‘The early bird catches the worm’ so they say. According to a variety of studies across sectors, regions and demographics, self-professed morning people report feeling happier and healthier than night owls. So how do you become a morning person?
Follow these three wise tips to leave that owl in the dark:
1. Get a full night's rest and avoid hitting snooze!
Lack of sleep affects your concentration level, and therefore, your productivity. Also, snoozing
for nine minutes, then seven more etc. is a slippery slope that ultimately leads to lateness and
arriving to the office frazzled and stressed out. Which means your first couple of hours in the
office are spent de-stressing and before you realise it it’s 10.30am - coffee break time!
2. Make a ‘To-Do’ list the evening before and tackle big projects/workload first
Having a comprehensive to-do list enables you to start working straight away, when you are at your freshest. Schedule meetings for the afternoon/evening, and do the big work/project straight off. Checking emails and voicemails first thing can lead to a lot of time wasting and again, before you realise it .. it’s up out of the chair for that 10.30am coffee!
3. Eat breakfast, exercise and take breaks!
As difficult as it may be, schedule that yoga class or run for the a.m. instead of after work. Exercise improves mood and energy levels and employees who exercise have been found to have better time-management skills, and an improved mental sharpness. Food provides the fuel you need to concentrate, and breakfast is particularly important since it recharges you after you've fasted all night. Also, taking well deserved short breaks in the middle of the morning
and afternoon will make you more focused when you get back down to it again.
So there you go, not exactly rocket science but three often underutilised practices that can transform your behaviour and hence, your productivity. You’ll be happier, healthier and more successful in your career as a result. So give them a go, what have you got to lose?!
