Many Entrepreneurs and successful business people swear by their morning routine. There are any number of articles on how they start their day - usually getting up as dawn breaks.

Having a morning routine is a great way to set yourself up for the day. To focus on yourself for the first hour of the day, before things get too busy and you’re swept up in a busy day. Start the day calm and relaxed and you’ll be more focused and productive.

If you’re not an early riser don’t worry. You don’t have to get up at 4am. You can still create your morning routine from when you want to start you day and in a way that suits you.

Use these as a starter to build your morning routine.

Set your alarm an hour earlier. I’m always delighted at how much more I get done when I wake up early. I get to the middle of the morning and it feels as though I’ve been up for hours and I’ve already had a productive day. It takes some doing as I’m not naturally an early riser and there’s the temptation for just a few extra minutes, especially when I still feel tired or haven’t had a great night’s sleep.

If you’re going to get up earlier, don’t do it at the expense of a good night’s sleep. Make sure you get to bed earlier too.

Tip: Reduce your screen time and use a proper alarm clock not your mobile phone. Especially if you’re in the habit of checking messages early morning/late at night when you take your mobile into the bedroom. 

Hydrate - have a glass of water when you wake up. Warm water with a slice of lemon or ginger. Try a herbal tea to start the digestion before breakfast and that first cuppa fo the day.

Exercise - you don’t have to get out and run a 5k before breakfast (unless of course that’s your thing) but morning exercise is a good addition to your morning routine. Get your body moving after a night’s sleep and boost your hormone levels for the day. Do a few stretches, yoga, pilates or a short home workout.

Get outdoors - take a walk around the block or to your local park or green space. If you are more active, a brisk walk, run or cycle for 30 minutes. Get exercise into your day early before the excuses creep in, you get too busy or you’re too tired.

Eat a healthy breakfast - unless you’re a midnight snacker, give your body a healthy start to the day. Grabbing a morning cup of coffee on your way to work isn’t the best way to fuel your body for a productive day. There are better options than cereal and toast. Try juices, smoothies or a protein rich breakfast of eggs, beans or avocado toast, porridge with fresh fruit. I've found some great alternate breakfast ideas online.

Family time - busy parents can use this time of the day to get organised or do a few things before the rest of the family wake up. Tidy up, prepare breakfast, pack lunches or just plan out the day so you can relax with the family.

You time - a time in the day just for you before the rest of the house stirs. This could be anything from reading, studying or meditation time. Use the time to work on your personal goals or doing something you love. Writing down your thoughts and feelings or just journaling your day.

Plan your day - take a few minutes at the beginning of the day to plan what you want to achieve today. Relax with your morning coffee and plan out your day. What are the most important things you want to achieve today?

Find what works and when to schedule your morning routine. It doesn't have to be the first hour of the day. It might work better after the school run, before you start work. Change according to the season and weather and have alternate routines you can swap in and out as needed.

Let me know if you have a morning routine and what works for you.

If you'd like more time management and productivity to tips with practical solutions to your daily challenges, sign up for my Time Matters newsletter.

Find Out More:

Get in touch if you want to find ways to use your time more productively.

Find out more about how to Plan Your Week (e-course)

Journaling and morning pages - The Artists Way - Julia Cameron

7 Signs You're Wasting Time (Download)