– Life coach, Dr Rakish Rana, gives you a morning routine before a big day at work
– Mental Health UK found that 37% of adults feel work is impacting their sleep
Perfecting our routines before a big day at work can be a challenge. In fact, Mental Health UK found that 37% of UK adults said that work is reducing the control they feel they have over their sleep patterns. And as 61% of employees cite tiredness as the main blocker to productivity, it’s clear our routines have a lasting impact on our work days.
That’s why it’s so important to have a productive morning routine, helping to minimise the impact of disrupted sleep for the day ahead.
So, DFS has spoken to Life Coach, Dr Rakish Rana, who has provided some top tips on ways to make your mornings calmer and more productive on those stressful days.
“The best way to get ready for a big day at work is to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep, which will boost cognitive performance. However, this isn’t always possible – especially if you’re feeling nervous about a big meeting!
“That’s why it’s important to plan as much as possible to avoid any early morning stress. Organise your day’s papers, presentations, and clothes as soon as you wake up, reviewing meeting materials and strategies. This prep for your morning is proactive, which will improve your confidence, motivation, and determination.
“You should also start your day with healthy food, gentle exercise to boost blood flow and practise mindfulness to relax properly. It’s all about giving yourself enough time in the morning to avoid rushing around, which can raise anxiety levels even more.”
Dr Rakish has also provided a warning on how hitting the snooze button can impact your energy levels for the rest of the day:
“While it can be tempting to get a few more minutes of sleep, constantly hitting the snooze button could be the reason why you feel so tired for the rest of the day.
“That’s because, by continually falling asleep and waking up, you’re disrupting your sleep cycle and breaking your natural circadian rhythm. This can hinder your body from completing its full restorative process, which is essential for energy and alertness, leading to that groggy feeling.
“To counteract morning weariness, set your alarm for the latest feasible moment you need to wake up and resist the urge to immediately press snooze.”
For more advice on how to make sure you achieve a great night’s sleep or to improve your sleep conditions, visit the DFS website.
