5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Morning

Take control of your day the moment you wake up

Starting off your morning in a positive way can set the tone for the remainder of the day. Why rush out the door, hit snooze, or eat an unhealthy breakfast when many other things can have you feeling like the best YOU possible.

1. Sex — (That’s if you have a significant other.) This should be fairly obvious. Sex does wonders — not only for your state of mind, but it’s proven to relieve stress. Set your sexual alarm clock for 5:30 a.m. and watch how that smile stays on your face most of the day.
2. Outdoor Running— Running first thing in the morning before work doesn’t sound least bit enjoyable, but I promise when you’re finished you’ll be happy you did. Not only will you get your workout out of the way early, you’ll kick your metabolism into full gear at the crack of dawn. And before you tell me you live in Chicago, and it’s windy and cold, I get it. Put on the right gear,download a podcast you’ve been too busy to listen to, and let the cold air by itself energize you.
3. Meditation— Spending the first 15-30 minutes of your morning meditating could be the most productive thing you’ll do all day. It’s a time to be grateful for your healthy, financial blessing, and countless other things we can take for granted. Quiet your mind and pray for someone who’s having a rough go at life. Or just let your mind sit in silence listening to your breath. Either way, prayer and meditation on a consistent basis will help guide you throughout your day.
4. Coffee— Don’t believe the hype about taste tests, and how cheap coffee is the same as really great beans. Do yourself a favor and buy (if you are behind the times) a french press and a 1/2 pound of beans from your local Whole Foods or coffee shop. There’s nothing that gets me more excited to start the day than the complex notes of a great cup of coffee.
5. Read— I tend to get most of my reading out of the way first thing in the morning. It not only distracts me from thinking ahead to what I have going on at work, it’s a healthy brain exercise to consistently start the day doing. I usually crank through a novel or the New York Times, both I probably wouldn’t get to later if I didn’t pick them up first thing in the morning.

Don’t let your day own you.Take control of your morning and watch how great you’ll feel.

Promise.