Brooke Lark

Unsplash.com c/o Brooke Lark

Gone are the days of punching a time card, and fully leaving work at work. Today, most people are connected to their work and accessible 24/7. Work culture has evolved, and in turn, the idea of work-life balance has evolved. More and more millennials define work-life balance in a way that’s synonymous with work-life integration. Meaning they have the ability to move between the two worlds freely. Allowing them to remain totally present with whatever task is on hand.

I prefer to not get caught up in the semantics of work-life balance versus work-life integration, but will instead focus on creating balance by spending time on tasks that rejuvenate the soul, increase productivity, and make me my best self. If I feel off balance, that means I can’t be present in all areas of my life. Instead of hitting the snooze button, or mindlessly wasting the morning, try these seven tips for achieving balance before 9 am each day.

1. Prepare the night before. Set yourself up for a successful morning by preparing the night before. Nick Newsom, CEO of Ytel, explains, “my morning actually starts the night before. I try to go to bed having everything done and my next day planned. Then when the next morning comes around, I wake up and look my wife and kids in the eyes and tell them I love them.” By getting the “housekeeping” items out of the way, you can maximize the feeling of balance as soon as our day starts. This might look like spending it with people you love or doing something you love to rejuvenate your spirit.

2. Move. Most people are stuck sitting in a desk for eight or more hours each day, so use this time wisely to counteract the harmful effects of sitting all day by engaging in some cardio or stretching it out. It’s no secret that exercise has plenty of benefits, including improving your mood and boosting your energy. Resist the urge to stay in bed the extra five minutes and opt for a morning work out or stretch by placing your alarm clock on the opposite side of the room as your bed. If that’s not enough motivation for you, pre-plan what stretches or workouts you will do the night before to increase the likelihood of actually following through.

3. Set boundaries. Mornings can easily develop a “hustle and bustle” feel, especially if you live with family. Trying to get lunches packed, or carpools coordinated can make the morning feel like more work, rather than a fresh start. Focus on setting boundaries and cultivating “me time.” Instead of waking up other members in your household or checking emails and text messages as soon as you rise, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier. Use that quiet time to enjoy your morning coffee and crossword puzzle alone before inviting the world. Protect this time for yourself. Other ideas for protecting your personal time in the morning could be creating a “closed door” bathroom policy to prevent others from coming into your space or leaving your phone with your car keys so you don’t get distracted by work-related things popping up.

4. Ditch mindless activities. If you’re strategizing your morning to create greater balance in your life, then . Ask yourself, “What value is this activity adding to my life?” If you can’t think of anything substantial then let it go. Every activity you engage in during the morning should either boost your mood, energy level, or groundedness. Be intentional with your time; external demands will have their reign shortly.

5. Laugh. “Laughter is the best medicine,” according to the Mayo Clinic. It has countless health benefits too. Find a way to get a laugh in each morning. Whether it’s watching a favorite television show, funny video on social media, or with friends or family. If you find yourself pressed for time, try combining laughter and movement by doing laughter yoga.

6. Practice Gratitude. Jason Wachob, the CEO of mindbodygreen, says, “I’m a huge believer in the power of meditation and gratitude. The first thing I do every morning is give thanks for my health, my family, and something else that I’m grateful for. No matter how good or bad that day ends up being, I find that this practice leaves me feeling more prepared for whatever the day might bring.” Gratitude has been proven to have a multitude of benefits, including improved relationships, physical and physiological health, and overall wellbeing.

7. Eat a balanced breakfast. If your looking to increase the mind-body-soul connection in the morning, then eating a balanced breakfast is key. There are reasons to think that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and benefits your mood, energy, and productivity. Use this time to either reconnect with family or friends or practice mindful eating. The key is to nourish and listen to your body to set yourself up for success.

Work-life balance can be a realistic option for people. Focus on the word balance and discover what activities help you feel like your best self. Prioritize those activities each morning to start your day right.