4 things to do before you get out of bed for your most productive day ever

4 things to do before you get out of bed for your most productive day ever 4 things to do before you get out of bed for your most productive day ever While it’s no big secret that having a solid  morning routine  helps set you up for a productive day, I say what you do  before  you even get out of bed is just as important. These are the top 4 things I have found make a huge difference in my daily life. Even if I have to be up for work at 6:30 am, I like to set my alarm 10-15 minutes earlier, to do these things and ensure I have the best day possible!1.    Avoid reaching for your phoneThe first one is more of a what  not  to do. Many of us  (including me at times)are guilty of reaching for our phones first thing when we’re still half asleep in the morning. Whether it’s to catch up on the numerous notifications you’ve missed while sleeping or to check your email,    this almost always ends with  aimless scrolling on Instagram  and Facebook. This not only delays you actually getting out of bed, but also means you’re not starting your day in a very healthy or intentional way.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ maga zines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!I notice when I don’t check my phone first thing in the morning, I spend less time scrolling throughout the day… Sometimes I even forget to check Instagram (shocker!)  The point is, as humans we were not designed to be consumed by technology devices 24/7 - especially not first thing in the morning!Which  leads me to point number 2:2.    Take a moment to breathe and be presentWhen was the last time you allowed yourself 5 or even 10 minutes to simply do nothing?Instead of reaching for that phone, take a moment while either lying or sitting (I prefer to sit up. Otherwise you may fall back asleep!), and simply be. Take several deep breaths and remain present. Even if I have a million things to do, or have to be out the door early in the morning, I like to set my alarm 5 minutes earlier, to allow time for this simple practice. If you have more time, really make the most of it and incorporat e a meditation practice. I love to use the  meditation app  Headspace. It has loads of different breathing and guided meditations. Or, check out my friends at  Mindspo, who are an awesome mindfulness and meditation company â€" they have tonnes of content and even an online meditation school.Whether you have 5, or 20 minutes, be sure to take a moment before you begin your day to simply sit and breathe. It’s so simple, yet so effective.3.    Write it outThe power of journaling is limitless. I’m a huge advocate of writing anything that comes to mind, whether it’s for clarity, to make sense of thoughts or express whatever is going on in my mind. I like to keep a journal and pen on my bedside table, so I can do this while I’m still in bed. Every morning is different: sometimes I jot down to-do lists, write daily or weekly goals, or even create a simple gratitude list. I especially notice a HUGE difference in my mind and day when I write down 5 things I’m thankful for. These ca n be as simple as my awesome friends, loving family, the opportunities in my life - you get the gist. This is an awesome way to start your day as it allows you to get yourself in the right state of mind to handle whatever your day holds.4. Express gratitude While it’s no big secret that having a solid  morning routine  helps set you up for a productive day, I say what you do  before  you even get out of bed is just as important. These are the top 4 things I have found make a huge difference in my daily life. Even if I have to be up for work at 6:30 am, I like to set my alarm 10-15 minutes earlier, to do these things and ensure I have the best day possible! This article originally appeared on A Girl in Progress. You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people