Don't hit snooze
01
As tempting as it may be to hit snooze, you actually run the risk of being groggier after going back to sleep for a few more minutes. Since most snooze buttons are only ten minutes long, your body doesn't have enough time to fall back into a full sleep cycle, causing you to wake between sleep stages. The experience following this abrupt consciousness is scientifically known as sleep inertia. The effects of sleep inertia can last up to four hours and negatively impact your cognitive and sensory-motor performance – leading to a substantial decline in focus, memory and judgement. Additionally, when you set your alarm, you should be committed to wake up at a specific time. don't let breaking a promise to yourself be the first thing you do in the morning – creating a daily habit that can be difficult to break.
Quick meditation
02
You can calm your mind, clear your thoughts, and start your day with clarity through morning meditation. This simple practice helps lessen the effects of depression and anxiety – which is a perfect way begin a hectic and stressful day of work. Mediation has also been proven to increase endorphins, which not only puts you in a better mood but helps raise your energy levels, making you more alert and awake. This regimen isn't something that you need to spend hours on either: ten to fifteen minutes is enough time to set aside without completely setting back your schedule in the morning.
Drink water
03
There are many benefits to drinking water first thing in the morning. The most important being to hydrate your entire body after going hours without any liquid. The human body is made of more than fifty percent water, which is why it's so important to stay hydrated. Drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning is also a great way to jump start your metabolism by increasing your metabolic rate. Water has been proven to fuel your brain and increase your alertness – making this one of the most essential morning regimens.
Make your bed
04
Starting your day off right with one easy accomplishment, like making your bed, will set the tone for the rest of your day. In the words of Admiral McRaven during his 2014 University commencement speech, "If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another." Making your bed in the morning has added benefits such as lowering your stress level, encouraging you to keep the rest of your room tidy and increased productivity throughout the day.
Set 3 goals
05
Give yourself three goals that you want to accomplish within the day. It could be something as small as running a quick errand or something larger like completing a project at work – just make sure they are realistic. Setting small goals can help you to stay positive and motivated throughout the day, and can even help chip away at larger goals, making you feel even more productive. Writing down goals is also a great way to see what your priorities are to help keep you focused throughout the day.