Khaberni - Behavioral scientists have confirmed that the way we start our morning can determine the course of the entire day, and in this context, happiness expert and professor at Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, Arthur Brooks, revealed his six-step morning routine, which he says "radically changed his life," adding that following it provides energy, focus, and happiness throughout the day.
This routine is based on a growing concept in the wellness world known as: "From 5 to 9 before your 9 to 5," which means utilizing the morning hours to build a balanced and productive day before the official work starts, according to "Fox News."
Brooks' Morning Routine Steps
1. Wake Up Before Dawn
Brooks starts his day at 4:30 AM, believing that waking up early gives the brain a boost of activity and focus. He points out that one can train themselves to become a "morning person," based on scientific research and ancient Indian philosophy, affirming that waking up before sunrise enhances creativity and mood.
2. Morning Exercise Hour
At 4:45 AM, Brooks engages in a variety of exercises including resistance training and light cardio for a full hour. He asserts that movement at the beginning of the day energizes the body and mind, adding: "If you start your day with lifting weights or even walking, you will notice a big difference."
3. Spiritual or Meditative Activity
After showering, Brooks dedicates moments for meditation or a simple spiritual ritual that enhances the harmony between body and mind, giving him mental clarity and a broader outlook on life beyond self-centricity.
4. Delaying Coffee
Unlike usual, Brooks does not consume coffee right upon waking up, but rather about an hour later. He explains that waiting allows the brain to clear out adenosine, the substance responsible for the feeling of sleepiness, making caffeine more effective in enhancing focus and creativity later.
5. Protein-Rich Breakfast
Brooks ensures he has a high-protein breakfast consisting of Greek yogurt, walnuts, berries, and whey protein, getting 60 grams of protein in less than 400 calories, which provides him with sustained energy and mood stability thanks to the beneficial amino acids for the nervous system.
6. Four Hours of Focus and Creativity
Between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, Brooks enters what he calls a "state of flow," a phase of deep focus and high productivity away from digital distractions. He says: "I achieve in four hours what I used to need two days to complete, and I feel happier when I do it."
Brooks concludes his advice by emphasizing the importance of maintaining this mental clarity: "Do not ruin your focus period by using your phone. Stay focused, creative, and happy."
