Lately, in the morning it's been very hard to get myself going or motivated. With the cooler weather and shorter days, all I want to do sometimes is just curl up in my covers all day long. However, this doesn't make a very productive day.



If I don't get anything done all day there are times that I get into a negative headspace and become depressed. This isn't healthy. It's important to realize that you are going to have slow days and that is okay. In fact, it's healthy to have a down day in order to recharge. It's not healthy to wallow in the dark though. I find myself doing that sometimes.... guilty as charged. I can't help it at times.



I blame the bipolar crash from prior mania. Luckily, the crash isn't as intense as it was in the past for me because of medication. Thank god for my medication because it's a lot easier to bounce back from that negativity. Depression isn't easy. In those moments, I have to remind myself that many others are often in the same place as me. No one is ever truly alone.

Having some sort of routine every single morning helps me from going into those negative headspaces. Routine is key when it comes to mental health and destructive behaviors/thinking. I am first to admit that when it comes to production..... I have always been a night owl. Recently, waking up earlier has really helped my mental health.

For some reason, waking up earlier has set my day up to be way more successful. Routines are a must for me. I always have thrived with structure. Lots of people are like this. Structure can greatly reduce anxiety because you can plan ahead. Anxiety is the fear of the unknown after all. So, planning ahead keeps the anxiety at a minimal. Diminishing any fear has always been my goal.


Here are things you can do every single morning for a more productive day. You may even feel better about yourself in the end! 😄
1. Make and write out a list
Make a physical list of everything you need to get done in the day. Set realistic goals on what you want your day to look like. When you complete something physically cross it off. This is a great way to stay productive and to get things done. Nothing is more satisfying than crossing something off your list. Don't forget to start small. That way you do not get overwhelmed. This is also great so you do not forget to do something important that needs to be done. It's great for remembering and the forgetful mind. 

2. Listen to some uplifting music
It's important to start the day pumped. Music is one of the greatest mood boosters. 
3. Listen to an audiobook or read a book
Starting the day off reading a book always puts me in a better mind. It also gets my brain juices moving and moves me to get started with my day.
4. Stretch out those muscles
Start moving your body and warming up those muscles for your long day ahead. Morning walks are also highly recommended. Especially if it's nice outside. Nothing is more healing and better for you than getting outside and breathing fresh oxygen. It's important to just move your body.


5. Drink a whole glass of water with some lemon
Not only are our bodies made of almost entirely water..... but adding some lemon to your water is extremely beneficial. Lemon helps open up your mind and gives you natural energy. Lemon adds a good amount of vitamin C to your diet that helps to prevent you from getting sick. There are tons of scientific benefits to adding lemon to your water. I don't know about you, but it makes drinking water more flavorful and easier for me to drink.


6. Take a cold shower
Taking a cold shower instantly wakes me up. It jumpstarts my brain into thinking mode and gets me moving a lot sooner than if I didn't take a shower.


7. Don't skip breakfast
Make sure your breakfast has a good amount of protein in it. Eating something healthy is not only important for your brain to function... but also for the amount of energy that you will have throughout the day. Skipping meals is never a good option. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. There is a reason for that saying. It's very true. Your body hasn't had any nutrition for many hours that it has been asleep.


8. Read or listen to the news
Staying informed on world issues is very important. It baffles me how the majority of the world has no idea what is going on in the world. Educated yourself and get those brain juices flowing.


9. Check and respond to emails
Start your workday early or respond to friends and family. It's great to get rid of junk mail early in the day too. This way the junk emails won't get in the way during the day.


10. Drink that coffee or tea
Coffee and tea have many health benefits. Caffeine is sometimes the push you need to be more productive. I can't start my day without my cup of coffee.




11. Make your bed
According to the most successful people in the world, making your bed the first thing in the morning when you wake up is very important. That it jumpstarts your mindset to a productive day. It also keeps you from being lazy and getting back into bed.


12. Journal
Starting your day off with journaling is a great way to get your mind moving. It's a way of self-reflection that helps with goal making. Writing can open many doors. I love how it allows me to release my creativity.


13. Get dressed, do your hair, makeup, etc.
Even if I don't leave the house all day... when I get dressed, I instantly become more productive. I end up getting way more things done than if I was in my pj's all day. Psychologically it makes me feel more determined to get things done off my to-do list for the day. It also will help your mental health. Laziness is the enemy with any goals that you want to complete.


14. Clean anything in your house or throw a load of laundry in your washer or dryer
It's easy to become stressed out and overwhelmed with a messy home. Doing a little bit of cleaning every single morning helps keep things in order and tidy. I don't know about you.... but I hate having my laundry pile up. Laundry is my least favorite chore to do. By throwing in a load every morning in the washer or dryer, I have way less laundry build up throughout the week. It's good to stay on top of any cleaning. Doing anything, even something small goes a long way. Having a clean organized space is crucial for anyone's mental health.




15. Open up your curtains and blinds
Let that natural light in. Sunlight has natural vitamin D that your body needs in order to remain healthy. It helps you from getting sick and instantly boosts your mood and outlook on life. Have a bright and cheery atmosphere even if you are feeling down. Opening your windows and having that opposite reaction from being in the dark helps trick your brain into instantly feeling happier.


14. Brush your teeth after breakfast
Dental health is a must. Your teeth are super important when it comes to the overall health of your whole body. Plus, who wants stinky breath? Brushing my teeth after breakfast, I instantly feel happier and refreshed. Ready to take on the day ahead.


15. Take a daily vitamin
Besides all the health benefits of vitamins.... taking them will make you feel better every single day. Most people who take vitamins daily are way less likely to get sick. You also will have more brainpower to function when trying to get things done. Taking care of your health always comes first. If you don't have your health, nothing will get done.


16. Watch an inspirational video
Get inspired. Listen to the "greats" that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I know a good inspirational video will instantly make me feel pumped and ready for the rest of the day.



17. Write down a word of the day and the definition in your journal entry 
This is another great way to get my brain juice flowing. I love learning anything period. Learning new words that I have never heard of before is super exciting. It's a fun way to start the day too.




18. Go through your bucket list or make a bucket list
This helps me to be productive because it helps me to realize what I am working towards in life. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.


19. Take deep breaths
As humans, we sometimes forget to slow down and take some deep breaths. Having enough oxygen is super important. Taking deep breaths will instantly calm down your body and keep it from getting stressed or anxious. It's great to meditate too.


20. Think about what you are grateful for or write it down
It's important to realize all your blessings. We aren't ever guaranteed any hour of the day. So, it's important to make most of the time that we do have. Remembering all the little blessings throughout the day will help you have a better outlook on life. It creates instant positivity and increases production.


Here is a quick checklist that you can keep to remind yourself of all these important steps! Feel free to use and print out if needed.


What steps are you going to implement into your mornings? What do you do every single morning to stay on track? I would love to know in the comments down below.

Creating a happy home can also help when trying to remain productive. Check out my post, How to create instant happiness in your home. Or maybe, you have a problem motivating yourself period. If so, check out, 35 ways to motivate yourself - get stuff done.

I hope you are having a wonderful week/day! 
xoxo,