During a time when schedules are flexible and free time is abundant, it is extremely important to stay focused and productive throughout the day. It can be hard to wake up at eight o’clock or even before ten, but what you do in that first hour can determine how your day will go.

Most importantly, the morning sets the tone for the day. If you get a good breakfast, then you are going to feel better in the morning because your stomach won’t be wanting food at school or at work. If you accomplish something early in the morning, that is a small victory that can lead to bigger victories throughout your day.

The morning is oftentimes not a period of productivity for people. Usually, people wake up, brush their teeth and have some breakfast. After that, not much else happens besides sitting on a phone or other device and kind of just sitting around.

The best way to start off your day is by making your bed. If you don’t already do this, you should start. Making your bed is a small accomplishment. Making your bed means that you were productive early on in the day. Making your bed will leave an orderly place for you to come back to after your day is over. Even if your day went terribly and everything went opposite of how you wanted it to, you will always have something how you want it: your made bed.

After making your bed, you should do some sort of physical activity whether that be some push-ups, some sit-ups or even just stretching. Getting your body going in the morning will help wake you up and help get rid of drowsiness or sleepiness. Working out also increases productivity because the body is less restless and can now focus on the task at hand.

Now that you are up and have eaten a good breakfast, try to engage your brain. Read an article, a chapter of a book, watch a video, or do a little bit of homework. Being productive early on in the day takes off some of the stress of having to do work later in the day and meeting deadlines. Getting things done early also allows you to have more free time 

Finding a schedule and routine that works for you is just as important as the routine itself. Doing things you enjoy in the morning will make it easier for you to follow a schedule. Setting reminders for yourself on a piece of paper or on your phone the morning will help turn this routine into a habit. Tomorrow, wake up and start your own routine.