Credit: Refined Rooms

Having a proper morning routine can set the tone for the whole day.

Your body and mind will need time to adjust to this updated routine, but once you get the hang of it, you will notice that your days are looking better and better.

You may hit snooze all you want, but the truth is that those five or ten minutes are never enough. Instead of having useless fights with your phone or alarm clock, get up as soon as you hear that annoying sound and start stretching.

If you don’t have enough time for a morning workout, stretching will do. You can stretch out your muscles while making a cup of coffee, washing your face and brushing your teeth. You can also do it while taking a shower. Start with the downward dog: Come onto the floor on your hands and knees. Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor. Then with an exhalation, push your top thighs back and stretch your heels onto or down toward the floor. Firm the outer arms and press the bases of the index fingers actively into the floor. After, you may continue your morning routine while stretching every muscle you can think of.

Before you take a hot cup of Joe, make sure to eat breakfast. The quickest and healthiest breakfasts are high in protein and fiber. Avocado toast, eggs with goat cheese, or oatmeal with fresh fruit are easy to make, and they will give you enough energy to move on to the next step.

Don’t touch your phone, at least not for 30 minutes after waking up. If it rings, answer, but do not read the news or scroll through social media. Be present while you are taking your first steps into a new day.

If you aren’t working, you might find yourself on the sofa, especially during colder days. Netflix and chill sounds excellent, but going to the farmer’s market or the gym or taking a walk with your friends will make you feel useful and seize the day. It’s necessary to get some sunshine and fresh air. If you are going to work, park one block away from the office, or get off the subway a station earlier.