Whether you’re looking to increase productivity or to improve your daily mindset , this article walks you through 10 realistic steps to incorporate a healthy morning routine into your day!

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission when you purchase through them!

why you need a morning routine

Do you struggle to wake up at consistent times? Do you feel crabby and unmotivated in the mornings? Do you want to feel more productive and satisfied throughout the day?

It might be time to change up or implement a healthy morning routine!

Studies show that early risers tend to have higher productivity rates and better quality of life than those who sleep in late.

By creating a healthy morning routine and waking up early not only will you feel more motivated and productive, but you’ll have a happier mindset as well.

Waking up early also has long-terms effects such as improved mental health, better sleep patterns, and boosted self-esteem.

10 steps to a healthy morning routine

1. Set an alarm. I highly suggest getting an alarm clock separate from your phone. Phones can be a huge distraction in the morning and can also dampen your mood so it’s best to not touch it the minute you wake up!

Here are some alarm clocks I love:

shop on amazon

shop on amazon

2. Get some natural light. Whether you open your blinds or use a sun therapy lamp, getting some natural light tells your body that it’s time to wake up! It will also help to instantly brighten your mood.

3. Drink water. Not only will a cold glass of water in the morning help your digestion and metabolism, it will also help you to feel more energized and refreshed.

Check out some of my fave water cups:

shop on Amazon

shop on amazon

4. Get up and move. Whether you go for a quick walk, do a yoga flow, or just some simple stretches, getting up and lightly moving your body will wake up your muscles, joints, and mind.

I personally love to wake up, stretch, and foam roll. Here are some items that might help:

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shop on amazon

5. Wash your face. As we get older, it becomes more important to have a solid morning skincare routine. Not only is it great for your skin, but it will help awaken your senses!

Here are some of my fave morning skincare products:

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shop on amazon

shop on amazon

6. Eat a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is meant to energize and provide fuel for your day! Eat a protein-packed breakfast like eggs, greek yogurt, protein shakes, oatmeal, etc.

7. Do some light chores. Whether you start a load of laundry or empty the dishwasher, doing 1-2 quick chores will make you feel more productive and will put you in a better mindset for the remainder of the day.

8. Read or journal. After chores, reward yourself with a little me-time. Spend 20-30 minutes journaling, reading, or doing anything that brings you joy.

Check out this list of 50+ motivational books for women >>

Here are some of my favorite ways to indulge in some morning me-time:

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shop on amazon

9. Make a to-do list. It’s easy to get carried away and distracted throughout the day so spending 10 minutes in the morning to create your day’s to-do list will be super effective.

Jot down your 3 MOST IMPORTANT tasks for the day and then any additional tasks beyond that.

10. Start your workday. By now, you should be feeling refreshed and productive to complete a successful workday. 

The post Your Guide to Creating a Healthy Morning Routine appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

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Shopping for a new planner is one of my favorite annual activities. I love trying out new brands and new layouts to see what works for me and my lifestyle.

I find myself having different requirements of my planners depending on what season of life I’m in.

When I was busy with back-to-back meetings, an hourly planner worked best. Now that most of my days are spent planning content, I find I need lots of room for to-do lists and brainstorming sections.

But regardless of my planning needs, I always have one goal in mind: it needs to help me stay on top of my shit.

So because of that, I’m always more attracted to the layouts and functionality of productivity planners vs regular agendas.

Not familiar with productivity planners? Well, it’s a pretty subjective term and quite honestly, this list includes planners of ALL forms (because everyone has different requirements) but I like to think that productivity planners are MADE to help us hit our goals.

Productivity Planners often have sections for goal-setting, self-reflection, LOTS of room for to-do lists and brainstorming, a variety of calendar spreads, and more.

But like I said, every single one of us has different requirements in terms of what we need so that’s what this list is for!

The Best Productivity Planners

Whether you’re shopping for daily layouts, weekly layouts, undated, or customizable, this list of planners is perfect for those looking to get organized, improve time management, and boost productivity.

Get ready to open a million tabs because with how cute and functional all of these planners are, it’s going to be hard to choose just one!

Clever Fox Planner

The Clever Fox planner is perfect if you’re looking to increase productivity, improve your time management, and hit your goals! This is an undated planner and comes in a daily layout.

