Good Morning Routines for Professional Success: What Time Do You Wake Up?
What Good morning routines do you have in play? When your alarm rings, are you jumping out of bed to seize the day, or are you hitting snooze and negotiating for five more minutes? According to a recent study by CV-Library, your morning habits might say more about your career than you think.
The research, based on responses from 2,000 UK professionals, found that one in three (35.2%) Brits who identify as “successful” rise as early as 5.30am. Even more striking, 12.5% claim to wake up at 4.30am daily. While many of us strive to get eight hours of sleep, only 13.9% of respondents reported actually achieving this, with the average among successful professionals sitting at just 6.5 hours a night.
So, what are these early risers doing with all that extra time?
The study revealed a fascinating look into the morning routines for professional success. Top pre-work activities included:
- Catching up on emails (42.5%)
- Reading the latest news (32.1%)
- Scheduling the day ahead (31.1%).
Some prioritise wellness and connection too:
- Spending time with loved ones (23%)
- Checking in on social media (21.5%),
- Walking the dog (12%),
- Even meditating (6.6%).
Interestingly, while many believe in the power of an early start, the UK remains divided. Over half (53.3%) of respondents felt that waking early doesn’t necessarily give your career a leg up. However, the younger generation seems to disagree. Among 18–24-year-olds, 56.7% believe early rising improves productivity. In fact, 70.6% said it helps them feel more alert, while 67.7% believe it allows them to get ahead with their work.
The data also showed generational differences in sleep habits. Young professionals (18–24) are the most likely to achieve 7.5 hours of rest per night (36.7%), while those aged 55–64 most commonly get just 6.5 hours.
Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or more of a slow-starter, one thing is clear: how you spend your morning could shape your day – and possibly your career. From productive planning and physical activity to moments of calm and connection, morning routines for professional success look different for everyone.
Three Good Morning Routines for Professional Success
If you’re looking to optimise your mornings and set yourself up for a productive day at work, consider introducing these routines:
1. Start with Movement
Even a short walk or 10 minutes of stretching can increase energy, boost your mood and sharpen focus before your day begins. Physical activity helps reduce stress and sets a positive tone for the rest of your schedule.
2. Plan Your Priorities
Spend a few quiet minutes reviewing your calendar, listing key tasks, and setting intentions for the day. This simple habit boosts productivity and keeps you focused on what matters most.
3. Avoid Immediate Screen Time
While checking your phone is tempting, giving yourself 15–30 minutes screen-free in the morning helps ease mental overload and allows you to start the day calmly and mindfully.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Good morning routines for professional success are deeply personal – what matters most is creating habits that energise you, support your goals, and leave you feeling prepared and empowered.
