How You Begin Your Day Can Make Or Break Your Productivity By setting the tone of your day with a positive action, you will be more likely to make better and healthy choices throughout the day.

By Ebraheem Al Samadi

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock.com

We all inevitably know the difference between a good morning and a bad one. One day we spring out of bed like Cinderella, with birds singing, the sun shining, and nothing can get in our way! On other days, we can hardly creep out of bed, feeling sluggish for the day ahead.

When we are met with days like the latter, perhaps all it takes is one positive thought to turn our whole day around. From the minute we open our eyes, we make the decision to either get up and make the most of the day or press the snooze button.

Generally, how you begin the day can either make or break your productivity. As the founder and CEO of Forever Rose London, I often have a full schedule whilst managing 300 employees and here's my positive morning routine to ensure each day is upbeat and energetic.

1. Breathe in, breathe out

There is nothing worse than the sound of an alarm going off when you just aren't ready to get out of bed. Give yourself 10-15 minutes to balance and check-in before getting out of bed as it will allow you to slowly get ready mentally for the day ahead. Take deep, slow breaths for a few minutes, having everything drop away and remove those negative vibes. With a peaceful wake up routine, it will allow you to reduce body tension and elevate your mood.

2. Dehydration is a NO

To start your day cleansed and refreshed, make sure to drink a big glass of water upon waking up. During the night we tend to dehydrate, which leaves us feeling groggy and can be a cause for those mornings when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. The night before, grab a glass of water to place on your night stand, ready for the morning. Not only will it help to purify your body, it will also contribute to better protein absorption throughout the day.

3. Make your breakfast count

As breakfast says within the word, after a good night's rest, your body needs to break the fast. Ensuring you have a well rounded meal for the start of your day will not only provide energy, it will also set up your body with important nutrients. It's also commonly known that people who have breakfast are less likely to be overweight. For a quick meal, why not try having eggs with a slice of toast or a bowl of oatmeal with fruit.

4. Give yourself some TLC

Whether by stretching, running or doing yoga, moving your body is one of the best things you can do to start your day off right. By being active when you first get out of bed, you will be more tuned in and connected with your body and mind. By setting the tone of your day with a positive action, you will be more likely to make better and healthy choices throughout the day.

5. Smile, it's free!

A smile may be small but it can be a powerful tool in elevating our mood. Smiling has proved to reduce your heart-rate, release stress and decrease anxiety. Give yourself a smile once you open your eyes or in the mirror while thinking about what you are looking forward to that day or something that you enjoy. Studies have shown that people who smile regularly are viewed by others as more attractive, reliable, relaxed, and sincere. And as we all know, smiling is contagious, so pass on your positivity to others by giving them a smile.

Related: All In A Day's Work: Increase Productivity In And Out Of The Office

Ebraheem Al Samadi

Founder and CEO, Forever Rose

Ebraheem Al Samadi, the founder of Forever Rose, a company specializing in roses that last for many years without water or sunlight. He has been an entrepreneur from the age of 14, as he launched his first business out of his mother’s Florida apartment selling thrift shop clothing and items on eBay, a stint which eventually earned him one of eBay’s coveted 1000 Power Sellers awards. Ebraheem’s driving force has long been the desire to fully support his family, as well as striving to ensure he creates an environment which first and foremost promotes happiness amongst employees and colleagues. He also believes the cultural exposure garnered by global travel is another major inspiration for innovation in businesses and a key opportunity to source products and concepts with the potential to thrive in the UAE. 

Business News

How to Write a Business Plan

Learn the essential elements of writing a business plan, including advice and resources for how to write and conduct each section of your business plan.

Marketing

April 21 Is Your Last Chance for Mobile Optimization Before 'Mobilegeddon'

The search giant is currently working on a major algorithm change that will revolutionize the way mobile friendliness is determined.

Leadership

Revolutionizing Proptech: Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut and dubizzle, and CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA

Born from a mission to redefine real estate through technology, Bayut sparked a movement that evolved into the global proptech and classifieds leader, Dubizzle group — and today, we go back to understanding the homegrown powerhouse that started it all.

Marketing

The Quickest Way to Deliver Your Message? Make It Visual.

Infographics, dashboards and mobile apps provide a direct avenue to our brains. Use them to your advantage.

Starting a Business

College Startup Offers a Creative Approach to Banish Boring Presentations

Instead of boring slides with bullet points and clip art, Big Fish creates presentations that tell stories and resonate emotionally with viewers.

News and Trends

International Fashion Brand Maison D'AngelAnn Secures US$2 Million Investment From A Private Family Office In The UAE

The newest round of funds follows Maison D'AngelAnn's $7 million investment in November 2020 from The Gate Business Services, a UAE-based investment and real estate consultancy, which also saw it also acquire a majority stake in the business.