As soon as you wake up, you usually have a million things running through your head- right? Errands you need to run that day, what you want to have for breakfast, or how many more alarms you can snooze before actually having to get out of bed are just a few things that come to mind.

While many of us try to stay bundled under the covers for as long as possible each day, it may not be the most useful when it comes to our productivity. Have you ever noticed that whenever you scramble to get ready in 15 minutes and rush out the door, it often feels as if the rest of the day is already off to a bad start as well? Well, instead of aimlessly wasting your precious AM hours, I challenge you to try to get up just an hour or so earlier in order to implement some of these activities. I have no doubt that you will be pleasantly surprised at the increase in your energy levels and overall well-being throughout the day. I hope you enjoy!

1. Set your intentions.

2. Eat a good breakfast.

3. Exercise or go on a morning walk.

4. Meditate.

5. Don’t check your phone right away.

6. Spend time with your loved ones.

7. Coffee. Always coffee.

8. Reply to urgent emails first.

9. Plan out your to-do list for the day (planner!)

10. Listen to music.

11. Read/listen to the news.