As humans, we always think about how to be more productive at work. Being better at productivity is the key to success. This can be possible with fewer distractions, working at the optimum time, creating a solid to-do list and the list go on.

There are many things you can do to make yourself better at being productive. I want to discuss one strategy a day for the next week or even after that.

Working on too many tasks together or multitasking decreases productivity. So it as better to concentrate on one task at a time, complete it and move to the next one.

Do you ever wake up in the morning with a long to-do list and the enthusiasm to accomplish everything but end up doing nothing? You just spend your most productive hours scrolling down the social media or if you like me, making cups of tea every hour? This happens to most of us during the times when we have to accomplish the most important tasks.

Studies have shown that you have the most strong willpower in the morning (and mornings are good for tea also?). Many successful people have set morning routines which help them to recharge their morning and days.

The first strategy in the series: How to be more productive at work

This is most important and is not directly related to work but impacts your day’s performance tremendously. Also, this one strategy sets the tone for your whole day and make you more efficient.

Waking up early in the morning

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it, Richard Whately.

Yes, my friend, it may not be directly related to your work productivity, but it helps you in increasing productivity. If it is something you struggle with, you can try some tips to start your day early.

I never had a problem waking up early. My mother is an early riser (3:00 am). I belong to a community where it is considered good to rise early, have a shower and do your morning prayers. Waking up at around 5:00 AM was difficult at that time. It is a habit which I am grateful about.

Now, I cannot sleep in the morning. The point is if you do something for some time, it becomes your habit.

How to wake up early in the morning

The very first thing which you need to do in order to wake up early is going to sleep early. Most of the adults need at least 8 hours of sleep. Some of us can go with 6 hours of sleep but in order to wake up fresh, good sleep is necessary.

Not having a good sleep affects your memory and makes you sluggish. Change your sleeping habits gradually. It will not be possible to change everything overnight. Start with rising few minutes early and sleeping few minutes earlier.

1.Set your alarm and wake up immediately

I know this is the hardest part. When your alarm rings in the morning, don’t think about sleeping 5 more minutes. This will waste your precious morning time. When I feel like this, I always say to myself, when the sleep of 7 hours is not enough for you, how can 5 more minutes will make you feel good. So I wake up with this thought. One more inspiring thought to wake me up is the thought of having tea.

If you have somebody else at home who is an early riser, you can take help from them. I had a friend when I was in the hostel who would tell me at night to wake her up in the morning in spite of the excuses she will make. There was a big list of her excuses. But I made every effort to wake her up. I took my duty very seriously.

2. Sleep early at night

Sleeping early at night will help you wake up early after having a good sleep. Going to sleep at 8:00 pm will be difficult if you have a habit of sleeping at 11:00 pm. Try with changing your sleeping time and start by sleeping 15 minutes early. Start with 10:45 pm and gradually come to 8:00 pm or the time at which you want to finish your day.

3. Eat before 3 hours going to sleep

It is difficult to sleep with a full stomach. As you know our stomach produces acid to digest food and if you sleep with a full stomach you will suffer from acid reflux. The acid will travel towards the oesophagus which causes several problems. To avoid this have your dinner early and make your sleep better.

You will be able to wake up better after having a good sleep with an empty stomach.

4. Don’t use electronics before going to bed

Stop using electronic gadgets before bed because it can delay your circadian rhythm. The blue light coming from these digital gadgets suppresses the production of melatonin which is required for good sleep, says The sleep foundation.

Use of electronics stimulates our mind. So stop using them before half an hour going to bed. It is better to read a book. Read a self-help book or anything with good intentions. Don’t read a book or novel with a dark side.

5. Don’t have tea or coffee before sleeping

Having caffeine before bed can interfere with your sleeping patterns which will make it difficult to wake up early. Drink your afternoon coffee or tea early and avoid them just before going to bed. Remember how we always drink coffee/tea to stay alert.

Save your urge for the morning. I can wake up in the morning with the thought of having morning tea. I love my masala tea made up of cardamom and ginger in it.

Conclusion

Waking up early is the first answer to the question, how to be more productive at work. Waking up early in the morning have several benefits and make your day more productive. To wake up early and increase productivity, you need to have proper sleep.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert. I just share some tips which are effective on me. I have linked to the source wherever I found good things to share. This post is only for informational purpose.

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