Having a good start to the day can have a significant effect on your level of productivity as well as shape your attitude for the entire day. Whether you’re an instructor or a student our morning rituals greatly affect the outcome of one’s day. Have you ever wondered why some individuals always seem to have a good day? While others seem to struggle? Successful people have one thing in common, they start their day out with good morning habits/rituals.

I have a few questions for you; Do you find yourself running in late to school? How about your students, do they run in late for your class? Do you find yourself dragging your feet as you enter the building? What about your students? Do you find yourself feeling disconnected from your co-workers or your students? How about your students, are they disconnected or pre-occupied? If you answered yes to any of these questions than it might be time to re-examine your morning work habits. In addition, it might be time to incorporate some classroom activities to help your students examine their morning habits.

To help take control of your day, try these easy morning rituals:

#1: Arrive on time. Seems simple, right? Showing up late can certainly give a bad impression, but it can also add stress to your morning. Once you run late whether running late to set-up your classroom or your students running late for their first client in the student salon, more than likely it will throw off your entire schedule. Getting to work early to set-up your workspace can help you feel prepared and feel accomplished.

#2: Map out your day. Take five minutes to quietly review your day. Review your lesson plans, create your plan of action. Identify any alternative activities or topics that you might want to include within the classroom. Look for possibilities, what else could you do? Have your students review all appointments and look for possibilities such as add-on services, take home care product recommendations, or future appointment opportunities. Have students look at any downtime; what productive things can they do while their client is processing or between scheduled appointments? Taking the time to map out your day can ensure a smooth day.

#3: Be present. It’s important to be present, mentally and physically. If you’re not a morning person or you find yourself feeling like you need a vacation, take the time to be present by connecting with your co-workers before you begin your day. Take the time to connect with students by making eye contact, smile, say “good morning/afternoon.” This is one sure way to connect physically and emotionally and clear away any sleepiness or sluggishness. Encourage students to be present when they enter the building, provide them time to connect with their classmates and you.

These three steps seem simple, but try them out for one week, fully. Do you see changes? Do you feel more prepared and awake, are you ready to tackle the day? Have your students try on these three steps and ask them if they see a change or if they personally feel more prepared and ready to tackle their day?