It might be quite tempting to check email, scroll through social media, and see what's new. Although they can increase your productivity and quality of life, your phones are also a major source of stress, especially when you check them first thing in the morning.

The first thing you see or read in the morning might set off your stress response and make you anxious for the rest of the day. Similar to how you could feel pressured if you see unanswered work emails while you’re still lying in bed. Set your phone on airplane mode before going to bed. In this option, your alarm will still ring, but you won't be woken up by messages or notifications. Even better, you may use a traditional alarm clock and turn off your phone or charge it in a different room. By doing this, you almost remove the temptation.

You could be used to waking up in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea. But studies suggest that drinking warm water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach has the greatest health benefits. So after going for hours without a drink, refreshing your body in the morning with a glass of water is a good idea.

According to research, the ideal temperature for hot beverages is between 130 and 160°F (54 and 71°C). The Ayurvedic technique of adding lemon to a warm glass of water helps in the removal of toxins that may have accumulated in your digestive tract over the course of the night, serves as an excellent source of vitamin C, helps to freshen breath, promotes weight reduction, and speeds up metabolism and digestion.

Giving yourself a few minutes to smile and practice gratitude before you get out of bed may be a good idea. Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are feel-good neurotransmitters that are released when you smile and that improve your mood, relax your body, and slow down your pulse rate.

Start thinking about your blessings when you smile. According to studies, among other benefits, practicing gratitude lowers stress hormones and increases happiness. So adding a simple daily gratitude practice is a great way to start your day. Before getting out of bed, spend one minute thinking about one person or one opportunity you are grateful for.

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day", Naval Admiral William McRaven, the commander of U.S. Special Operations said in a 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin.

Making your bed first thing in the morning is a good habit that may inspire you to do other tasks on your list and fulfill your responsibilities for the day. Additionally, forcing yourself to make your bed when you don't want to, like on a gloomy Monday morning, might help you build mental discipline. Even if your body and brain may struggle to stop you from making the bed, focusing on anything else and taking back control over your thoughts can help you become more self-disciplined.

A mindfulness practice, such as meditation, may help you center yourself and train your mind and emotions, which in turn affects how you respond to challenges throughout the day. Research shows that morning meditators are happier, healthier, and more successful than non-meditators.

Additionally, practicing morning meditation is one of the best things to set the tone for your whole day by beginning each morning with a clean, focused mind. Setting your objective for the day is a great idea to do while you are meditating. You may make decisions that help you live the life you really want to live after you are clear on how you want your day to go, how you want to feel, and what you want to accomplish.

Starting your day with exercise energizes your body and mind, whether it's a quick yoga session, a brisk walk with your pet, a set of sit-ups and push-ups, or a visit to the gym to burn off yesterday night's dinner.

Exercise in the morning has been linked to improved energy levels, alertness, focus, and decision-making, which can lead to a more successful workday. The endorphins, or "happy chemicals", your body produces in response to exercise may keep your mood elevated long after your hour-long workout. Morning exercises are a great way to start each day on a high note. A workout's sense of accomplishment can also give you motivation for the rest of the day. Establish a schedule for the exercise that is best for you. To keep your routine interesting, you may even change the type of exercise you do each day.

In addition to eating a healthy breakfast and getting some exercise, you can practice self-care by doing a particular morning skincare routine to lessen the puffiness caused by lack of sleep.

Building self-confidence involves investing time and effort in your appearance. Shower, wash your face, brush your teeth, floss, comb your hair, apply lotion or oil to your hair, and dress to impress that make you feel good about yourself. You can pick out your clothes the night before (especially if you are short on time in the morning) or iron your clothes. All of these activities will raise your self-esteem like nothing else can, making you shine all day long.

Maybe you've probably heard that the most important meal of the day is breakfast. Breakfast has been proved in some research to have positive health effects. In the short term, it boosts your energy and focus, while in the long run, it can help you better control your weight and lower your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

You'll have more energy throughout the day and a better ability to focus and concentrate if you set aside time to eat a nutritious breakfast that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. It provides other crucial nutrients needed for optimal health while replenishing your supply of glucose to increase your energy and alertness.

Make a "to-do" list for the coming day in a few minutes. You should list 3 to 5 objects in priority order on your daily list. This will ensure that you take care of the most urgent things first. Clearing your mind of mental chatter by writing down your "to-dos" rather than keeping them floating about in your mind. Knowing what has to be accomplished each day gives you a sense of purpose. Additionally, checking things off your list is a great feeling that truly fosters a sense of success.

Most productivity to-do lists follow one of two common formats: you either put the most crucial things at the top and the least crucial ones at the bottom, or you design the list with tasks lined up in a way from easily manageable to more demanding. This makes it easier to set reminders and stay organized.

Your bodies rely on sunlight as a key cue to determine when it is time to sleep or wake up. The best time for most people to be exposed to sunlight is right after they get up, usually within the first hour after getting out of bed.

When you first get up, try to open a window or go outside in the morning light. The ideal amount of time to expose your eyes to direct sunlight is between 30 and 45 minutes. You can wear sunscreen if you are concerned about the effects on your skin. However, the sun is typically not as strong in the morning, so your skin is less likely to be harmed. Going for a stroll is a great way to get morning sun exposure because you're also doing exercise. Alternatively, if the light is directly in your eyes, you may read the newspaper or have breakfast while sitting on the patio.