Often, we roll out of bed upset that our class time has arrived so quickly that morning. As an athlete, I've been tested at the ripe hour of 6 a.m., but over the years, I've learned to take some time for myself. I'll let you all in on a few little secrets. Here are my personal five ways to make every day a great one.

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1. Have a little faith.

Before your feet touch the floor in the morning, say a little prayer of thanks. It's important to have a constant reminder of a higher power when 2:30 a.m. rolls around and you think that God is challenging you. Not a believer? Spend five minutes meditating in a silent room, reflecting on your own thoughts and putting positive energy into your world.

2. Drink a hot cup of coffee.

Coffee is a natural stimulant that wakes your body up and gets your metabolism moving. Don't lug it down with a ton of sugars and creams. Try a cup of dark roast with some nonfat milk or coconut milk poured in it. I promise, you won't regret it.

3. Read a good book.

Having a good book in your purse or backpack every day is a great way to take a break from your busy day. Sitting on the bus? Whip out that novel and read a chapter. It's important to put yourself in a fictitious world every once in a while to step out of reality.

4. Journal your thoughts.

One thing I've learned as an aspiring journalist is that you can't slow down your thoughts. I often find myself making mental notes about my surroundings, but physically writing them down is so much better. I keep a notebook from Target in my purse and pause conversations too often to jot down ideas, quotes or even full pages of analysis.

5. Do something kind.

Whether it be opening a door for the person behind you or buying someone else a meal, doing one small deed each day is fulfilling to the point that it cancels out anything that may be stressful. I've noticed that a small smile to a passerby might actually save them.

These five things are all both productive and distracting. They cause you to think outside of your small circle of "to-do's" and realize that the world is much bigger. They might cause you to take a step back from reality on a day where you just want to give up. They cause you to challenge yourself, thinking of others rather than yourself. Start now. There's no better time than the present.