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 ever4 things to do before you get out of bed for your most productive day everWhile its no big secret that having a solidmorning routinehelps set you up for a productive day, I say what you dobeforeyou 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 630 am, I like to set my alarm 10-15 minutes earlier, to do these things and ensure I have the best day possible1.Avoid reaching for your phoneThe first one is more of a whatnotlageto do. Many of us(including me at times)are guilty of reaching for our phones first thing when were still half asleep in the morning. Whether its to catch up on the numerous notifications youve missed while sleeping or to check your email,this almost always ends withaimless scrolling on Instagramand Facebook. This not only delays you actually getting out of bed, but also means youre not starting your day in a very healthy or intentional way.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreI notice when I dont 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 morningWhichleads me to point number 22.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 incorporate a meditation practice. I love to use themeditation appHeadspace. It has loads of different breathing and guided meditations. Or, check out my friends atMindspo, who are an awesome mindfulness and meditation company 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. Its so simple, yet so effective.3. Write it outThe power of journaling is limitless. Im a huge advocate of writing anything that comes to mind, whether its 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 Im 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 Im thankful for. These can 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 gratitudeWhile its no big secret that having a solidmorning routinehelps set you up for a productive day, I say what you dobeforeyou 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 630 am, I like to set my alarm 10-15 minutes earlier, to do these things and ensure I have the best day possibleThis article originally appeared on A Girl in Progress.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your pro ductivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people