Starting your day right is said to be the secret to continuous productivity. So, to help you on your way, we’ve created a 7- point plan to help you maximise your day

1. Make time for yourself

WIRED recently reported that how you spend the first hour of your day will set the standard for your productivity for the rest of the day. Try spending a few more minutes on your grooming routine in the morning. The extra time (a couple of minutes is ample) will give you the chance to gather your thoughts and get your mind into positive gear for the day ahead.

TIP – It could be as simple as prepping your skin with an exfoliating cleanser before you shave, or putting on moisturiser afterwards. Heath Moisturiser has an amazing, refreshing sea salt and sage scent sure to put you in a positive mood!

2. Organise, organise, organise

If you feel you need to be more productive on a daily basis, why not try segmenting your tasks. Be it at work or at home, decide how much time you need to complete them, and allocate your precious hours accordingly. Crossing tasks off a list is a very satisfying feeling – it could even spur you on to do more.

TIP – To stay on top of tasks, try creating to-do lists and track them using Google Tasks. Since Google Tasks syncs with Gmail, Google Calendar, and the Google mobile app, it makes it easier to refer to them while on-the-go.

3. Avoid distractions

We’re surrounded by technology for the majority of the day. Taking time away from devices and apps could increase your concentration. Do you find yourself scrolling through Facebook and Instagram instead of completing important tasks on a day-to-day basis? It could be time to consider uninstalling your most distracting apps.

4. Move your body, move your mind

We’ve established that making time for yourself every day will move your mind into a more positive place. Now it’s time to move your body and align it with your thoughts. Movement and exercise release endorphins, and studies have shown that this increases mental productivity. Men’s Fitness wrote a piece on the mental health benefits and positive long term effects of exercise. As the old adage goes, a healthy body equals a healthy mind, which has been shown to be true by a series of studies at The University of Oxford.

5. Be enthusiastic!

Enthusiasm will improve your productivity, but it can also improve your life and the life of those around you. It’s an infectious quality and one that people look for in others. Watch people gravitate towards you and influence them with your joy and positivity.

6. Experiment with your life

Do you ever find yourself sitting in your comfort zone? It feels like a nice place to be, but you might find yourself getting complacent and seeing fewer results coming your way. This could indicate that it’s time for a spell of experimentation. What can you change that’s going to fill you with excitement and passion?

TIP – Andy Molinsky’s recent book Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone is packed with ideas.

7. Manage your work and social schedule for a well-balanced life

You’ve heard the phrase “all work and no play” before. It’s all about finding balance between your work and free time. But if you find yourself leaning too heavily on the work side, then this one’s for you. Try stepping away from or changing your routine. By giving yourself a break and allowing yourself time to do something you enjoy, you’ll be able to tackle your to-dos with a fresh pair of eyes, positivity and clarity.