door. The first meal of the day should be enjoyed, slowly, in a relaxed manner. It should be heavy enough to keep you going the rest of the day. This can only happen if you rise early. Again, this will only be possible if you retire early too. If your body gets its eight hours of sleep, you will definitely wake up fresh and ready to take on the world.

Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments.

6. Plan the day. While on your way to work, or whenever you have time after breakfast, take a few minutes to think about all the tasks lined up for the day. If possible, make a ‘to do’ list. This ensures that you do not forget anything important. Keep ticking off tasks as and when you complete them. You will feel lighter and lighter as the number of ticks increases on the list.

Failing to plan is planning to fail 

7. Avoid checking your mail box or making official calls until you reach your office and actually sit down at your work desk. Until then, refrain from any screen time. Observe nature, listen to soothing music, or read the newspaper, but avoid checking your laptop or your official mobile phone. Your eyes are anyway going to be staring at a screen for a good part of the day. At least spare them that extra screen time early in the morning. Treat your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Playing some instrumental music in the house in the early hours of the morning sets the right mood for the day and keeps your mind calm.

Do more things that make you forget to check your phone or mail.

8. Write down a thought for the day. There is no dearth of beautiful quotes on the Internet; words that can set you thinking. Some of them really push you to introspect. Choose a quote that is deep, profound, truly meaningful and full of positivity. Write it down on a board where everyone can see, not just in the house but also at work. Let everyone read and ponder. Who knows what positive change a quote can bring in someone?

A positive start will work better than a negative one

9. Tackle the most challenging task first. No matter how many tasks you have listed in your ‘to do’ list for the day, start with the most difficult one. Tackle the toughest jobs and get them out of the way early in the day. That is when you are fresh and most energetic. The second half of the day can be spent on the remaining tasks.

A challenge is a chance for you to do your best