Are you a morning person? If not, you could be sabotaging your route to success in your business. Some of the most successful people are early risers and get their days started earlier than most. Plus, they have a die-hard routine which gets them in gear for the day ahead.

If you need some help making your mornings more productive and less zombie-induced, take a look at these tips below:

1. Go to Bed Earlier

This is basic stuff here, but needs to be stressed. Sometimes it can’t be helped – you have a deadline, are out with friends, or got late night inspiration for your blog post which you just need to finish. But do you really need to stay up on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at all hours of the night checking out what Beyonce wore to the AMA’s? Turn off the phone, tablet or other electronic device and get your beauty sleep.  We know that life happens, but wherever possible, try to get in a good night’s sleep and get your 8 hours. We live in a culture these days where people brag about how much little sleep they are getting – but there is no shame in knowing what your body needs to function. You will be more productive when your body isn’t rebelling from being tired.

2. Turn off the Devices

Yes, smartphones, tablets laptops are the best thing since MAC created Ruby Woo red lipstick. But let’s not let them run our lives ladies! Everyone’s circumstances are different, but in the morning, try not to reach for the phone first thing to check your email – and absolutely do not reach for your laptop and open it in bed to start emailing – you will never leave! Once you get on that email train, it’s hard to escape ‘work mode’ and you don’t want to burn out before you’ve had your cornflakes. If you use your phone as an alarm, then try to disable your email notifications before you go to sleep so you don’t hear them. Or, you can buy an old fashioned radio (there are some cute ones out there that don’t cost a lot) and wake up to your favourite radio station, podcast, or playlist.

3. Carve out Some Personal Time

Physically get out of bed and make a cup of tea, take a shower, meditate, read the paper or magazine or do some type of stretching or yoga to wake your body up.  It’s important to have a little time carved out just for you in the morning – even if it’s just 20 minutes. 

4. Make Breakfast

it really is the most important meal of the day – even if it’s just a green juice, a smoothie, or eggs and avocado on toast, don’t skip breakfast or you’ll be low energy and crash – not a good way to start the day.

5. Make a Plan

Map out what your to-do list is for the day, review your calendar and set your priorities. Take into account any errands you have to run, appointments and meetings. Do this in the morning before you get started to ensure you have a clear plan for the day that will be productive. 

Let us know what morning routines work for you!