When the alarm rings and all you want to do is sleep for four more hours, the idea of hopping out of bed all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed seems like a nightmare compared to the dream you were just jolted from.

Hitting snooze once or twice is no big deal, but wouldn’t it be far better if you were up and at ‘em without hesitation? The start of a brand new day has unlimited potential, and lying in bed doesn’t quite get the ball rolling effectively.

I am a big fan of waking up early and getting a head-start on the day’s tasks and to-dos. I get adequate sleep so I’m not groggy, and the thrill of seeing the sunrise and the sky turn to baby blue is reason enough for me to tap into my energy and get excited for what’s to come.

Do you need a jumpstart to make the most of your morning? It is totally understandable, as we are all booked to capacity and have a lot on our plates. But when you wake up with a sense of wonder and a will to make every moment count, it makes awakening on time less annoying and more appealing.

Here are some tips to get yourself in gear for a great day ahead. You won’t slap the snooze button when you’re ready to rock and roll.

 

  1. An Attitude of Gratitude

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are all lucky to see a new day each morning. It is something we often take for granted, but the beauty in each breath is a gift that we should never take lightly.

The moment you wake up, take a few seconds to give thanks for the life you have and your many blessings. When you put things into perspective, you’ll start off with a positive vibe that will set the tone for your day.

 

  1. Prep Breakfast the Night Before

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing you have a wholesome breakfast ready to go will give you the incentive to get right up so you can dig in. Set the coffeemaker on a timer so the scent permeates the air. Before bedtime, prepare overnight oats, a yogurt parfait, or an omelet mixture you can toss into a pan or the microwave in a snap.

You’ll not only save time and tame your hunger pangs, but you will be more likely to eat something nutritious rather than grabbing a donut or a greasy fast food meal on the way to work.

While you’re at it, if you have to go to work the next morning, another time-saver is to set out your clothing the night before.  That way you can skip the dreaded morning “fashion show” that always leaves you flustered.

 

  1. Pump Up the Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create a playlist of upbeat songs to get your spirits soaring as the sun comes up. When your favorite songs are playing as you go about your morning routine, you’ll feel instantly happier and get that pep in your step to start off on the right foot.

If you have the time first thing, take your energy up a notch and exercise. Getting your blood flowing will instantly boost your stamina for a start to the day that’s physically stimulating. You’ll feel good about working out and you won’t have to worry about fitting it in later. Leave your workout clothing by your bedside as a reminder to fit in your fitness rather than finding an excuse to hit snooze again.

Have a fabulous day and do it again tomorrow!