Summer is a great opportunity to evaluate and refresh your morning routine and set a productive tone for the day. We all start our mornings differently; some might hop online to check their social media, some might work out, and some might directly jump to eat breakfast. There are a million different ways to start your morning. But, what is a perfect summer morning routine?
While there is no ideal routine that may suit everyone, we can get inspiration from their daily summer routines. Apple CEO Tim Cook wakes up at 4 am, Richard Branson follows a strict exercise regime in the morning, and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos sits for breakfast with his family; all these habits are highly influential in the pursuit of success.
This article will discuss the importance of a summer morning routine and a list of tasks that you can choose from.
Why is a Summer Morning Routine Important?
A good morning routine can set the productive tone of the whole day and can have an impact on how happy and successful your day is.
You may not consciously write down your morning plan, but you still have something to do at the start of your morning. What if you can do better than that? By creating a plan for your morning and sticking to that routine, you stand a better chance of accomplishing more throughout the day and setting yourself up for a successful day.
Whether you are a student, a working professional, or a homemaker, you must have a summer day routine that can set your mood for the whole day.
Now let us discuss a list of 10 tasks for your summer morning routine.
10-Step Summer Morning Routine
With warmer weather, longer days, and shorter nights, summer can be your inspiration to become an early bird. Here are some steps you can add to your summer mornings and fill yourself with energy and productivity.
1) Get an early start
The infamous saying "The early bird catches the worm" stresses enough the importance of rising early. Morning people tend to be high achievers because they get more time for their work and are also proactive. Research says that morning people are more proactive. They are more likely to anticipate problems and take precautionary steps to minimize them, which can lead to greater success in life.
Further, an American Psychological Association research claims that morning people are happier and healthier than night owls. Hence, it is good to get an early start to your summer morning routine and set a happier and more productive mood for the rest of the day.
Pro tip: Try to open a part of your curtains or blinds before you go to bed, and the early morning light will act as your natural alarm clock. The early light will also regulate your circadian rhythm thereby providing you with proper sleep hygiene so you wake up refreshed too!
2) Hydrate yourself
Your body hasn't been hydrated during the 8 hours of your sleep and needs some replenishment. In summer, the days are warmer, and you are more likely to sweat, so it is important to hydrate yourself every morning. Be it your winter morning routine or summer, drinking water as soon as you wake up spikes your body's energy levels, both physically and mentally.
Additionally, you can also sip water with a freshly squeezed lemon. It is packed with nutrients and can refresh and rejuvenate your body. So, drinking water or lemon water can help you revive from the inside and perk you up for the day ahead.
3) Indulge in a cold shower
There is nothing better than a cold water shower in summer mornings to get rid of the crust of laziness and sleepiness. Showering is a good way to unwind from your previous day's tension and set a positive tone for the present day. It can also increase your blood circulation and give you a natural energy boost at the start of the day.
Further, cold showers can support glowing hair and skin and are incredibly beneficial to your overall well-being.
Pro tip: Do not start with the water freezing cold, but keep it to room temperature and then slowly decrease the temperature. Start with rinsing your legs first and work your way up gradually.
4) Have a light workout session
It is always good to start your day with some physical movement to get your blood pumping. Exercise gives you a strong adrenaline rush and recharges you for the day ahead. Not only does it give you energy, but also a positive outlook, both of which are critical to getting your work done. Be it a brisk walk, a short run, or an intense workout session- it is critical to get your body moving for some time.
Exercise keeps your brain and body energetic and productive. Moreover, exercising regularly in the morning keeps your body in shape and improves your self-control.
5) Meditate
One of the best morning routines for summer is practicing meditation. The quiet early morning hours are the key time to improve your calm and focus and add an influx of energy to your mind. When you practice meditation, you keep yourself away from the rest of the world and focus on surrounding yourself with positivity. This positive mindset will play an important role in setting your day's tone and keeping you happy and healthy.
6) Get your dose of coffee
Your morning routine may just be incomplete without coffee. For most people, coffee is the source of life, and they cannot get rid of last night's sleep without a strong cup of coffee. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and blocks out your sleepiness. It is so soothing to grind those fresh coffee beans and grab yourself a cup of coffee.
Your morning cup of Joe can provide you with a strong flow of energy and recharge your mind for the day ahead. Coffee can also help you reduce weight and keep you full for a long time. So, give your summer morning routine an energetic and productive start by drinking a cup of coffee, whether hot or cold.
Additionally, for those looking to incorporate more protein into their diet, Protein coffee can be a great way to start your day with a boost of energy and nutrition.
7) Have a balanced breakfast
Having a wholesome breakfast puts you ahead of others. When you eat a balanced breakfast, you are less likely to be obese and feel less hungry over the entire day. A healthy breakfast gives you much-needed energy and helps you stay focused for a longer time.
Additionally, if you can stick to a plant-based breakfast for your summer morning routine, you can have lasting energy for the day. It will provide you with the right amount of nutrients and open the door to a productive day.
Pro tip: Many of you skip breakfast and dive straight into your emails or social media, but it is important to take those precious first moments of the day for some healthy practice. So, make a rule of no screen time until breakfast so that you never skip your breakfast. Also, if you do decide to skip breakfast as a way of intermittent fasting, and it works for you, feel free to ignore this advice!
8) Prioritize
You would have heard the common advice that your first work of the day should be the most significant part of your day. That is because your self-control and willpower are highest in the morning, and you can start a strong day. Self-control and willpower get depleted over the course of the day. The longer the day goes, the lower your willpower gets as fatigue starts taking over, and hence it is important to make your early morning hours count.
9) Eliminate decision-making in the morning
The easiest way to hack your morning routine for summer is to plan your day in advance. The best way to have a productive morning is to get a head start on it the night before. You should spend some time in your evening to prepare for the next day and keep your mornings free from decision-making.
American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault spends his evening by writing down three things that he wants to accomplish the next day. With his list in mind, he has the time to make the most of his morning routine and not waste time thinking. Hence, planning your day in advance can give you a productive start in the morning and give you a clear focus for the day ahead.
To know about how successful people start their day, check out the 7 productivity tips from famous CEOs.
10) Get to work
Now that you have set a productive tone for your day, you can easily get started with your work. Be it checking your emails or getting on a call with your client, you can start your work with a positive and energetic mind.
You should make sure that your work is significant and has a strong impact on your life. Just ask yourself one simple question, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" Steve Jobs, in one of his commencement addresses, mentioned that he used this question as his motivational tactic throughout his career.
If you are a college student, check out this guide on how to have a successful college morning routine.
Takeaways
By practicing a dedicated summer morning routine and doing a few focused things after you wake up, you can set yourself up for a productive day ahead. Starting your day with these steps might take time, but once you develop these habits, you are sure to witness a streaming success in your life. When you see yourself succeeding at something, it builds your confidence and motivation to achieve further.