Having a planned morning routine is the first step to being less stressed throughout the day, and there are many things that you can do throughout the morning to stay relaxed while become energized for the day.

1. Take time to read 10 pages of a book every morning rather than checking your phone.

In order to relax and stimulate your brain simultaneously first thing in the morning, reach for a book instead of your phone. It will be more beneficial for you to spend time reading a good book than to mindlessly scroll through your social media accounts. It is important to take time everyday to unplug from your phone, so why not start practicing this habit first thing in the morning? Currently, I am reading Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein. This is a great story about an amazing woman's journey towards success; I definitely recommend this book for morning inspiration.

2. Drink a glass of cold water before turning on your Keurig.

After sleeping for about eight hours, your body is definitely dehydrated; so, it is vitally important to drink at least one glass of cold water before grabbing a cup of coffee. Wake up your body with the most important macronutrient that it needs to function rather than caffeine. This small, simple act is a healthy start to your day! Add some fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add an extra kick to your water. The antioxidants in the fruit will help detox your body.

3. Lace up your running shoes.

Another way to naturally wake up your body and energize your morning is going for quick workout. Not everyone has time in the morning for a long session at the gym, so go for a short run! Or, roll out your yoga mat and practice some breathing and stretching exercises. You only need 15 minutes to workout in the morning to wake up your body and start your day on a healthy note.

4. Light a candle and play your favorite tunes while doing your makeup.

Lighting or diffusing various calming scents is a great way to relax and have a stress-free morning. The most common scents to diffuse are lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree. Also, lighting a candle is great too; my favorite scent is Pumpkin Pecan Waffles from Bath and Body Works! Playing music is also another manner in which you can create a calming ambiance in your room while getting ready for the day. There are many great playlists on Spotify of curated music that are perfect for any mood, but the Your Favorite Coffeehouse and Mood Booster playlists are my personal favorites for the morning.

5. Have your bag packed the night before.

Lastly, a lot of people recommend to pick out your outfit the night before; however, I believe that having your bag packed the night before is more important. You might be more inclined to wear a different outfit the next morning if you feel differently, but you will always need the same essential items in your bag or backpack.