While working from home may seem like a blessing, it can be easy to fall into a slump and lose interest in daily activities. How do you make your mornings exciting again? How can you improve your overall health when staring at the same four walls all day gets boring?

Creating a morning routine that works for you is the best way to start your morning and be more effective during the day! A series of studies conducted in 2020 on 400 business administrative associates found any time they disrupted their morning routine by something as simple as removing coffee, the effect ripped throughout the day, and associates were less productive. The proper morning routine can increase your mental and physical health while increasing your productivity at work! 

Here are four ways to help make your morning more effective before starting the workday!

1. Exercise

Exercising in the morning is a great way to start your day. Whether you started a new job working from home or have transitioned to working from home, creating a morning “workout” may give the boost you need. A 2012 study showed people who worked out in the morning were more likely to be more active throughout the day. Other benefits of morning exercise include better sleep at night and better focus/awareness during the workday!

Some ways to exercise can involve: 

• Creating a “pseudo-commute” by walking around the block or going for a morning run
• Developing a yoga routine to help relax the mind before jumping into work.
• Following an online workout routine tailored to your ability and needs. 

When you start incorporating exercise into your morning routine, your mind and body will thank you along the way!

2. Shower and Get Ready

One perk of working from home is the “extra time” from not getting ready for work. While working in your PJs all day may sound fantastic, some people may not be as productive removing this from their routine in the mornings.

Along with exercise, showering in the morning can have many advantages. Aroma Sense, a company specializing in luxury shower products, shares morning showers can result in the following health benefits: 

• Decreased stress by giving oxygen to your body 
• Increased immunity by stimulating your body to make new white blood cells
• Soothed muscle aches and soreness 

Once you start a morning workout, showering and getting ready may increase your productivity and reduce stress, preparing you to conquer the day. 

3. Have Breakfast

Everyone already knows the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but not many follow through with that meal. Whether we are running late or only making coffee, providing your body with the needed nutrients can help you manage your day better. 

Better health shares eating breakfast “improves your energy levels and ability to concentrate in the short term.” Try incorporating some of the following into your breakfast:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Protein
• Dairy

To save time, you can make your breakfast the night before, or you can keep your breakfast quick and simple in the morning while still getting the best nutrients.  

4. Do House Chores

While most people hear the word “chore” and immediately dread that extra work, it may help you become more productive if inserted into your morning routine before work!

One study showed if you do any activity in your daily routine (yes, that does include doing any chore), it can lower your risk of certain health dangers, like heart disease. Also, there can be other health benefits when doing specific tasks. For example: 

• Making your bed can increase your productivity
• Washing dishes can lower your anxiety 
• Dusting with Citrus cleaners can reduce stress and result in a mood boost

Who wouldn’t mind a clean home and a cleared mind before starting work? You may want to engage in other activities while cleaning to help, such as listening to music, podcasts, or an audiobook you have been meaning to start!  

While many of us have moved to virtual positions, it may be hard to find a good routine to adjust to staying at home. These tips may help you find an effective way to start your day off on the right foot! Check out these other tips below to help you acclimate to working from home.