12 Tips To Help You Get Going

Getting off to a great start is the key to enjoying the rest of the day. Try out some of these early morning tips and you'll be starting off each and every day with energy and motivation.

1. WAKE UP EARLY

When you wake up with just enough time to get through your morning routine, you can become rushed or stressed when things take longer than usual. Wake up a few minutes earlier than normal as a time cushion. That way, if you take longer you'll have minutes to spare in the end. Less stress, and more time.

2. SING IN THE SHOWER

Most people already make a habit of this one, and if you are one of them, keep on singing! Singing in the shower, at a safe level (we don't want to disturb the neighbors), is an excellent way to wake up the mind and body and get your juices flowing.

3. EAT BREAKFAST

Many people I know skip breakfast because they say they have no time. That is a poor excuse. There is no other time during the day that your body needs more fuel than in the morning. Skip breakfast, and you'll be skipping the most important meal of the day.

4. HAVE BREAKFAST OUTSIDE

If you have the means to do so, eat breakfast out on your porch or patio. It’s a great way to welcome the morning. You will, however, most likely have to keep this to the spring and summer seasons.

5. LISTEN TO MUSIC

After you climb out of bed, pop in a CD or tape and go through your morning routine with your favorite songs playing.

6. LOOK AT YOUR TO-DO LIST

To have an effective morning and afternoon, take a look at a to-do list before you leave the door. Knowing the day’s tasks and objectives ahead of time will help you to be more effective and time efficient during your day at work.

7. MIX UP THE ROUTINE

If you're tired of the same ol’ morning routine, mix it up! Many of us drag through the morning like zombies, so try something new to spice things up. If you usually don't eat breakfast, start. If you sleep in as long as you can and rush the next thirty minutes, give yourself forty-five.

8. SLEEP

Make sure you get enough sleep the night before. Your body needs its rest, and taking hours away from your sleep will have a detrimental effect on your motivation for the rest of the day.

9. READ THE PAPER

A great way to get your mind going in the morning is to read. The morning newspaper, magazines, or that book you can't seem to finish. While you are eating breakfast with the family, talk to your kids and wife/husband. When alone, give your mind a little workout and read.

10. TALK WITH YOUR KIDS

If you are a parent, here is an opportunity to take care of two groups of people with one tip. Talking with your kids about their upcoming day, or after-school plans will start your morning off right, and get your kids in a good mood too.

11. GET SOME FRESH AIR

Turn off the alarm, get out of bed, and walk to the window. Open it up and fill your lungs with the fresh morning air.

12. GO FOR A MORNING RUN

If you don't mind jogging, go for a run in the morning. You may have to get up a bit earlier than normal, but it’s worth it. The streets are quiet, the dew is on the grass (or frost), and you'll feel refreshed once you're done.

A good morning routine is the key to a good afternoon and evening. Start your day with some of these tips and you'll be a morning person in no time!