Maximize Your Morning: 5 Steps to Boost Productivity
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Chapter 1: The Importance of a Morning Routine
Establishing a morning routine is essential for enhancing productivity. Below are five strategies I implement to optimize my mornings and minimize procrastination, particularly as someone with ADHD.
Photo by Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash
In addition to my writing endeavors, I maintain a standard 8 to 5 job in community and public relations, which involves numerous projects, tasks, and meetings. Living with ADHD presents challenges in managing time and can lead to procrastination, especially on tasks that are not immediately pressing. Having to collaborate with various teams means I’ve had to adapt my office environment to better suit my needs. Remote work proved even more challenging due to a lack of structure and movement.
To address these issues, I've dedicated the first hour of my workday to focused task blocks, utilizing 5 to 12-minute increments to complete five essential activities each morning. By breaking tasks into small time segments, I can maintain momentum and avoid procrastination, swiftly transitioning between tasks without lingering.
Here are the five activities I prioritize every morning to kickstart my day:
Section 1.1: Hydration and Caffeine Boost
Get a Beverage
I enjoy having something to sip throughout the day. In the mornings, I typically opt for coffee or water. This not only keeps me hydrated but also gives my hands something to do.
Section 1.2: Email Management
Check Emails
I reserve this time solely for reviewing emails without responding. I take notes on any tasks that arise from the messages, such as updating documents or follow-up needs. I allocate about 12 minutes for this task to address urgent matters at the top of my inbox.
Subsection 1.2.1: Organizing Tasks
Schedule Tasks
Following my email check, I focus on organizing my tasks. I keep my calendar and project list open to assess what can be accomplished that day. By scheduling 15-minute time blocks around meetings or events, I can prioritize high-concentration tasks while leaving time for lower-priority ones. Additionally, I incorporate short breaks and lunch into my calendar, effectively creating a countdown for my day.
Section 1.3: Audio for Focus
Queue Up My Audio
Silence can be distracting for me, so I ensure I have something to listen to while I work. I download podcasts and YouTube videos to listen at increased speed, ensuring I have audio lined up for the entire workday. Some favorite podcasts include Meddling Adults and The Newest Olympian.
Section 1.4: Movement and Clarity
Take a Walk
I make it a point to take a short walk around my office, usually at the end of my first hour or while fetching my beverage. This activity not only provides health benefits but also helps clear my mind, allowing me to better process my tasks and connect with colleagues without the need for additional meetings.
Implementing this “first hour routine” has led to numerous benefits for me as a night owl: I can stay focused longer, require fewer unstructured breaks, feel less emotionally drained, and consistently end my workday on time.
This is my morning routine—feel free to modify it to fit your needs! What does your first hour look like? What helps you get started in the morning?
If you’re looking for more productivity tips, follow me here on Medium!
Chapter 2: Helpful Videos for Productivity
For further insights into enhancing your daily productivity, check out these videos:
11 Simple Productivity Hacks To Maximize Your Day - This video offers straightforward strategies for making the most of your day and overcoming procrastination.
OPTIMIZE YOUR DAY | How To Build Your Best Daily & Weekly Routine - Learn how to create an effective routine that optimizes your day and boosts productivity.