Shop this planner here >>

Smart Planner Pro

The Smart Planner Pro is an un-dated calendar that features a weekly layout that breaks each day down by hour. It’s perfect for those looking to stay organized and improve their time management.

Shop this planner here >>

The Anecdote Daily Workflow Planner

The Anecdote Daily Workflow planner features a unique system of monthly, weekly & daily pages that reflect a clear path to get things done. It’s perfect those who are goal-oriented with big to-do lists!

Shop this planner here >>

The Happy Planner

Between The Happy Planners’ unique disc-bound system and variety of layouts, this is a great planner if you’re looking for something fairly customizable. I used this planner for years and it’s one of my all-time favorites.

Shop this planner here >>

Mal Paper Daily Goal Setter Planner

Looking for the perfect goal-setting calendar? This planner uses self-reflection prompts that help you gradually build towards your main goal and give you an incentive to keep going.

Shop this planner here >>

Day Designer

This day-to-day planner uses a daily layout that combines your daily schedule (5 am to 9 pm) and to-do list on one page, along with space for notes, gratitude, top three priorities and inspirational quotes.

Shop this planner here >>

Legend Planner

The Legend Planner will help you to figure out what you really want in life, create your personal vision, define and break down your short and long-term goals, and incorporate them into each area of your daily life

Shop this planner here >>

All in One Planner

The All-In-One Planner has a totally unique layout that allows you to see monthly and weekly views all on the same page along with habit tracking and space for notes.

Shop this planner here >>

Panda Planner

The Panda Planner is a scientifically designed daily planner that will empower you to take back control of your time and unlock your organization & focus so you can hit your goals.

Shop this planner here >>

Minimalist Undated Planner

The Minimalist planner is a gorgeous design that features daily layout pages that include sections for to-do lists, self-care, shopping lists, habit tracking, and more. This plan is for a 4-month period.

Shop this planner here >>

Erin Condren Planners

Erin Condren planners are unique and customizable agendas that are designed to help you reduce stress, get organized, and achieve your goals. With tons of customization options, you can build the perfect planner that fits your style and schedule!

Shop this planner here >>

Personalized Planner

If you’re looking for a super simplified planner, this 12-month agenda can be personalized with your name or a short phrase and is perfectly sleek for taking on the go.

Shop this planner here >>

Day Designer for Blue Sky

Day Designer planners combine beautiful designs, original content, and simple guided frameworks to inspire and empower you to find balance, focus, and productivity. This daily & monthly planner will keep you on track throughout the week and enable you to achieve your goals.

Shop this planner here >>

One Day At a Time Planner

Looking for a planner to not only organize your day but to inspire your life? This planner features daily layouts that will allow you to organize your to-do life, reflect on your gratitude, and focus on self-care.

Shop this planner here >>

Matilda Myres Daily Planner

This chic, coil planner offers daily layouts that are uniquely broken up for morning, afternoon, and evening planning.

Shop this planner here >>

Ultimate Digital Planner

Looking for a planner that’s fully customizable? With 90+ templates for lifestyle, health & fitness, productivity, finances, and more — you’ll have no excuse but not to be organized and productive!

Shop this planner here >>

The post 16 Productivity Planners Guaranteed To Get Your Life Organized appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

_{^{This blog contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you purchase through links, but all opinions are my own and I appreciate your support.}}

Do you find yourself constantly distracted while working from home? Or lacking a productive routine? Perhaps you feel like you’re unable to “turn off.” Or maybe not working enough.

When I first started working from home, I found myself running into two issues:

I had days where I struggled to stay on-task. I’d get distracted by everything and the smallest task seemed to take me all day. But then I had days where I couldn’t turn off. I worked through my meals and barely remembered to use the bathroom.

Lack of structure will cause anyone to feel unproductive or burnt out so implementing these tips for working from home will elevate your productivity and work/life balance.

Ready to dive in and get productive?

Need-to-Know Tips for Working From Home That Will Increase Your Productivity

• Create a routine and stick with it. This has been one of the most challenging parts of my work-from-home experience — especially since I work for myself — but I find that I’m so much more productive when I stick to one.
  
  I use different alarms throughout the day to maintain a schedule and personally, that has really worked for me!
  
