Do you like the way your day begins?

When you embrace the morning, you’ll be more positive, and able to show up powerfully and proactively for your purpose.. You’ll also find your stress levels decreasing, and that you have more time to dedicate the things you’re passionate about.

So if you’re ready to discover how to use the morning to your advantage, here are eight of my favorite morning routines that will transform your entire day.

Move. Walking, dancing, running, yoga, tai chi… anything that gets you moving.

Your body and mind are intimately connected, so taking care of your body also helps you care for your brain. Engaging in your favorite form of physical exercise in the morning has been shown to boost both your physical and mental energy.

Mental clarity, focus, determination, and better sleep (double win!) are just some of the ways that getting your body moving first thing in the morning can help set you up for a successful day.

Hydrate. Your body is 50-65% water.

When we don’t get enough to drink, it hinders your mood, your cognitive performance, your memory, your motor skills, and more. The detrimental effects of dehydration are explained in any medical journal.

Avoid these problems with a simple solution: drink one or two glasses water early in your morning routine.

Listen. Can you hear that voice of inner wisdom? It’s got a lot of important information to share with you…

Taking a few quiet moments to yourself can do wonders for your day. Try to find a place free of distractions where you can turn inward…

• What ideas are trying to get your attention?
• What inner urgings, wisdom, ideas, are coming to the surface?

Be sure to listen to your body, heart, and mind.

Inspire. Does seeing the sunrise motivate you? Being in the garden, reading poetry, or painting?

Whatever inspires you, get a micro-dose in the morning to give a boost to your spirit and optimism. Bonus points if your inspiration lives in the great outdoors. Spending time outside in the morning can really boost your mood.

Nature can play a key role in alleviating emotional and psychological trauma in people. Risto Heikkinen shares how his journey into the woods helped him find his way out of the darkness of depression, and into the light of the present moment.

Connect. Social connections are proven to help us live longer.

Research shows that The close personal friends we have who support us in tough times are really important, but surprisingly so are the don’t forget about the informal social connections at the coffee shop, bus stop, and gym. Connect with anyone… a family member, friend, or acquaintance… even if it’s someone you don’t know.

Whoever it is in your sphere, smile, connect, and have a conversation, even briefly. Greeting them with an uplifting “Good Morning!” and a smile gives both of you a boost.

Seek. Curiosity opens so many doors.

What are you looking for or wondering about? Why are the conditions the way they are? What systems are intersecting? How can it be influenced?

Allow your open and curious mind to lead you to new opportunities that might just change your entire day (for the better).

Reflect. Engage meditation, or simply watching your thoughts for 10 minutes, or more. There are many practices to choose from; find one you like. If you like to reflect using questions, try these:

• What am I grateful for right now?
• What intentions do I have for today?
• What would be helpful to support my intentions?
• Where do I feel excited or motivated to focus?

Cultivate a deeper understanding and awareness of your thought processes to optimize the day ahead.

Choose. Your day doesn’t just happen. The path your day takes depends on the conscious choices that you make.

How will you show up today? What will be the impact you have on others? What language will form from your thoughts and shape day?

Choose consciously to have an impact you are proud of on those you love and those you work with.

For more tips on how to create change from wherever you are, check out all the articles on The Conscious Professional Blog.