Here are 8 tips from experts for a more productive morning

SadaNews - There are some simple strategies that time management experts recommend to create the conditions for success and help make the most of every morning.

According to a report published by "Real Simple," there are 8 scientifically backed habits that contribute to increased productivity, as follows:

1. Advance Planning

A good morning begins the night before with planning for the next day. Dr. Melinda Rathkoff, who holds a medical degree and an MBA and is a spokesperson for the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, says, "Advance planning for the day and making decisions ahead of time makes the rest of the day calmer and less stressful... You must be prepared by knowing what will happen later."

One aspect that is often overlooked when some attempt to improve their schedules is the necessary downtime between tasks - such as travel time for appointments, so it is important to make sure it's included in today's task list.

2. Sleep Quality

It seems that "getting enough sleep" is the solution for everything, from stress to immune diseases, so it is not surprising that a lack of sleep also affects productivity. Rathkoff says, "Sleep is crucial for daily performance and brain health. You should start by determining how much sleep you need to feel refreshed, then plan for sleep first."

3. Avoiding Screens

Time management expert Julie Morgenstern, author of several books, advises avoiding the temptation to browse websites and platforms altogether by reducing phone usage. This includes keeping the phone away from the bed and perhaps even blocking apps that cause stress or waste time.

Morgenstern says, "The most important factor for increasing productivity in the morning is reducing screen time. Devices should not be used an hour before bed or during the first hour of the morning."

She also recommends replacing morning and evening screen time with non-digital activities such as reading a book, going out into nature, or having a conversation with someone, which nourishes the body, mind, and soul.

4. Simplifying the Daily Routine

A complicated morning routine can backfire. Morgenstern says three to four additional elements at most can be added to the morning routine, helping to start the day with energy, calmness, and strength.

Morgenstern also recommends completing the morning routine before the children wake up, as well as looking for ways to simplify their morning routine as well.

5. Establishing a Regular Rhythm

Rathkoff says that the human brain "loves predictability. When a person has an expected routine, it reduces stress and cognitive load."

One key to productivity - especially with deep or creative work - is to create a predictable time of day that this activity occurs. Morgenstern says this habit can be anchored in the mind; if a person has a set time for deep focus, their mind will get accustomed to it - 10:30, that’s the time they do deep thinking. The secret to success lies in setting a regular schedule.

6. Prioritizing Tasks

The best decision to start the day is to allocate time for a high-impact task that requires a person to be at their peak energy. Morgenstern states, "The main difficulty some face is that their day starts with reactions only, and they can’t begin proactive work. It’s better to start with the highest impact project for the day, specifically work that requires deep thinking, such as writing or strategizing, which adds valuable and productive contributions for the whole day."

7. Self-Care

Morgenstern recommends incorporating "short self-care breaks throughout the day, such as activities lasting from 5 to 20 minutes that rejuvenate a person. One needs regular and steady energy sources that nourish and replenish their energy." It doesn’t need to be complicated; it can simply be something that can be included in any day, such as a short walk or listening to favorite music or a preferred podcast while on the go or reading a book.

8. Adjusting Routine Habits

The morning routine should not be regarded as a fixed, unchanging element; change is inevitable. Rathkoff says, "One may need to adjust it based on other commitments, different stages in life, or even different seasons of the year."