  
• Get up and get ready for the day. Like, actually shower, put clean clothes on (even if it’s just some leggings and a sweatshirt), pop on some mascara, and get ready to rock out the day! It will help you feel more energized and motivated. Check out my blog on Comfy Work From Home Wardrobe Essentials for Women.
  
  
• Take breaks. If you were in the office, you’d probably take 5 to go chat with a co-worker, fill up your water bottle, hit up the cafeteria for lunch, etc.
  
  Make sure you are incorporating those breaks into your workday at home as well. Even a 5-minute break will help clear your mind and feel more refreshed. Don’t feel guilty for needing a moment away from your computer.
  
  
• Have a designated workspace to separate work from home. I think one of the most challenging parts about working from home is that you always feel like you are at work, which can be a toxic environment or you always feel like you are home, which can be an unproductive environment.
  
  For months I was working at my dining table and was constantly distracted by wanting to do the dishes, clean the kitchen, vacuum, etc. because that was my work view!
  
  I know it’s not practical for everyone, but try to create a small corner or room in your home that is designated solely for work. This should be separate from where you sleep and relax. That way, when you go to sit and work, it feels like an office and you won’t have as many distractions.
  
  If space is an issue, invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
  
  
• Turn off distractions. When you’re home, the temptation is literally everywhere. You have the tv, your phone, your laundry, etc. It can turn into an endless black hole of unproductivity.
  
  Stay clear from working in rooms that have distractions and use an app like Flora to keep you off your phone if you insist on having it next to you.
  
  
• If others are also home, create some ground rules. Make sure to set some boundaries to limit distractions such as giving those in your household set times that they can/cannot interrupt you.
  
  On the other hand, if you are the only person working from home, be clear with expectations. Just because someone is working at home doesn’t mean they are working any less hard than someone else.
  
  For instance, your spouse shouldn’t assume that now that you’re working at home, you will walk the dog every day. If this is part of your dynamic, that’s fine! But make sure you both have realistic expectations of what you are/are not capable of now that you’re home more.
  
  
• Overcommunicate with co-workers. Before, it was so easy to give someone a quick project update while passing their office or touching base after a meeting.
  
  Send regular emails or messages to your team with project updates, questions, schedule changes, etc. Great communication is more important than ever and will really stand out to your boss(es).
  
  
• Ask for what you need. If you need certain equipment to make your job easier at home, ask for it! Most employers have supply budgets that are meant for this type of stuff, but please be practical with your requests and don’t go overboard.
  
  But, if you are self-employed or are just looking to amp up your own office space, check out this list of 25+ must-have work from home essentials to boost your productivity.
  

• Don’t feel like you HAVE to be at home. Not everyone has an ideal home situation for being productive. If you’d feel more productive in a coffee shop or outdoors, find a space that works for you! BUT, if you are going to work in a public, indoor setting, be sure to wear a mask.
  
  
• Work when you’re most productive. Remember how we talked about routines? Well, make sure it’s centered around your productivity peaks.
  
  For instance, I am most productive mid-afternoon (1-5 pm). I only schedule myself for a couple of hours in the morning and use that time on simple tasks such as answering emails. After my afternoon break is when I feel the most refreshed so that’s when I do the bulk of my work.
  
  
• Focus on one task at a time. Distractions are at an all-time high and I don’t know how many times I have started multiple tasks within an hour, only to complete…none of them.
  
  Using a time tracking app or focus timer will help you stay on task and get things done more efficiently.
  
  If you want to learn how to effectively manage your time, I HIGHLY suggest reading the book, Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.
  
  
• Don’t start your day by checking emails. Emails are a sure way to fall down a rabbit hole of distractions. Instead, start with your most important task of the day.
  
  It might sound like an exhausting way to begin your day, but I promise, you’ll feel so much more productive and will end up getting more done.
  
  
• Interact with other humans. Whether you send a non-related message to a co-worker or meet a friend for lunch, make sure you are interacting with people outside of your household. Your sanity will thank you.
  
  
• End your workday at the same time, every day. Obviously, there are exceptions with hard deadlines and meetings, but seriously, now that there’s no rush to go home, it’s super important to plan an end to your workday.
  
