The days of pulling all-nighters and rolling out of bed mere seconds before an 8 a.m. class may be behind you, but now you face a different obstacle … adjusting to the 9-to-5 lifestyle. A quick Google search – or even a scroll through social media – presents an extensive list of practices you must be doing to lead a productive and healthy life. But do we really need to be doing all that?

To find out what routines are actually beneficial for real-life working professionals, we asked a few of our associates and leaders to share a glimpse of the habits that set them up for success throughout the day.

Marketing Supervisor Lindsay G. makes exercise a constant throughout her day to aid her focus and creativity:
“Throughout my workday, I prioritize staying active by taking short breaks to get steps in. Whether it’s a quick walk around the office, standing up to stretch, or even pacing while on a call, these moments help me reset mentally and physically. It not only boosts my energy and focus, but also gives me a chance to think creatively. Making movement a regular part of the day has been a game-changer for balancing work demands and overall well-being.”

Part-time Desktop Support Technician and Wright State University student Immanuel S. finds eating breakfast and staying informed on industry news helps him balance working and studying:
“I aim to consistently eat breakfast every morning, which includes some form of caffeine – typically coffee. I also read through a daily newsletter to stay up to date on the tech industry. Eating breakfast ensures I have the energy to start the day well, and the newsletter notifies me of any industry events that could affect my work and studies, such as widespread outages.”

 While Product Management Analyst Emily T. prepares for her morning the day before:
“Toward the end of each workday, I make a list of everything I need to accomplish the next day. In the morning, I review that list to refresh my memory on what I need to prioritize. I find that taking a few minutes at the start of the day to plan out my schedule helps me feel more organized and focused.”

Chief Customer Ambassador and VP of Customer Relations Dave B. starts his day bright and early, focusing on health and positivity:
“When not on the road visiting customers, my day starts at 3:30 a.m. and I’m in Reynolds’ gym by 4:30 a.m. I do a half hour of light weights and then an hour on the elliptical. I’m in my office at 6:30 a.m. to review my daily activities. I try to start on a positive note, so I send messages to associates with milestone anniversaries, congratulating them on their contributions and wishing them continued success.”

It’s easy to get caught up in expectations of what we should do versus what we can actually accomplish, especially when watching the highlight reel. Knowing what’s realistic for you is the most important part of creating a manageable routine, so take inspiration from our Reynolds professionals and incorporate a few small habits into your morning to set up your day for success.

Put your new morning routines into practice at Reynolds and browse current opportunities here.