Whether its 5, 6 or 7 AM, if you can wake up early, BEFORE everyone else in your house wakes up, you will be more productive the rest of the day. You will feel better, move more, be more productive and overall feel happier, and be more content.

Listen.. most of our to-do lists are never-ending and long.  We need every minute of the 24 hours in a day that we can get. That’s why a morning routine is vital.  Once the day really “starts”  there’s not a lot of time for ourselves..  and its often easy to become overwhelmed.

Morning routines are game-changers..

Here are 8 things to get done before 8 AM

1. Meditate

Whatever your beliefs are, take the time to reflect on what you are grateful for, thank a higher power and visualize what you want to accomplish that day.

2. Exercise

It’s WAY too easy to put off exercise and say we’ll get to the gym later, but getting it done early in the morning helps you feel more alert, strong and active for the rest of the day.

3. Drink water

Try to drink as much water as you can every morning.  After sleeping all night, you can feel slightly dehydrated.  Plus, after exercise, our bodies need it. 

4. Journal

Put down your thoughts.  It’s cathartic. Work through problems, write down motivational quotes you’ve heard. Journaling helps to get all those thoughts out so they don’t crowd our heads all day.

5. Write your To- Do list

It’s important to have goals for the day, or at least some direction.  Make your to-do list for the day and include 3 tasks on that list that are top priority. After those three get done, anything else you cross off is bonus points for you!  If something on your list doesn’t get done, just move it to the next day.. no biggie..

6. Catch up online

Take time quickly to update blog posts, schedule social media, reply to comments or post on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Answer emails or maybe just take a few minutes to read that uplifting article you’ve been meaning to get to. Keep this one short and sweet!

7. Make your bed

It may seem too small a task to matter much, but starting your day by making your bed gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also helps us in developing good habits.

8. Eat breakfast 

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  When we skip breakfast,  the rest of the day can turn into filling up on junk and overeating. Always take the time to eat SOMETHING..  an omelet, bowl of oatmeal or smoothie.

We are not perfect. Some days we’ll hit the snooze button 30 times before rolling out of bed.  But try and make your morning routine a habit. It will center you,  and give you the breathing room and momentum you need to have a FABULOUS day!

Adapted from a blog post written by LaShawn from “Everyday Eye Candy”