  If your work’s technology allows it, schedule your emails and DM’s to “go to sleep” at 5:00 pm. Or set clear expectations with your team that after a certain time, you will be wrapping things up and logging off for the night.
  
  
• Don’t forget to exercise. Whether you go for a walk or do a mid-afternoon cardio session, make sure you are taking time to care for your body! If you need some home exercise equipment, check out my latest blog on the 15 Exercise Accessories to Get In Shape at Home.
  

• Plan for the day ahead. One of the best things that the book Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time taught me was to plan ahead.
  
  At the end of each workday, create a list of the top three most important tasks to get done the next day. That way, when you sit down at your desk in the morning, you already know exactly what you have to do and won’t have to spend time figuring out what to work on.
  
  
• Find a solid organizational system. Whether you use lists, post-it’s, or a digital system like Trello, finding a system that works for you is critical to your personal project management.
  
  If one method isn’t working as effectively as you’d like, be open to trying something new, but I would suggest testing it for at least 3 weeks before jumping into something new.
  
  
• Be easy on yourself. If the pandemic is what caused you to start working from home, keep in mind that this is still a very new adjustment for you.
  
  Don’t feel guilty for throwing in that load of laundry between meetings or going on a run during your lunch break. Because you know what? Your boss and their boss are all doing the same things and that’s just part of the nature of working at home. So give yourself some credit and be proud of the work you do.
  

Other articles you might be interested in…

25+ Must-Have Work From Home Essentials to Boost Your Productivity

Comfy Work From Home Wardrobe Essentials for Women

The post 18 Essential Tips for Working From Home appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

In fact, being productive not only impacts the quality of your work but your mental health as well.

Have you ever noticed how you feel when you’ve had a super lazy day or haven’t crossed anything off today’s to-do list? It’s defeating.

But when we feel productive, we feel accomplished, and when we feel accomplished, it releases happy endorphins from our brain.

That’s why ensuring that you feel happy and productive while working at home during this crazy time is more important than ever.

From must-have products to my favorite productivity apps, check out this list of work from home essentials that will leave you feeling organized, productive, and excited to get to work!

FYI: This blog contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you click through and purchase. However, all opinions are my own and truly appreciate your support!

The Best Work From Home Essentials for Your Office Space

From basic necessities to some off-the wall gadgets, check out these work from home essentials that will increase your productivity and make you feel more official.

A Desk

This might seem like a super obvious one, but having a dedicated desk space to work at is SO important for your productivity. Regardless of your space, there is a desk of every size at every price point. Shop this desk here >>

A Comfy Office Chair

Having an ergonomic desk chair is going to significantly help your posture, back pain, and productivity. Check out this highly-rated chair on Amazon >>

An Othopedic Seat Cushion

And if you don’t have an office chair and don’t want to spend the money to get one, consider turning your regular chair into one with an orthopedic seat cushion! Shop this seat cushion here >>

A Posture Corrector

It’s easy to fall into a work slump, quite literally, especially when you don’t have the proper office equipment. Save your back with a posture corrector that you can wear while you work. Shop this posture corrector here >>

A Multifunctional Desk Lamp

This desk lamp is such a dream, you guys. Not only does it offer different lighting modes and brightnesses, but it’s also touch-controlled, has a USB port, and is a wireless charger! Shop this all-in-one desk lamp here >>

A Wireless Keyboard

This is a fairly straight forward wireless keyboard, but the reviews are fantastic compared to similar models. Shop this wireless keyboard here >>

A Wireless Mouse

If you’re sick of using your laptop’s trackpad, it’s time to step up your game and get a wireless mouse. This one is super sleek, has amazing reviews, and comes in TONS of colors. Shop this wireless mouse here >>

A Laptop Stand

If you use a laptop to work, elevating it will be a game-changer for your comfort! Having your screen at eye-level will minimize hunching to improve neck and shoulder tension. Shop this highly-rated laptop stand here >>

An Ember Coffee Mug

Ready to have your life changed, coffee drinkers? The Ember coffee mug is battery powered to keep your cup warm for 1.5 hours or ALL DAY when set on the charging coaster. It’s also available in different colors and can be controlled via app. Shop this self-warming coffee mug here >>

A Wireless Charging Stand

Keep all of your tech devices conveniently stored and charged on one of these wireless charging stands. Shop this wireless charging stand here >>

An Ergonomic Mouse Pad and Wrist Pad

Add comfort in to your workday with a memory-foam mouse pad and wrist pad meant to alleviate stress on your wrists and hands. This set is available in a number of colors and patterns. Shop this mouse and wrist pad set here >>

Thümm & Co. Myrna Watch

I think we’re all guilty of spending wasted, unproductive hours while working at home. Get back into a routine with this gorgeous watch from Thümm & Co — whether you’re looking for women’s or men’s watches, this is the perfect way to track your time while also being completely stylish!

