As hectic as the morning can be for some people, it is one of the most crucial times of day as it pertains to your health and well being. Starting your day off on the right track can ultimately set the tone for the rest of your day. Though many of us are aware of this, it can still be pretty difficult to get that morning routine down.

Between ruminating on the stresses that the day might hold to the anxiety that comes with getting everyone out of the house in a timely fashion, there is a lot that can disrupt your morning, causing you to forget about the most important factor of all… your health.

Wake up your Senses

To help you get out of bed in the morning, it is a good idea to awaken your senses each day. Opening the curtains to allow the natural light to come in, turning on some soothing music, or even lighting a candle can be a great way to wake up your senses so that you can get moving.

Stretch it Out

To get those joints and muscles loose, it’s a good idea to stretch when you wake up in the morning. Just as you might see a cat stretch after waking up from a nap, you want to do the same thing. You don’t have to go all out to feel the effects of a good stretch. Simply stand up, elongate the spine and stretch your arms and legs out one by one. As you’re stretching, remember to inhale and exhale.

Grab a Drink

Feeling a little groggy? A great way to warm the body in the morning to get that blood flowing would be to grab a nice warm drink. If you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, the AM is the time to brew yourself a cup of Joe. If you’re not into coffee, you can try a healthy alternative like green tea. There are many benefits of green tea, including its ability to burn fat, stimulate the brain, and get you in a relaxed state of mind for the day.

Get Moving

Exercise is a great way to lose weight and burn calories. Believe it or not, it can also energize the body so that you feel like you can take on the world. You don’t have to exercise long if you have a tight schedule. Exercising for about 15 minutes in the morning is enough time to get the body going. Walk up and down your stairs a few times, jog in place, get on a treadmill, or even walk around your neighborhood once or twice.

Don’t Forget to Eat

When you’re on a tight schedule it can be fairly easy to jump in the car without eating. Breakfast is by far one of the most important meals of the day. Your body needs food for energy and failing to eat can cause your body to be sluggish. If you’re not much of a breakfast person, you don’t have to eat a large meal. Eating a meal high in fiber with whole grains, fruit, and protein replenishes your body. You can also try making a breakfast smoothie that incorporates all the nutrients you need for the day.

Yes, your mornings are probably all over the place. However, by incorporating these steps into your routine, you’ll find that you feel a lot better. At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing. Each of these morning tips will ensure that your body is properly nourished and ready for whatever lies ahead.