5 tips to help elevate your daily routine + productivity

if you’re anything like me, one small change in your morning routine can throw off the flow of your entire day. i can’t tell you how many times i’ve looked at the clock wondering how it’s 8pm and i’ve gone through the entire day without being productive at all. now, partially i feel like it’s only right to place some of the blame on my sometimes totally debilitating adhd… but as i’ve gotten older, comes to terms with the idea of accountability, and learned how to control my condition more, i can’t fully say its the blame of my not so productive days. however, when i take a step back and reflect on what went wrong, nine times out of ten i am able to figure out that it falls back on me and my lack of staying consistent with my daily routine. 

a few months ago i don’t think anyone could tell me that being so consistent in the morning would have such the impact that it does on my life today. i really thought routines were more so for the type of people who had their lives together and are mentally stable, rather than me — a recent college grad who has no idea what she wants to do with her life. little did i know, creating a routine to follow on a day-to-day basis would be the reason i am where i am today! 

i think a common misconception most people have about routines is that they have to be super extensive and include things like meditating or deep tissue stretching, when in reality the key to an ideal morning routine is whatever works best for you! whether it be 3 or 7 steps, staying consistent with starting your day on the right foot and setting yourself up for success will impact your productivity in ways you could have never imagined. 

although consistency isn’t always easy, here are a few tips i use to help me stay on track 

1 – as soon as you get up, make your bed.

you may be looking at this first tip confused because it seems like making your bed wouldn’t particularly be important. however, what most people don’t know is accomplishing a task first thing in the morning gets your brain in a productive mindset. making your bed is the easiest way to accomplish something as soon as you get up!

2 – get your blood pumpin’.

personally, i have the most productive days when i start with a workout. typically i try to go to they gym for about 45 minutes to an hour. of course, i don’t always make it there every single day of the week, but the good news is — the gym isn’t the only way to get blood circulating, so i never beat myself up! for those of you who aren’t big on going to the gym or simply don’t like working out, try getting active in the morning by going for a 30 minute walk outside or a yoga session on the internet. 

3 – actually get ready.

this is a tip that’s more so for my work from home people. its something that i struggled with for the longest, but am so happy that i made the changed. when working from home rather than an office, its so easy to be in bed or in pajamas all day because, well… why does it matter? but trust me babe, it does. if this is something you struggle with doing, i challenge you to start getting dressed in the morning. this does not necessarily mean putting on a business casual “i’m about to go into the office” type of outfit, but just a way of getting out of your pajamas and being a bit more presentable. even when working from home, i still love to be comfortable so i typically go for more of the athleisure type of outfits (especially because i’m usually coming from a workout), but you can obviously throw on whatever you choose. brush your hair, put a little make up on, and then get started with your work. i guarantee you it will make a difference on what you are able to get done! 

4 – eat breakfast.

incorporating breakfast into your morning routine is so super important. even if you aren’t big on breakfast try to eat something small like fruit and lemon water or a granola bar with your cup of coffee our tea. you will be amazed at how much more energy you have during the work day. 

5 – cut out screentime before bed. 

as much as i didn’t want to believe this would make a difference in my morning routine, i can absolutely, 100% say that does. i find that putting my phone away about an hour before bed has helped me in so many ways. it allows me to actually wind down before closing my eyes, improves my quality of sleep, and helps me to reflect on my day in a more vulnerable and personal space (typically by journaling and/or praying).

you’ve totally got this!

finding a routine that works for you is something that may take a while but is certainly worth it. it won’t happen overnight but the more consistent you are, and determined to curate the most efficient morning routine that serves your lifestyle, the easier it will be! don’t be afraid to try new things either — the only way to truly know what’s best for you is to give it a try. i believe in you!