These 4 tips will optimize your pre-work morning routine

1. Routine is key

Try to keep your before-work schedule the same each day; by having a set time and duration for each morning activity - from getting out of bed to walking out the door - you will eliminate indecision and increase efficiency. Time is your most precious resource - don’t waste it thinking about what to do next each morning or scrambling for breakfast. 

2. Make your bed

Try to start this routine by making your bed. In a now-famous commencement speech by Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven, he stressed the importance of making your bed each morning. Start your day by accomplishing something, and set the tone for the rest of it. You can watch this portion of the speech here.

3. Work out

Including a short workout (7-15 minutes) in your morning routine not only increases energy, but makes you more effective at work. Studies have shown that working out improves cognitive function and improves decision-making. Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, resulting in a clear head afterword and making you more resilient to stress.

4. Avoid social media

How much time do you spend on Facebook and Instagram? We don’t know either. You can’t efficiently power through your morning routine if you’re distracted by pictures of an old friend’s night out or examining the comments on a shared article. Save social media perusing for a designated break later in the day and focus on what matters when you wake up.