Shop this watch here >>

A Webcam

If you are doing a lot of virtual conference calls, it might be worth investing in a webcam. This one is HIGHLY rated, super affordable, and has a built-in microphone. Shop this webcam here >>

A Keurig Coffee Maker

If you’re used to drinking the coffee at work and haven’t already invested in a home coffee maker, it’s time to do so! Keurig’s are a classic and come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Shop all Keurig coffee makers here >>

A Google WiFi System

Reliable, speedy internet is a work from home essential. Google Wifi will replace your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room! Shop Google WiFi’s here >>

Cable Organizers

Keep your desk space clean and tidy with a cable organizer that’s minimal and chic! Shop this set of cable organizers here >>

A Sticky Note Set

Since you no longer have the office supply closet to raid, check out this handy compact filled with various sticky notes! Shop this sticky note set here >>

A Bluetooth Speaker

You’re definitely going to want to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks now and then and a smart speaker like the Echo Dot is a great choice! Shop the fan-favorite Echo Dots here >>

Blue Light Blockers

Blue Light Blockers are one of my most important work from home essentials. I’m prone to getting screen headaches and these have significantly reduced my eye and head strain! Shop my favorite blue light blockers here >>

Under Desk Footrest

This adjustable under-the-desk footrest will help improve your posture, circulation, and overall comfort while working from home. Shop this adjustable footrest here >>

Weekly Planner Pad

Get super organized with your weekly tasks and to-do’s with this planner pad! Shop this weekly planner pad here >>

Apple AirPods

Wireless headphones are a must if you’re working at home with other people or want to take conference calls while pacing around. One look at the reviews proves that AirPods are the top choice for wireless headphones. Shop Apple AirPods here >>

My 5 Favorite Productivity Apps for Working From Home

If you are needing help organizing your work, limiting distractions, or tracking your time, check out some of my favorite productivity apps that are total work from home essentials.

Trello – An Organization App

This is my holy grail when it comes to productivity apps. Trello is a free project management tool. I use it to organize my ideas, my weekly tasks, my content planner, and more! It has features such as checklists, due dates, a comments section, and tons others. Plus, there is also a mobile app so you can keep yourself organized on the go! Check out Trello here >>

Flora – A Focus Timer

My phone is 100% my biggest distraction throughout the workday. Luckily, Flora is a free app that I’ve found to be super helpful for my productivity! It’s simple (and fun!). You plant a seed and set a timer for how long you want to be distraction-free, but if you leave the app, the tree will die. And if competition motivates you, you can challenge friends to see who can be the most productive. Ready to get growing? Check out Flora here >>

Toggl – A Time-Tracking App

If you’re looking for a way to manage your time, track your hours, or even something remind you to take breaks, Toggl is your tool! Toggl offers easy, one-click timers, auto-tracking (for forgetful people like me!), reporting, revenue tracking, and more! Plus, it’s free! Check out Toggl here >>

1Password – A Password Management Tool

Our household loves 1Password because it securely stores ALL of our information in one central place and makes it super easy to grab and share passwords as needed. Check out 1Password here >>

Done – A Habit Tracker

This is one of my favorite apps on my phone and has really encouraged me to make and break certain habits! The sleek interface was the first thing that sold me, but I love that it tracks daily, monthly, even yearly goals, tracks streaks, and has simple reporting to show trends. Plus, being able to fill up your habit bar is super satisfying! Check out Done here >>

Share Your Work From Home Essentials

I’m super curious to know — what are some of your must-have work from home essentials or tips? Leave a comment below and let me know. I’m always looking for new ways to spice up my workspace!

The post 25+ Work From Home Essentials to Boost Your Productivity appeared first on The Basic Housewife.