Need a Productivity Boost? Rethink Your Mornings

We've all had those mornings when we wake up sluggishly, do the bare minimum to get ready and head over to the office as quickly as possible – perhaps because we're worried about the work we have to do. But just as organizing the business cards, Post-it Notes and other office supplies in your desk can help increase productivity, taking the time to structure your morning routine can have a similar effect. In fact, some highly successful entrepreneurs including Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson are known for waking up early and spending their mornings being productive. Here are a few things you may want to do before heading to work each day:

Keep Your Phone Out of Sight
Productivity can only go downhill when you start spreading yourself thin and losing that necessary work-life balance. So, instead of picking up your phone and scrolling through your inbox as soon as you wake up, do your best to keep yourself unplugged throughout your morning. You may find that this step alone makes you much more refreshed and energized when you walk into the office.

Eat Breakfast
It's common knowledge that a hearty breakfast is important for productivity and focus – even grade schoolers know that. Focus on eating nutritious breakfasts that consist of protein, fruits or veggies and complex carbohydrates. Even if you're in a hurry, your breakfast doesn't have to go by the wayside. Put together a Greek yogurt parfait to bring to the office or pick up a breakfast sandwich with your morning coffee.

Connect With Your Family
Whether you live with your significant other, your family or even just your dog, take some time to connect with your loved ones in the morning. Just a few minutes can make a huge difference in keeping a positive attitude and productive mindset.

Work Out
According to Inc.com, tons of entrepreneurs say they go for runs or exercise in some way each morning. Working out is a great way to start the day positively, since it actually causes chemical changes in your body. You'll feel energized all day.

Prioritize Your To-Do List
While you should do your best to leave work at work, prioritizing a few important tasks for the day ahead can actually be beneficial. When you're eating breakfast or on your commute, take out one of your personalized notepads and jot down a few key projects or meetings you'll have to make time for that day. Even if it's already in your head, putting pen to paper will help you feel like you're doing something productive to set your day up for success.

Think About Something Positive
Whether you're a firm believer in visualizing goals or you simply like to start the day releasing negative thoughts, spend a few minutes thinking about something positive before you go into work. Envision what will happen when your startup gets off the ground, or how excited a new client is going to be when you show him or her what you've been working on. The office won't seem like such a negative place when you're truly excited to get some work done.