What you should be doing as soon as you wake up. The first step to a successful and healthy life.

When the alarm goes off, your first instinct might be to hit the snooze button and burrow deeper into the covers. But, my friend, that’s not what champions do. The first step to a successful and healthy life starts the moment your eyes flutter open. Here’s what you should be doing as soon as you wake up, based on what has worked for me and countless others who’ve mastered the morning.

First things first, ditch the snooze button. It's a trap, luring you into a cycle of broken sleep that leaves you groggy. Instead, try this: jump out of bed like it’s Christmas morning and you’re eight years old. Okay, maybe not that enthusiastically, but you get the point. The quicker you get up, the less likely you are to fall back into the siren call of sleep. Trust me, once your feet hit the floor, you’re already winning the day.

Next up, hydrate like a desert wanderer stumbling upon an oasis. During sleep, your body becomes dehydrated, so guzzling down a glass of water first thing is like hitting the refresh button on your system. Not only does it wake you up, but it also kickstarts your metabolism and helps flush out toxins. Plus, it gives you a legitimate reason to pause and reflect on how adult you’re being by drinking water instead of coffee first thing.

Speaking of coffee, we’ll get to that. But before you grab your mug, take a few moments for some light stretching or a short yoga session. Nothing too fancy – we’re not trying to become human pretzels here. Just enough to get the blood flowing and muscles warmed up. It’s amazing how a few stretches can shake off the last remnants of sleep and make you feel like a functioning human again. 

Now, here comes my favorite part: breakfast. But not just any breakfast. You need a meal that’s going to fuel your body and brain. Think whole grains, fruits, and a good source of protein. Skip the sugary cereals that promise a quick pick-me-up but leave you crashing by mid-morning. You’re looking for sustained energy to power through your tasks and meetings. And yes, now you can savor that cup of coffee. 

Finally, set your intentions for the day. Take five minutes to review your goals and plan your schedule. This could be done in a journal or a planner, or even just mentally during breakfast. It’s about prioritizing what’s important and ensuring you’re focused on what truly matters. The key to success is not just about doing more but doing what makes the most impact.

By establishing this morning routine, you’re setting a tone of productivity, health, and mindfulness that can carry you through the day. Remember, it’s the small habits that compound over time to create significant change. So tomorrow morning, when you wake up, seize the day with these steps, and watch how your life transforms one morning at a time.