Unless you’re a morning person who wakes up before your alarm all bright-eyed and busy-tailed, morning can be a tough time of day for many people.

Instead of pushing the snooze button three times before finally rolling out of bed, why not try something new tomorrow morning? Just one (or all!) of these tips will amp up your morning routine and set you up for a fabulous day.

1. Get in enough cuddle time

Your outlook will be infinitely brighter if you take a few minutes to snuggle and hold onto something or someone you love in the morning. Be that a child, dog, cat, teddy bear, or significant other, studies show that the act of cuddling is very calming, boosts your immune system, reduces stress, and will help you wake up at the right speed.

2. Try oil pulling

This Ayurvedic practice is a game changer. Oil pulling is said to help with acne, oral health, and boost your energy. Just swish around a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spit it out. Our favorite oil is coconut but Ayurveda also recommend sesame. Try both and see what works for you!

3. Write out morning pages

IIN visiting teacher Julia Cameron encourages everyone to handwrite morning pages – three pages of free-flow stream of consciousness first thing in the morning. They will help you get ready for your day by getting all your thoughts on paper and put you in touch with your subconscious feelings so they can inform you on how to prioritize your day. Multi-tasking tip: you can write your morning pages while you’re oil pulling!

4. Drink lemon and hot water

Do you usually start your day by reaching for a cup of coffee? Then another just so you can get out of bed? Hot water with lemon is a nice alternative that won’t tax your adrenals. It is said to flush toxins out of your system and stimulate good digestion. Plus, it’s so darn good!

5. Practice sun salutations

Sun salutations in yoga are extremely energizing and uplifting; they awaken both the body and mind. They’re also a great way to experience a sense of gratitude – after all, you’re literally saluting the sun! Plus they get your blood pumping and lymphatic system moving. Read through this Yoga Journal article to learn the how’s and why’s of Surya Namaskar.

6. Meditate

Five minutes of sitting and observing your breath can do wonders for your mental state! Meditation calms your mind and nervous system and boosts your immune system – a total win-win! When you first start meditating, sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with your back against the wall so you don’t slouch. Set a timer, close your eyes and observe your breath.  

7. Get organized the night before

Making your lunch, packing your bag, and laying out your clothes at night will save you time and decrease your morning stress. Just think – no more running around trying to find your keys, changing your outfit three times and driving fast to make it in time!

8. Get enough sleep to begin with!

We know this is the hard part! But not sleeping enough contributes to hormonal imbalances, weight issues, headaches, memory, and cognitive impairment.  Yikes! Make it a priority to get in bed earlier and you’ll wake up feeling well rested, instead of cranky and exhausted.

Wake up just half an hour earlier to try any or all of these steps – you might be amazed by the results. Here’s to a productive, happy morning that will set the tone for your whole day!

What’s your favorite morning routine? Did we miss any here? Share them with us in the comments section below this post.