I don’t know how things work in your house, but my family has found that the morning tends to set the tone for the rest of the day.
This is why it is so critical for us to be intentional about engaging in morning activities that help us have productive days. Here are five of those activities.
Morning activities that set a productive tone for the day
- Getting up the first time the alarm sounds. As I’ve discussed previously, it’s optimal for me to get up the first time my alarm goes off. When I am unable (or unwilling) to get up until my alarm has sounded multiple times, it sets a sluggish tone for the day. Why is this? The sleep I get between alarm soundings is of poor quality. Moreover, I have things I need to get up and do—this is why my alarm is set to sound at a particular time! Getting up as soon as my alarm sounds sets an enthusiastic tone for the day.
- Spending time with the Lord. Though my life is busy because of the many demands of marriage and motherhood, it is critical that I find time to read the Bible and pray each day. I do this first thing in the morning because it refreshes me, helps me get my priorities right, and puts me in communication with the One who has new mercies for me each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). I sure need these mercies!
- Eating a nutritious breakfast. It’s really easy to overlook breakfast when there are a dozen other things vying for my attention. However, the old adage about breakfast being the most important meal of the day isn’t something our mothers made up to convince us to eat. It’s true! Breakfast is important in helping us consume adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, it gives us energy to make it through the morning, and it improves concentration and performance (source). I’m definitely more energetic, focused, and patient when I’ve consumed a nutritious breakfast.
- Getting dressed. Given I’m an adult, I really shouldn’t need a reminder to get dressed in the morning. If you’ve ever had young children, though, you likely understand why this is its own bullet point. It takes time and effort to locate and get changed into nice clothes and to do something with my hair. This is why it’s often easiest to stay in pajamas (or don sweats) and pull my hair back into a ponytail. Even though it takes a bit of time, getting dressed is worth it! I feel better about myself and have more enthusiasm when I get out of my pajamas and into regular clothing.
- Determining what must get done today. I often wake to a to-do list that is a mile long. Sometimes I even know of other things I need to complete that I haven’t yet documented on a list! There’s no way I’m going to finish every task that I would like to complete, so I have to set some realistic expectations. Usually this means selecting two or three tasks that I will complete today. This means putting everything else on the proverbial back burner so I can take care of these priorities. If I don’t set these priorities at the start of the day, then I often find myself wondering around aimlessly or spreading myself too thin as I try to address too many tasks at once.
Do you find that mornings in your household set the tone for the day? If so, what activities must occur in order for you to have a productive day?
Shared at the following:
Small Victories Sunday, Monday’s Musings, Titus 2 Tuesday, and The Art of Homemaking.
Getting dressed really does set the tone for the day! I make a point to get dressed in a nice-ish outfit and brush my hair each morning, because it helps me get my act together. Also, I just want to say that the timing of this blog post is ironic, because Peter was randomly up bunches last night, so I didn’t get out of bed until 2 hours later than normal this morning-and as a result, feel a bit behind. Thanks for all of these great reminders, which are especially handy to me today! 🙂
Though it is simple, getting dressed really does make a difference…even on those days when getting dressed just means putting on a t-shirt and jeans!
Getting up late always throws me off, too. However, it is important that we have grace for ourselves on those days when unexpected situations occur (like babies keeping us awake). 🙂
It’s nice to have specific activities that can get us back on track!
Mornings do set the tone for me. I don’t get up to an alarm but am up between 445 and 6 in the morning. I make the bed always, wash my face, and eat and then Bible study. I don’t always dress right away, but do most days.
Hi Debbie,
That sounds like a great routine!
Even if I didn’t set an alarm clock, my two living alarms would be sure to wake me! 🙂
Hi Shannon, Great tips for starting the day! It seems if I don’t have a time of Bible study early in the day somehow it may be put off and then doesn’t get done at all. Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet
Hi Janet,
This has been my experience, as well. It’s so critical to get it in first thing!
My kids aren’t all that young anymore and I still need to remember to get dressed. I usually sleep in yoga pants and a t, so it’s easy to just let that little chore slip on by… Blessings!
I’m glad I’m not the only one with this issue!
Yes! I use a list every day to get more things done. I try to hit my top three goals for the day and then I’m happy to put everything off until tomorrow and spend more time with the ones that matter most. I’m trying to find a better balance with this.
Hi Krystal,
It’s so nice to have that peace, isn’t it? It would be hard (if not impossible) without identifying the priorities first.
Thanks for this list, Shannon. I’m on vacation now and realizing that the simple act of waking up early makes a big difference in my day. When I’m working, it’s tough to get everything on this list done but I continue to try.
Hi Rebecca,
It would be difficult to get it all done before going to work! I’m impressed that you try. I think we must all customize our morning routines to fit our needs, so don’t assume that what I’ve described above is the “right” way. What’s best for each of us looks slightly different.