Everyone has days when they just want to hit the snooze button the second the morning alarm goes off. However, those of us with busy schedules know that sleep will just have to wait if any headway is to be made on our long to-do list. For those who need an extra pick-me-up to get them out of bed, here is how an organized morning routine can set your day off on an energetic start that will carry through the rest of the day:

Wake Up Early

Even those of us who don’t claim to be a morning person can enjoy the sense of power that comes with getting a jumpstart on the day’s activities while everyone else is sleeping. I bought a ZenAwake alarm clock that slowly wakes me up so I don’t get pulled out of a deep sleep all at once; it’s definitely helpful! Once you are up earlier than normal, set the day into action by planning your schedule with top priorities first. If you find that waking up early is still a struggle, then try getting a head start by organizing your clothes, preparing lunch and gathering your workout gear the night before so you can wake up ready to go!

Exercise is Essential

With that extra hour or two in the morning, you can start your day with some exercise that will leave you invigorated for the rest of the day. Morning exercise is also a great way to relieve any leftover stress from the day before so you can start your work with a new perspective and a clean slate. If you’ve been meaning to try out a new workout routine but never found the time, committing to a morning workout may be the perfect solution! It is also the best way to rev up your metabolism and maximize the results you get from your efforts. Too often, I hear people say they don’t have time to workout but spend the early morning hours snoozing in bed. Once you’ve managed to commit to a morning workout routine, you should try to switch up the kind of exercise you’re doing and ensure it’s making a difference for your body, especially if weight loss is your goal. If you want to make something happen, you’re going to have to push yourself. I’ve found that once I get out of bed – which is the hardest part of it all – exercise leaves me feeling more relaxed than extra sleep ever could.

Eat a Warm Breakfast

I know, you’ve probably heard all your life that a box of cereal is fortified with enough nutrients to set your day off right, but trust me, you deserve much better than that. Instead, go ahead and whip up an omelet and fill it with your favorite veggies. There are tons of great lists out there with new, creative recipe ideas for eating healthy. After that, you have a champion’s breakfast that will kick start your metabolism and keep you going well until lunchtime.

Even if you’re not ready to start incorporating all of these ideas into your typical morning routine, adding just one can help make a positive difference in your overall productivity and state of mind. I recommend starting slow, making small changes in your routine until you’re ready for the next step. Now that I’ve managed to adjust my mornings and fit more in, I feel that I have more control over my day and am ready and willing to take on whatever life throws at me.

Emma is a wife and mother who works tirelessly to provide for her family and stay involved in the hobbies she’s always loved. Always optimistic, she is constantly seeking out new ways to improve, and live a happy, healthy lifestyle. For more information and tips from Emma visit smileasithappens.blogspot.com