My mornings have a tremendous impact on my productivity.
There's a vast difference between these two morning routines:
- Turn off the alarm, scroll through YouTube shorts for 20 minutes, get up, drink a glass of water, shower, make coffee while I watch another video, and then rush to the first meeting of the day.
- Turn off the alarm, get up, drink a glass of water, do 10 minutes of Yoga and meditate for 15 minutes, shower, make coffee mindfully, and then sit down to work without having looked at my phone.
When I don’t use my phone until after I sit down to work, I’m much more productive than when I scroll through YouTube Shorts still in bed and read the news while I’m on the toilet.
Having a "productive" morning with movement, meditation, and some gratitude has a lasting effect on my day. I'm less easily distracted and more focused on the task at hand. I take more effective breaks and finish my work days content more often than not.
Do you notice something similar with yourself?
If yes, use this to your advantage.
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius
The two mornings described above are two two extreme points on a smooth scale. You can experiment which parts of your morning give you the best start for the rest of your day.
Reading Recommendations
How Shifting Your Attention Can Be the Cure for Anxiety
“If you are struggling with anxiety, I encourage you to ask yourself the same question I did, ‘Am I focusing too much on my anxiety?’”
12 Effects of Anxiety on the Body
“Everyone has anxiety from time to time, but chronic anxiety can interfere with your quality of life. While perhaps most recognized for behavioral changes, anxiety can also have serious consequences on your physical health. Read on to learn more about the major effects anxiety has on your body.”
5 Simple Steps to Effectively Manage Time as a Software Engineer
“With effective time management, you can be super productive with less stress and can have more time at hand. You can utilize this extra time to seize more opportunities that can help you realize your career goals.”
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
Try to take one deep, conscious breath every time you sit down today. Conscious breathing connects our mind and body with the current moment. When done regularly, it works wonders for clarity and stress relief.
End Note
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Have a great week
Simon
PS: How do you think about tasks? Please hit reply and let me know. I’m curious!