If you rely on your phone for an alarm clock, something tells me that instead of turning it off when it wakes you up, you go down the rabbit hole of checking all your messages, opening every social media app, and checking out your inbox before your feet even hit the ground. While it’s tempting to check in on what happened overnight (ya know, while you’re busy doing a thing called: sleeping) implementing these five things into your morning routine can keep you grounded, help you be more productive, and increase your overall wellness.

1. Wake up with gratitude:

Not grumbles… I know, I know. But there’s something about just laying in bed for few minutes while you wake up and think of the things you’re thankful for. Lately I’ve been trying to spend just 10 minutes in bed, no phones, snuggling, petting the pups, and practicing gratitude. Since doing this, I feel less frantic in the mornings and I feel a sense of joy and not dread about what I’m about to do for the day.

2. Stretch and flow:

hear me out, I’m getting into yoga and there is something incredible about spending 10 minutes at the start of your day breathing a little deeper and hitting that downward dog to wake everything up. Ever wonder why it feels SO good to stretch in the morning? When you sleep in the bed, your body is not moving and the blood is not circulated very well. Stretching improves your blood circulation for better nutrient delivery and better range of motion so you will feel better.

3. Drink a glass of water:

You just went 7-8 hours without drinking any water! Even if your body isn’t telling you that it’s thirsty, it probably is. Challenge? Chug 16oz of water when you get up… Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even make you eat less.

4. Write down your big 3 for the day:

What are the 3 things YOU need to get done today? These should be your biggest priorities, the things that are moving you closer to your biggest goals. When you do this before grabbing your phone, scrolling, and checking email, you will be far more likely to stay in alignment with what’s most important for you to accomplish.

5. Get fresh air:

I started taking my dogs for an hour-long walk every morning. They literally bark if I don’t hook up their leashes the minute my feet hit the steps. It’s an awesome time to get moving, start slowly, hop on the phone with my mom or crank some tunes, and tucker out the dogs before starting the workday. Here is a list of important health benefits of fresh air: Fresh air is good for digestion. Improves your blood pressure and heart rate. It makes you happier. Strengthens your immune system.Fresh air cleans your lungs. You will have more energy and a sharper mind.

What would your life look like if you took an extra 10, 20, even 30 minutes to start your day off right? If you make these tweaks and spend a little time reflecting, stretching, moving, and prioritizing, you’ll feel more focused, more excited, and more grounded as you enter your workday. These tiny tweaks to your routine can make a GIANT difference!

What’s the FIRST thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

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