There is a direct correlation between having a healthy morning routine and having a productive day which then turns into weeks, months, and even years. If you want to truly grow, you have to #ADULT! Yes, I said it. Long gone are the days when we can justify binge-watching TV (now it’s Netflix) like we did as teenagers. Long gone are the days when we would stay up late drinking and somehow still wake up early and ace exams (I’m assuming you’re not in college anymore, if you are – lucky you! Enjoy your early 20’s and you CAN probably still get away with a few hours of sleep and eating ramen. FYI your hormones will change and you’ll need your beauty sleep soon). But, if you are like most of us, a millennial, you do have to adult and build a healthy routine. I recommend to do what works for you and make gradual changes. Always start by having a set bed-time and making sure you are getting enough sleep. You can find my entire step-by-step morning routine guide here. But these are some of the things that work for me:

1. Wake up early

Yup. It works. You’ve probably heard this and for those of you who aren’t morning people, this can be even more challenging. But it works! When you wake up early, your brain is more alert and you get a couple of hours to have a routine and welcome the day with a positive attitude. There is a big difference between waking up late and rushing to your phone or meeting and waking up refreshed and slide in the day with a fresh mind. HACK: I read that if you have a hard time getting up, you should try doing a countdown. Our brain is designed to respond to countdowns, so go “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and then just JUMP out of bed! That tip came from a neuroscientist so trust me when I say it works!

2. The VERY.FIRST.THING you wanna do is drink a glass of water

Yes, before even brushing your teeth. Trust me, I’ve Googled it and it’s better. I keep my water bottle by my nightstand. BONUS: Make your bed! It literally takes 30 seconds and it’ll get you checking something off right away!

3. Since you are waking up early, start the day right with a prayer or meditation, or whatever makes you center yourself

No technology! Get up and be present, be grateful for another day and recognize your body and state of mind. This process can be anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Or if you are a meditation rockstar (I’m not!) you can do it a little longer. Whatever works for you.

4. If you aren’t a morning person or are feeling groggy, it’s recommended to take a cold shower

To be honest, I like my showers hot so I don’t practice this, but because I’m a morning person, I’m pretty alert anyway when I get up. If you need to, try the cold shower thing or at least splashing your face with cold water. 

5. Next, take advantage of the quiet of the morning and use this time to read or listen to a podcast

This is my chance to educate myself so I use it wisely to learn new hacks, techniques, business models, inspiring anecdotes, etc. I don’t read fiction or listen to news or entertainment. In fact, the latter media tends to drive us deeper into a rut. Stop watching celebrities or coveting influencers’ lifestyles on Insta. Take time to do YOU! When you get ideas pertaining to your business while reading or listening, do write them down and think of how you could apply them, this is a great way to actually learn! And don’t forget to implement them as well.

6. Now stretch, drink a green juice or eat a healthy and balanced breakfast, and if you like to exercise in the morning that’s cool too (just save the shower for after the workout)

I’ve read it’s good to first eat fruit before your breakfast, and NOT during the meal. For breakfast make sure you are consuming healthy proteins and fats for energy. Avoid simple carbs and sugars which will make you crash midday.

7. Start your workday around 8am and aim to finish by 5pm. Set a work schedule!

Pretend you still have a 9-5! Sure there are times when you’ll be traveling or at a conference, and the beauty of being your own boss is that you do set your hours. However, treat your business as a business and make sure you put in the hours…and also STOP past those hours! Don’t do business at 7pm. I know it’s tempting but in the long run, it won’t serve you. Of course, there are some exceptions to this! If you have a deadline to meet, a call with someone on different time zones, a launch, or special event, it’s okay to work outside those hours. Just make sure you don’t make it an everyday thing! And remember, the earlier you start your day, the earlier you can finish and go get some sun, or ice-cream, or walk your dog. Take time for yourself and your health! Read “Starting Your Day On The Right Track: 9 Steps To A Productive Work Day!” for more on this!

Content courtesy of Jessica Medina, founder & CEO of a global female empowerment community for Latinas @femlatinas and feminine branding agency @femgency. 

Contributing Author, Jessie Medina

A playful creative and curious intellectual, Jessie Medina likes to defy stereotypes and shatter glass ceilings. She climbed the corporate ladder in her 20’s working as a digital marketing and PR executive. She is now the founder & CEO of a global female empowerment community for Latinas @femlatinas and feminine branding agency @femgency. She is also a crisis communication and workplace equality consultant, speaker, business strategist, and podcast host. Jessie loves traveling, dancing, and cooking at home! She enjoys the beach and doing anything creative. Jessie is an avid advocate for female empowerment and helps women design their dream life.

Keep up with Jessie on her personal Instagram as well @jessiemedinaofficial.