🏁 Productivity
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Jan 15, 2024
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3 min read
We've all had those mornings where it seems like the universe is conspiring against us: coffee spills, toothpaste stains, and narrowly missing the neighbor's dog's unexpected gift on the doorstep.
But what if I told you that the day might have gotten off to a bad start long before these mishaps? What if the first moments upon waking, and the immediate actions we take, have a profound impact on our overall productivity and well-being?
According to recent studies, 71% of people reach for their smartphones within seconds of waking up. While this practice may seem harmless, most individuals use their devices to delve into the vortex of social media. Let’s change that, once and for all!
The Morning Screen Habit
The moment you open your eyes and reach for your phone, you set a tone for the day. Instead of starting your morning mindfully and peacefully, you're bombarded with notifications, messages, and information. This rush of digital stimuli can elevate your stress levels before you've even stepped out of bed.
The statistics are telling: most of us check our phones before even setting foot on the ground. Social media platforms, news updates, and email inboxes become our first connection with the world each day. But what does this do to our productivity and overall well-being?
The Science Behind Mindful Mornings
Emma Seppälä's study highlights the importance of a mindful morning routine. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. By starting your day with mindfulness, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your overall mental health. So, let's get practical and change our routine now.
☀️ Step 1: Set Up a 'Mindful Morning' Session
The first and perhaps the most important step is to set up a 'Mindful Morning' session. This sessions will block access to the most distracting apps, such as social media that tend to suck us into a vortex of information.
🪷 Step 2: Practise Mindfulness Activities
With the screens out of the picture, it's time to embrace mindful activities. You don't need to invest hours; a few minutes can make a significant difference. Here are some mindfulness activities to get you started:
🪷 Perform a Guided Meditation: Various meditation programs are available on apps like Headspace, Calm, or Petit Bambou, and the best part is that it doesn't require hours of your time; just a few minutes can be incredibly beneficial.
🏃♀️ Get Active Outdoors: Morning exercise is an excellent way to awaken both your body and mind. You can go for a peaceful early-morning walk, jog, or participate in any physical activity that resonates with you.
✍️ Practise Journaling: Writing can be an interesting cathartic experience. Use your journal to jot down your thoughts from the previous day, write about your current-day, and outline your goals. This simple act can give your day more meaning and direction.
🔍 Observe Your Surroundings: Take a moment to observe the world around you. Sip your morning coffee while you gaze out of your window, enjoy your garden, or savor the view from your balcony. Pay attention to the sounds, sights, and sensations that surround you.
🫶 Connect with Loved Ones: Start your day by connecting with loved ones. Enjoy breakfast together, share your thoughts… This bonding time can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
The Benefits of Mindful Mornings
Practicing mindfulness in the morning can have a profound impact on your productivity and overall well-being. It goes beyond just setting the right tone for the day; it can significantly reduce stress and feelings of anxiety. By starting your day with intention and presence, you're better equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way. Here are the main benefits our users experimented.
🫣 Reduce Stress: By starting your day with a calm mind, you can better manage stress throughout the day.
🧠 Enhance Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness exercises help improve your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, making you more productive.
🌿 Improve Emotional Well-being: Practicing mindfulness can enhance emotional regulation, leading to better mood and reduced anxiety.
🎨 Boost Creativity: Mindfulness has been associated with increased creativity, as it encourages divergent thinking and fresh perspectives.
❤️🩹 Enhance Relationships: When you begin your day by connecting with loved ones, you foster stronger relationships and build a support system to help you through challenging times.
Additional Resources
We understand that transitioning from a screen-driven morning to a mindful one can be challenging. To assist you on this new mission, we've compiled a list of resources that can help you embrace mindfulness in the morning:
📱 Mindfulness Apps: As mentioned earlier, apps like Headspace, Calm, and Petit Bambou offer guided meditation and mindfulness exercises that can fit seamlessly into your morning routine.
📓 Books: There are numerous books on mindfulness and its benefits. Some notable recommendations include "The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod or “Deep Work” by Cal Newport.
📝 Journaling Prompts: Explore journaling prompts from the Journaling Notebook (only available in French for now) made by Take Kare.
Remember, it's not just about getting your day off to a good start; it's about cultivating a habit that can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. So, why not give it a try?
