Have you ever thought about how your work routines can impact the rest of your day?
To create a better day for yourself, you need to begin at the beginning. That means not only should you have a morning routine at home but at work as well.
Why is this important?
If you’ve read any of my previous posts on morning routines, then you already know that having one at home sets you up for a successful day by helping you reach your goals and begin to manage your stress before your stress manages you.
Well, having a morning routine at work helps you get into a mindset of being able to face your world of work and get stuff done. It might help you to think of it as steps designed to transition you into productivity.
So how do you do this?
Start With How You Get There
Even if you’re working from home, it’s still important not to arrive at work at the very last second. That only ensures that you’re stressed out from the get go. So instead, set yourself up for success by arriving with time to spare.
Make your wake up time one that allows you to carry out all of your morning activities without causing undue stress. Then stick to it. If you work outside of the home, you can’t control the traffic or public transportation, but you can control your time.
Schedule Check
It’s also helpful to get your day started by checking in on your schedule first thing once you start to work. Even better would be to write up your intended schedule the day before.
When you start with a schedule check, you are getting a mental picture of the day by noting what needs to happen when. Ask yourself:
What do I have going on today?
What work is expected from me by what time?
Set-Up
Your work area contributes to your stress or lack thereof. As does your work process. When you are reviewing your daily schedule, take note of your necessary supplies or resources. Also, are there any project related activities that could be delegated?
Taking time in the beginning of your day to figure out what’s needed to get your work done will help the rest of your day run more smoothly.
Habit Check
We all have them, those detractors that get in your way when you’re trying to focus on the work. It could be your favorite phone game, chatting with co-workers, e-mails or your voicemails all pulling at you, trying to derail your day. Think about how you can limit these activities as part of your routine. For example, consider scheduling email checks at certain times or limit socialization to break times.
Make A List
One of the best ways to create structure in your workday is to jot down the 3 biggest tasks you want to complete each day in order to help you focus and have a clearer view of what needs to be done to reach your work goals. Chunk your list by using a productivity technique to get it done.
Get Comfortable
Being uncomfortable is one of the biggest distractors there is. If you’re hungry, have to use the bathroom or need your morning coffee, you’ll never be able to buckle down and work. Take care of those things in the beginning of the day so you can have a few hours of uninterrupted work.
Begin
Once you’ve accomplished the other steps listed in this post, then its time to begin. Take the first item on your list and dive in, giving it your full concentration.
So, there you have it, 7 ways to start a morning routine at work. Of course, you can adapt your routines in the way that best fits your needs.
The key here is to be intentional in your actions, shift your mindset, and set yourself up for success. Do only what works for you. And you can do it because it's all about Making Time.
Let’s talk, what activities will be part of your morning routine at work? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a facilitator, stress management coach and author of “Yes I’m Grateful,” a gratitude journal. She believes in empowering her clients to help them manage their stress and increase self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn