Do you lack productivity in the morning? Does your alarm go off and you drag yourself out of bed only to find you have 10 minutes to get out the door to get to work? If this sounds like you, there’s a better way! Waking up in the morning doesn’t have to be the most dreaded part of your day. Explore the items below and give yourself one week to implement them slowly. By the end of the week you will be more productive and feel productive.

10 Things To Do Before 10 am:

#1: Set a Daily Intention:

Setting your daily intention is just like paving your day ahead. In the early part of the day when things are calmer, and you have a moment to think clearly, set your intentions focusing on at least two goals that you want to accomplish for the day. Have extra time? Write these goals on post-its and bring them to work with you so you’re constantly reminded of what you want to accomplish.

#2: Schedule in Free Time:

Ok, so if you truly have zero free time in your day, all you need to do if find 5-10 minutes a few times per day. Chances are things will pop up throughout your day that diverts your attention from something you need to be getting done. If you plan some free time, your entire schedule won’t go haywire. Instead, you can just move some things around.

#3: Hydrate:

Hydration is essential after rising. The first thing you should be doing after brushing your teeth is hydrating! Get in 2 cups right when you wake up and then be sure to stay hydrated throughout the first half of your day. Your body needs water in order to flush out toxins and stay healthy.

#4: Eat Breakfast:

Don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast is the healthiest meal of the day and sets the tone for a healthy day, not to mention it gets your metabolism fired up. Start your day with a healthy breakfast such as a smoothie bowl or a bowl of warm oats. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be nourishing.

#5: Meditate:

Meditating first thing in the morning before you start your day can help you in more ways than you may know. If you start your day centered you are more likely to stay centered throughout the day even if chaos occurs. Start with just 5 minutes per morning and work your way up. Your stress levels will thank you for it!

#6: Exercise:

Exercising before the hectic part of your day begins can be one of the best things you can do for your health. If you typically tell yourself you will workout later, and it never happens, this tip is for you. Get a short burst workout in first thing in the morning, and you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. This means you can come home, make a delicious meal and relax with your family without worrying about heading to the gym.

#7: Stretch:

If you can’t get your workout in every day, that’s ok! Strive to at least get a stretch in. Move your body and get the blood flow going before you leave for work, especially if you’re confined to a desk all day. Not only is stretching good for your physical body but your mental health as well!

#8: Listen to Music:

Get your day started with some music! Listen to music during your quick workout or during a morning walk. Music can help lift your spirits and put you in a better mood ready to tackle the day ahead.

#9: Smile:

Nothing beats a smile! Smiling increases positivity, even if you have to force it, just smile. This may be just the thing you need to feel just that more positive in the morning.

#10: Make Your Bed:

Surprisingly making your bed can help you be more productive! If you leave your bed a mess before you leave for work you may feel unmotivated and rushed all day. Take that 30 seconds to a minute to make your bed and set the tone for an organized and productive day!

Morning aren’t always easy and definitely not everyone’s favorite, but if you follow this list and implement some of these activities before 10AM you may start to love mornings just a little bit more. Before you know it, morning may become your favorite time a day, especially if you set the time aside to take great care of yourself before the hectic day begins.