Lots of people have been experiencing huge shifts in their daily routine lately. Many of us are working from home and learning to be productive despite new challenges.

Whether you’re still commuting or working from home, though, routines can help you stay grounded and productive. Not sure how to jumpstart your day? Use these 7 tips to get your morning off to the right start.

Set Your Alarm Earlier So You Have Time to Relax

If you feel like you’re always in a rush before your workday begins, there’s a simple solution: wake up a little bit earlier! Sure, it might take you some time to get used to your new schedule, but setting your alarm earlier can give you the luxury of calmer mornings.

Giving yourself time in the morning to relax sets the tone for the whole day. You can use that time to do anything you want: meditate, journal, write, stretch—it’s totally up to you! Reclaiming your mornings will help you feel ready to take on the day.

Hold Back From Checking Your Phone Right When You Wake Up

By this point, we know that most people are addicted to their phones. Too much screen time isn’t good for anyone and if you reach for your phone immediately after you wake up, you’re practicing a habit that isn’t doing you any favors.

Try putting your phone on airplane mode, or in another room entirely while you sleep. Don’t check your notifications, favorite news sites, or social media before you do something else with your morning. Delaying screen time just a little bit will allow you to reduce your stress levels before the workday begins.

Plan a Healthy Breakfast—But Don’t Eat Too Much!

Most people are more energetic, productive, and happy when they eat a good breakfast. Try to stick with healthy choices like oatmeal or eggs—you want to fuel your body, not load up on sugars and crash.

Your breakfast should keep you energized until lunch, but don’t eat too much at the morning meal. If you eat too much, you’ll feel sluggish and consume more calories than you need to function optimally.

Instead of Being in a Rush, Be Creative

Imagine starting your workday feeling inspired and excited instead of tired and resentful. It is possible! Nurturing your creativity in the morning could be just what you need to set yourself up for a successful day. Creativity and emotional intelligence are linked, so working on creative projects in the morning, whether that’s an art project, writing, or trying out a new breakfast recipe can help you work well with others. This period of focused creativity can enhance problem-solving skills, boost your mood, and create a positive mindset that lasts throughout the day. Whether it’s brainstorming for an upcoming meeting or crafting a thoughtful gift, these moments of innovation can even improve any special day by adding a personal, meaningful touch. By prioritizing creativity early on, you set the tone for a day that feels both fulfilling and productive.

Carving out time for creativity might mean adjusting your sleep schedule, but it’s well worth it. Rushing in the morning isn’t inspiring for anyone! Instead, focus a little time on the activities that really make you feel creative and happy.

Establish a Consistent Sleeping Schedule

You won’t be at your best in the morning if you don’t get enough sleep! Setting a consistent sleep schedule and routine will help ensure that you have the energy you need to take on the day. Adults should be getting around 7-8 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.

Sleep is extremely important for our health and well-being. Poor sleep can influence both mental and physical health problems and is associated with issues like chronic migraines. If you can gain control of your sleep quality, you should notice that your overall quality of life improves.

Looking for Energy? Wake Up for a Work Out

There are lots of ways to optimize your mornings to boost your energy. Exercising before you start your day is one great way to get those endorphins going and to feel accomplished early in the day.

In addition to offering benefits like helping you to stick with regular exercise (you’re less likely to skip workouts in the morning when you have more energy!), morning workouts can help you to feel full and satisfied throughout the day, even if you eat less overall.

The main trick to exercising in the morning is finding an activity you enjoy. It’s much easier to get out of bed if you look forward to your workouts!

Practice Mindfulness, Yoga or Meditation

For many people, the quiet hours of the morning are the perfect time to incorporate some mindfulness, meditation, or yoga practice. We live stressful lives, and it’s a good idea to pause and breathe for a few minutes before you start your day.

Mornings are great for reflection. That time is just for you, so use it well and find the activity that helps you to feel ready for the day ahead!