Healthier and happier: 5 things to do BEFORE 9am to get your day off to the best start

We all want to live our best lives.

You know what I mean. Feel like we are on top of things, managing both family life and work, while also having time to work-out, have one-on-one time with our partners, and see our friends. And look – some days we're super-motivated to ace our to-do lists in work, eat super-healthy, remain calm when the kids drive us bonkers – and other days, not so much. Such is life. However, if you want to make sure you start every day on a good note (wouldn't we all?!), there are a few things you can be doing first thing in the morning that will set you up for a healthy, productive and great day. Want to live your best life? Try these easy changes starting from tomorrow – and reap the benefits all week long: 1. Make your bed It might sound like a small thing, but making your bed first thing in the morning not only makes it less likely that you'll hit snooze or want to crawl back into bed, but it also makes you feel productive and ready to get started on your day. The bonus, of course, is that come evening time, few things beat getting into a lovely made-up bed. 2. Get moving Heading off to the gym first thing is great, if you can make it. But to many of us under pressure to get kids ready and delivered off to creche and school before we can head to work, getting to an actual gym might not be a realistic morning goal. But fear not, there are lots of ways to get your blood flowing and waking up your muscles first thing. I love yoga, and will do a little flow from my favourite yoga app, Alo Moves. If a walk is more thing, do that. Spinning? Great. Even some light stretching – anything that will get your blood flowing is a great way to wake up your body and get those endorphins going first thing. Trust me – you whole day will be better because of it. 3. Don't skip breakfast You might have convinced yourself you are not a breakfast person, but breakfast literally means 'break the fast' from the night, and is the fuel you need to start your day. If you feel like you can't eat as soon as you get up, try getting up half an hour earlier and do your exercises or take a shower before you sit down for food. And find something you actually like to eat. If porridge or scrambled eggs seem to big a meal for this time a day, try a yoghurt or even just some fresh fruit. The point is just that you eat something, and you will feel so much better, and have more stable energy throughout the day. 4. Write your to-do list I am a huge believer in lists.

And I am not alone. The benefits of to-do lists have been well documented. Lists will not only make sure that you get done all the things you need to do, but they will also make you feel like you run your day, not the other way around. As well as helping you plan your day and week, lists will allow your brain to not be filled with as much clutter, which can drastically reduce your stress.

5. Do something that brings you joy Ever heard how it really is about the small things? The thing is – it really is. And don't underestimate the power of these small joy-full moments on your allover feeling of happiness and wellbeing. So want to start your day off on the very best note? Do a little thing every morning that just serve the purpose of making you feel a little burst of joy. A long hot shower? Reading your favourite blog while you are eating your breakfast? Meeting a co-worker for a coffee on the way to the office? Just do it – it can end up making your entire day that much more enjoyable.