What’s just as important, maybe more, than preparing for a good night’s sleep? The next morning. Setting the tone for the day is crucial for success and a stress-free day. It’s how we begin, from the moment we wake, that sets us up to be in control. Our habits will make or break how our day will pan out, success or failure. The goal is to form beneficial habits to set the building blocks for a good start to the day and I’m going to show you how.

This is a direct effect to how you end your night, the night before. We’ve all heard of the 5am club, where some over achievers wake up at 5am every morning to take a cold shower and work on their dreams and goals. I don’t believe it needs to be that extreme, but I believe in the wonders of “power hour.” There is such might and satisfaction in waking up one hour before you need to in order to start your day before your responsibilities. The world is still quiet, duties haven’t yet begun, and peace accompanies that first cup of coffee. Most of all, you’re not rushing through time and you’re not rushing to get out of the door. How do you know what time to wake up? Set your alarm one hour before your day/work starts. If you have kids, give yourself one hour before it’s time for them to get up. Power hour is organized for YOU with a few motivational tips I highly recommend to kick start a prosperous day.

  1. Do not check your phone

Only come in contact with your phone to turn off your alarm when it goes off. We need to give our brains time to wake and getting into blue screens, or into the social media world, emails, & texts negatively impacts your mental state. You’re starting off with stress. Imagine waking up and before you wash up and change out of your PJ’s, you walk into a room full of people who want to talk to you. That’s essentially what you’re inviting if you open your phone and engage right away (especially if you're still in bed). So, avoid looking/using your phone during power hour.

  2.Make your bed as soon as you get up

This may sound axiomatic but important. It sets up an organized environment and you get to come back full circle; stress free when it’s time for bed.

  3.complete a few exercises for 4 - 5 minutes

To get the blood flowing, this can be anything! Just move your body and get your heart rate up and then stretch. This will warm up your muscles and activate your brain.

   4. Drink Water

This should be on an empty stomach and 16 to 20 ounces. Water first thing replenishes your brain and hydrates you from the night before. We sweat while we sleep so this will help. Drinking water is also good for our digestion. Then, enjoy your cup of coffee or tea. While you’re enjoying your morning beverage, be still with your thoughts, think about your goals, think positively or read. You may write in your journal or listen to a podcast, prepare your next meal or work on your to do list. Just do something calming for you and stay away from electronics like your phone or the tv.

   5. Drink a glass of warm lemon water

This is my favorite. This kick starts my digestion for success, & it gives you a boost of energy from the Vitamin C. I just squeeze half a lemon in a 10-ounce cup of water. After a while, you’ll notice that your skin will glow, and your complexion will improve! Warm lemon water does wonders for your digestion, and I recommend waiting 15 minutes after drinking this before you eat breakfast so it can get to work.

I hope these 5 tips help set you up for success each day. Just like the nighttime routine, allow yourself time to form these habits for optimal results. Before you know it, it will feel weird if you don’t have a morning routine!