They say a great morning routine can increase productivity and reduce stress, amongst other benefits. I decided it would be interesting to see what allows me to feel I have achieved ‘Morning Greatness’, as NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto put it.
If you know me well, or even at all, you will know how much I love good quality coffee and lots of it. Therefore, the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Lumio had a lot to live up to, but I’m glad to say it did not disappoint! It not only makes the perfect cup of coffee every time, but it does so in just one minute – what is better than the smell of fresh coffee?
After writing down my habits and routine each morning for a week, it became evident quite quickly I lose a considerable amount of my time on my phone. I therefore set myself a goal, to not go on my phone until I had done a set number of things each morning; starting with my morning coffee, of course. Not only is my screen time down by 25%, but I also found that once I started being productive, I didn’t want to break that cycle by scrolling through apps.
Below are a few tips and ideas that I read about for things to do for a great and effective morning routine. I have consolidated these into 7 points below, oh and would you look what they spell 😉
New Day, New Start
A positive mind-set can really impact your mood and your way of thinking. Seeing each day as a new beginning is especially powerful following those bad days.
Exercise
Whilst we all know the benefits of exercise are extensive and I’m certainly not here to run through those, but I believe it is an important point to include, as often we can forget the simple addition of exercise into our routine can have such an impact. When I get into an exercise routine in a morning, I love the increased energy levels I have, along with that I always feel more focused and motivated.
Scribbling
Every morning, whilst enjoying my morning coffee, I write down my to do list. I find this really helps me get organised and focussed. Especially at the end of the day when I have got through a lot, and for the days I haven’t I go back to my first point and start afresh tomorrow with a new list.
Conscious Consumption
When I start my day with a healthier breakfast, I always feel better for it. I also make sure I start by drinking a glass of water and once I have done that, it is time for my morning coffee, which is usually a flavoured latte.
Activity
This could be anything from 10 minutes of breathing exercises, completing a section in your journal, or whatever relaxing activity works for you. It is important to know, you don’t need to complete whatever the activity is, but just allow yourself time to do something relaxing for you.
Fresh Air & Day Light
As simple as it sounds, the first thing I do is open the curtains and especially when I’m tired or not feeling my best on a morning, I open the window wide to get some fresh air. Alternatively, you could go for a run or even a walk. But as I’m often out walking about all day in between meetings, I don’t usually prioritise a morning stroll.
Engage yourself
Whether this be reading a book, listening to music or a podcast. Do something, which allows you to think. Alongside my breakfast and coffee, I will often listen to music or a podcast.
Why the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Lumio is my favourite:
For those of you looking for a new coffee machine or gifting one as a Christmas present, look no further than the Nescafé dolce Gusto Lumio. With 15 bar pump pressure, professional, quality, frothy and rich coffees are available at the push of a button and you won’t be waiting long – the perfect cup of coffee is yours in just a minute. You’ll never find yourself stuck for choice with the Lumio, there’s over 40 varieties of coffee, tea and hot chocolate including a recently launched Starbucks range.