Make Every Morning More Productive

You may not wake up singing "Good Day Sunshine!" every morning, but that doesn't mean you have to slug through a slow morning routine. Careful planning and self-motivation tactics can help you wake up on the right side of the bed and streamline your daily productivity, to-do list annihilation, and a better morning in the office. Most of us wish we could linger in bed a little while longer, but getting out of it earlier means getting back into it sooner. Here are simple tips for making each morning good personally and professionally.

• Prepare For the Morning the Night Before - Treat your workday like a trip to the gym (without the sweating and spandex, of course). Use FitSugar's tip of packing for a workout the night before and prepare for your morning in advance. Pretend you are in middle school: Pack your lunch, set out your clothes, organize your to-do list and email, put the keys, bus pass, and your purse in one place. When the alarm sounds you will be more likely to pop out of bed, shower, get dressed, and jump on the productivity train stress free.
• Remember the Adages - The early bird does catch the worm. Try starting your day extra early - like 5 a.m. It can be a tremendous productivity booster and get you in good with the boss.
• Front Load Your To-Do List in the AM - Pack a power breakfast and power through the to-do list in the am, so you aren't overwhelmed (and ready to cry) when the clock strikes 5 or 6. On days my list is a mile long I plan to get up early and work from home from 7 to 8 instead of jetting into the office early. I'm happy to be home sipping my coffee by the heater and don't get distracted by early am office chitchat. When the going gets tough practice your college tactics and work at the library or coffee shop.
• Take an AM Break - If you get anxious in the morning at the office take a break with a co-worker or friend. Walk around the block three times. Grab coffee. Most importantly: Gab about your stress and brainstorm efficient fixes you can implement immediately.
• Plan a Weekday AM Coffee Date With a Friend - Instead of filling your post work schedule with dinner dates, plan an early am coffee date with a friend. You will start the day sooner and waltz into the office caffeinated and cheery after a cheap friend date. You also won't be stressed all day thinking about how you are going to be late for dinner and can focus on work.