Start Slow. Start Fast. Restart. Just Start!

Morning habits. You already know they’re the simple secret to maximizing your day. But, you might not know that a great morning begins with what you do before you go to sleep. Here are the 4 simple techniques I add into my evening routine so to make the next day productive.

FLUSH THE TOILET

Excuse my potty-mouthed metaphor, but imagine flushing down all of today’s mess down the toilet, so you don’t have to see it when you wake up in the morning. You want to wake up with new energy, and a focused mind so you’re ready to take charge of the day. Don’t leave today’s mess for tomorrow!

SWEET DREAMS

In a recent podcast with Dr. Bob Goldman, he said that one of the keys to aging is… “Do not go to sleep with a cell phone right next to your head. You’re cooking your brain while you’re sleeping!” Set your phone in the hallway, in your closet, on your dresser…all that matters is that it’s not by your bed. This way, when you wake up in the morning, you’re not getting caught up in scrolling through social media before you’ve had a chance to connect with your intentions and goals for the day. Don’t let your phone be a distraction in the morning!

DRAIN YOUR BRAIN

To help you stop your racing mind and slip into a peaceful slumber, keep a notebook on your bedside table. Before you go to bed, write down everything that’s on your mind…your to-do list, what’s making you worried, or anything that’s bugging you. I call it a “brain drain,” and it’s scientifically proven to help reduce anxiety and put a halt to racing thoughts.

PREP IT UP

Eating healthy and working out is much easier when you prepare the night before, and set everything out so it’s ready to go. Leaving your workout clothes folded next to your bed is a visual cue to remind yourself of the commitment you’ve made to exercise. And, it makes for a smoothe morning because it helps save time.

Before bed, you can also prep your meals for the next day by chopping up veggies, or even preparing a mason jar salad for lunch. And, you can pull out the blender and protein powder from the cabinets and set them on the counter for your morning shake. This way, there’s no thinking required tomorrow!