Ava Sinclair
Productivity can be elusive. It’s not just about what you do, but when you do it—especially at the start of the day.
According to psychology, unproductive people have certain habits they do first thing in the morning that set them up for a less than fruitful day.
In this article, I’m going to share with you seven things unproductive people always do at the start of their day. It’s surprising how these simple actions can impact your productivity level.
Take a moment to check if you’re guilty of any of these habits. Who knows, you might just find the secret to boosting your productivity before breakfast!
1) They hit the snooze button
Do you often convince yourself that an extra 10 minutes of sleep in the morning could make all the difference?
Well, you are setting yourself up for an unproductive day.
As noted by the experts, hitting the snooze button disrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you feeling groggy. It’s a habit that most unproductive people share.
Instead of starting the day refreshed and ready to tackle their tasks, they begin their day in a state of confusion and sluggishness. This seemingly harmless act has significant consequences on their productivity throughout the day.
If you’re guilty of this, it might be time to reconsider your morning routine. Rethink hitting that snooze button if you want to make your day more productive.
2) They skip breakfast
I used to be a serial breakfast skipper. Always rushing out the door, thinking I was saving time. But by mid-morning, I’d be so hungry that I couldn’t concentrate on anything.
However, breakfast is the fuel that your brain needs to function optimally. Without it, you’re setting your day up for a lack of focus and low energy levels.
I learned the hard way that missing breakfast doesn’t save time. It actually steals away productivity later in the day.
Now, I make sure to eat something healthy and filling each morning. Trust me, it’s made a huge difference in my productivity levels throughout the day.
3) They don’t plan their day
You might think that diving straight into your work is the best way to start your day. But without a clear plan, you’re like a ship without a rudder.
Unproductive people often skip planning their day. What they don’t realize is that this habit leads to disorganization and inefficiency.
Planning allows you to prioritize tasks and focus on what’s important, leading to better time management and, ultimately, higher productivity.
Don’t be one of those people who thinks they can keep everything in their head. Take the time to sketch out your day each morning. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
4) They check their emails and social media first thing
It’s tempting, isn’t it? You wake up, reach for your phone, and before you know it, you’re scrolling through emails or catching up on social media updates.
Unproductive people frequently start their day like this. But here’s the catch – it’s not a good idea.
As noted by psychologist Jay Rai, by “checking your phone right after waking up, you are priming your brain for distraction.”
Beginning your day with emails and social media can be hugely distracting and can set a reactive tone for the entire day. Instead of proactively tackling important tasks, you end up responding to other people’s agendas.
So, resist the urge to start your day in the digital world. There will be plenty of time to check emails and social media later in the day.
Instead, focus on setting your own agenda first. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your productivity.
5) They don’t exercise
Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your brain, too. But unproductive people often omit this from their morning routine.
Physical activity, even a short walk or some stretching, gets your blood flowing and helps wake up your mind. It also releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones, which make you more positive and ready to face the day.
Neglecting exercise in the morning can lead to sluggishness and a lack of energy throughout the day. Don’t skip it.
6) They don’t take time for gratitude
In the rush and bustle of morning routines, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a calm and grateful start to the day. Unproductive people often miss out on this crucial step.
Taking a few moments each morning to reflect on what you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your mindset and mood for the rest of the day.
Gratitude helps you to focus on what really matters, reducing stress and increasing your overall happiness. This positive state of mind can significantly enhance your productivity.
So, take a moment each morning to appreciate the good in your life. It’s a small act with big implications for your day.
7) They start their day in a rush
In my younger years, I was always rushing in the mornings. The alarm would go off, and it was like the starting pistol for a race. Showering, dressing, and getting out the door was a whirlwind of activity.
What I didn’t realize then was that starting your day in a rush sets a hectic tone for your entire day. It creates a sense of stress and urgency that can be hard to shake off.
Unproductive people often fall into this trap. They begin their day in chaos, and the rest of their day follows suit.
Nowadays, I get up a little earlier to allow myself plenty of time to get ready without feeling rushed. It’s made a huge difference in my productivity and overall wellbeing. A calm morning leads to a calm, focused day.
Final thoughts: It’s all about habits
Our daily actions and choices, no matter how trivial they may seem, are deeply ingrained habits that shape our lives.
These morning routines that unproductive people often follow are not just random acts. They are patterns of behavior that can significantly impact our productivity and overall life satisfaction.
The good news is, habits can be changed. It might require effort and persistence, but it’s entirely possible to turn around your morning routine and set the stage for a more productive day.
Whether it’s resisting the lure of the snooze button, planning out your day, or prioritizing your mental health, each small change can make a big difference.
So, let’s make our mornings count and cultivate habits that lead to productivity and success.
