Productivity does not always mean meeting deadlines, revising for exams, or cleaning your entire house.

When we think of productivity, we immediately think to ourselves, ‘I’m not doing enough’.

This is usually because our idea of productivity involves working consistently, without breaks, until we mentally and physically burn out. This does not create a positive or healthy relationship with the word ‘productivity’.

To be productive, does not mean to complete a long list of jobs or tasks that we know will overwhelm and tire us out.

There are a few ways we can feel productive at the start of the day, without pushing ourselves to the limit. 

Let’s have a look at them in detail.

Start your day early

One of the best ways to feel productive throughout the entire day, is starting early in the morning.

To set one task for yourself to complete in the morning can set the standard for the rest of the day, and already make you feel productive.

It doesn’t have to be anything grand. This can be making your bed for example. Making your bed in the morning also makes it less tempting to go back to bed, which can be incredibly tempting when you are tired. It can also make you feel more organised at the start of the day, already putting you in a more positive mindset.

A lot of the time, if we start the day feeling unproductive, it puts us in a negative mindset from the get-go, making us believe that we have already wasted our day.

Therefore, it is important to start the day off doing something productive, like making your bed. 

Set up a plan for the day

Another great way to feel productive in the morning, is spending 10-20 minutes setting up a plan for your day. This can be done whilst enjoying a hot beverage or some water.

This helps set a few goals for the day. It doesn’t have to be anything substantial; it could include read a chapter of a book, or spend some time doing something creative.

Being productive does not always involve doing tasks you dislike. Allowing yourself time to do something you enjoy, or building a skill is incredibly productive.

A lot of the time doing what we enjoy puts us in a better frame of mind when taking on more difficult tasks. 

Schedule in some time to relax

Throughout the day it can become overwhelming deciding when to complete the more difficult tasks, and when to relax and do something enjoyable.

We often feel guilty for relaxing when we should be completing that difficult task hanging over us. Consequently, we end up feeling stressed out instead of relaxed.

That is why setting up a plan for the day where you clearly outline when you will get that task done, and when you will relax may help you enjoy your relaxation time more. It is important to remember that relaxing is sometimes the most productive thing we can do. 

Make time to exercise

Another great way to feel productive in the morning is taking the time to either go out for a walk, or complete a short exercise video/meditation video indoors.

This does depend on how much time you have in the morning, but a short 10-minute walk or 10-minute exercise video/meditation video would put you in a positive mindset to start the day.

It does not have to be anything intense, it can be a leisurely walk, or low impact exercise/meditation class. Moving your body, even for a short time can put you in a better mood, with better focus in the morning. 

Don’t skip breakfast

The last tip for a beginners guide to productivity in the morning, is eating breakfast.

A lot of people skip breakfast, if they are running late or they may not feel hungry early in the day. But eating breakfast is incredibly important if you are looking to improve your productivity.

Fuelling your body is one of the best ways to feel productive. You will feel energised, and more focused when completing those difficult tasks. The act of making breakfast for yourself is also a way to feel productive.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but preparing food for yourself, food you enjoy, is a great way to start your day. Try to make it something to look forward to, as opposed to another chore. 

These are a few tips for productivity that do not involve pushing yourself past your limits. Instead of feeling guilty for relaxing, or feeling ‘I’m not doing enough’, you can realise productivity does not always involve doing tasks you dislike, it involves taking time to enjoy yourself and look after yourself. 

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Curious to delve into more reading on productivity tips?

Check out the sources below:
White, M. (2021) Benefits of morning movement, The Dailey Method. Available at: https://thedaileymethod.com/benefits-of-morning-movement/
Department of Health & Human Services (2000) Breakfast, Better Health Channel. Department of Health & Human Services. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/breakfast