This post first appeared on Piping Rock. All content is theirs.

Waking up in the morning can be a drag. That’s why the use of that handy snooze button seems so satisfying. 5 more minutes of sleep? Bring. It. On. Yet, does that really do you any justice? Or do you end up adding more time to your morning…in an unproductive way?

Today our goal is to make you more of a morning person. Well, at least inspire you to wake up happier and with more energy. Below you’ll find four different ways to achieve this. Whether you’re an active, positive, or spiritual person we guarantee you’ll find tips to skip the snooze and get your day started sans excuses. 

Get Active. 

If you are more the type of person to be motivated by movement, why not try walking outside in the morning? One way to do this is to set your alarm 30 minutes earlier than normal. This will give yourself just the right amount of time to brush your teeth, wash your face, and go for a short stroll around your neighborhood, or even better, a park if one is available. It will help you get your blood pumping, and the views of nature/sunrise will be beneficial. After all, it has been shown that time outside, or in nature, leads to feelings of positivity that help provoke better health, and creativity. Aren’t those the two best qualities to enhance before setting off to work? We think so. 

If walking outside seems to be a bit much for you, why not workout inside? Whip together a protein shake using our All Natural Whey Protein (Vanilla), and then do a HIIT workout at home. If you’re not sure what HIIT is, read our previous article on these high-intensity interval workouts (plus one to try out). These short timed workouts will no doubt leave you sweating and energized for the day ahead. 

Get Motivated.

If you are more of a planner, then the perfect way to convert yourself into enjoying the morning more would be by waking up and structuring out your day. Rather than going immediately on your phone to answer texts, screen emails, or scroll on social, go into your kitchen with paper and pen. After you make yourself coffee or tea, sit with your stationary and write out a good old to-do list. You can even make a section for long-term goals and watch yourself meet them every morning you keep track of the list!

Another way to get up and going is by organizing/cleaning your space! Instead of saving the clean spree for post-work, why not move it to the a.m.? You’ll come home to a cleaner home and also make yourself be slightly active in the morning, raising your motivation levels. 

Get Happy. 

One of the best tactics to help turn you into a morning person and bring out the best start to the day is through happiness! An easy way to do this is to share a funny story with a loved one, or recalling an event that happened earlier in the week that brought a smile to your face. Not only will this help you get off on the right foot, you’ll bond with someone you care about, most likely leading to a less stressful day!

Get Balanced.

Does happiness not appeal to you? Maybe that’s a cue to get more Zen. An easy way to start incorporating this into your morning is by simply meditating with a perspective of gratefulness.

Try out this quick 10 minute guided meditation from Sonima to start: https://www.sonima.com/meditation/loving-kindness-meditation/