Ever since I became a parent, I’ve started my mornings differently. I went from waking up and diving into work on my laptop to enjoying a warm cup of coffee (and a little too much creamer and oat milk) and playing with my daughter before even checking my emails.

This is out of character for me: starting mornings slow. I’m a type 8 workaholic who loves the adrenaline rush of being busy. Sure, I love watching Netflix as much as the next person, but it’s difficult for me to sit down and *chill* if you know what I mean.

This has its pros and cons.

But ever since having K, I can say my mornings have become more efficient yet slower at the same time.

You might be asking…how is this even possible? Let me clue you in on some of my biggest secrets to a productive morning routine. I hope it gives you some inspiration to create your own.

What You Need to Create a Productive Morning Routine

Let me start by saying, I know making a productive morning routine in quarantine is no walk in the park. Your cozy bed might be calling your name, and that new show just aired.

You’re not due to start working from home for another hour or so. Or maybe you don’t work from home, but you still want to start your day on a productive note.

No matter your reasons for wanting morning routine ideas, I’ve got you. Here are a few things that I consider absolute essentials:

#1: Notebook, Day Planner, or Planning App

I’ll be honest: I use all three. My day planner is nice for day-to-day projects and deadlines. As a copywriter, my schedule books up fast, and I have to write things down, or I risk forgetting them due to the oh-so-real “parent brain.”

Notebooks are nice for brain dumping. You can lay out everything that’s on your mind to clear your head so that you can focus on key tasks you need to get done. (Note-taking apps are also helpful. Personally, I love Evernote.)

And your productive morning routine list is not complete without a planning app. I’ve used quite a few (Asana, Notion, Trello, etc.). You can lay out your work duties, errands, grocery lists, school assignments, and more. I don’t know what I’d do without one.

#2: Favorite Writing Utensil

If you’re an analog planner kind of person, picking the perfect pen is essential. Mine changes, but recently, I’ve been using a red/black/blue pen (which I may or may not have taken from my husband — sorry, love).

Find a pen that writes the way you like, and don’t be afraid to change it up. (There are no rules in pen hunting.)

#3: A Game Plan

The perfect morning routine starts with planning it out the night before. Take a few minutes to put together any important to-dos.

Then, when the morning comes around, you don’t have to scramble trying to remember what you’re supposed to do. You’ll have it right in front of you.

#4: The Right Mindset

What you don’t want is to go into your morning routine thinking you’re going to be unproductive. Start your morning off right by getting in a good headspace.

Whether that means taking a hot shower, reading a chapter of your favorite book, watching a motivational video, going on a walk (one of my favorites), or meditating, there are tons of ways to get your mind back to square one before you face your productive morning.

Productive Morning Routine Ideas

Your productive morning routine for 2020 might have looked different than in previous years. But the ways to stay efficient are largely the same, even in 2021.

Here are some ideas for your productive morning routine checklist:

• Make your bed.
• Begin the day with water and a healthy breakfast.
• Try a five-minute skincare routine.
• Do a five-minute makeup look.
• Check your planner or app for any action items, deadlines, errands, and appointments for the day.
• Answer emails for 15 minutes at the start of your day. (Wait until the end of the day to answer emails for another 15 minutes.)
• Complete any tasks you need to do that should take five minutes or less.
• Do a 10-minute HIIT workout.
• Unload your dishwasher before work.
• Pay any outstanding bills.

You might find your morning goes a lot smoother if you do the following the night before:

• Have your to-do list ready and on your desk.
• Fill a container with water, and prep your breakfast.
• Clean your workspace (if you work from home).
• Tidy up your home.
• Do a load of dishes.
• Choose your outfit.
• Place your keys, purse, wallet, etc. by the door in a small container, or hang them up so that they’re easy to find.

Key Takeaway

The best morning routine for success might look different for everyone, but one thing is for certain: changing up the way you start your day is vital to productivity. Use a few ideas from my productive morning routine checklist if you’re not sure where to begin. Creating your list is one step in the right direction.