Can you believe that it is already 2018!! I know I can't. Every year most of us have it in our hearts and minds that we want to be more productive. But where do we start?

According to behavioral scientist, Dan Ariely, each morning we get a chance to be at our peak of productivity. The two hours after we are fully awake, are potentially, our most productive. This may seem like a hard ~HELL NO~ from non-morning people, but maybe these 5 things can help you become a morning person. Plus, tackle all those things on your to-do list !

1. Resist The Snooze

I am completely guilty of the beautiful snooze button, but it turns out that those extra 10 minutes are low-quality, light sleep. This actually does nothing beneficial for you except make you more tired. An entire sleep cycle takes about 90 minutes, so try to resist the urge to hit that snooze button.

2. Meditate

Meditating can be a tricky thing to start at first. Trying to turn off the noise that your brain creates due to stress can be hard, but don't give up if you think it isn't working. Becoming successful at it, does take time. Don't worry if your mind wanders off, just refocus your attention to your breathing and continue your practice. Here's a link to someone I really enjoy, if you would like some more tips on meditation.

3. Drink That Water

I don't know about you but I wake up in the morning feeling like Spongebob on that episode where he is all shriveled up begging for water at Sandy's house -LOL-. A glass or two of H2O first thing in the AM helps replenish your body’s hydration stores. It also starts your metabolism on the right foot (since the body relies on water to keep all your digestive processes running smoothly).

4. Eat Breakfast

I used to be terrible at eating breakfast when I was in high school and even college. Now, I don't know how I could make it through the workday without have something to eat. Food is where your body gets energy, so starting your day with something in your tummy is one of the most energizing things you can do. Plus skipping breakfast has a tendency to make us overeat later in the day when it's harder for your body to break down fat. Eat! Eat! Eat!

5. Stretch

I'm not talking about that one good stretch you get when you just wake up. Getting up and getting down on the ground, holding those stretches for 10-15 breaths can help you get that blood flowing. Stretching always helps me feel relaxed and in control. Be careful to go through the movements slowly and focus on your breath !

Skipping the snooze and trying to find time to eat something in the morning may seem like a lot of work to you now, but the benefits of it are amazing. Don't let another year pass with your to-do list collecting dust. I believe in you !