How we start the day sets the tone for the entire day. Morning rituals lay the foundation for a healthy life and a productive day. As mentioned by Tim Ferriss: “If you win the morning, you win the day.”

When I get up in the morning, normally at 5:30, I enjoy the extra time that I have to ease into my day rather than just rush into it. I also get up early because I like the quiet stillness of the morning. It’s a chance for me to get ready for work in a calm and distraction-free environment.

At work, I have meetings, classes and deadlines. My morning rituals are an opportunity for me to start the day in a relaxed, productive and systematic way. In the morning, after I get up, I practice mindfulness – deep breathing and emptying my mind, for about ten minutes. Then, if I don’t have an early start at work, I run for 45 minutes in the forest. At home, while I get ready and prepare breakfast, I listen to music. After breakfast, I read, think and plan my day. When I don’t run, I normally leave for work at 7:00.

In my research on morning rituals, the literature shows that most leaders, entrepreneurs and high achievers dedicate their achievements to their morning rituals. You can read about it here. Whether you are a stay-at-home mother or a CEO of a large company, morning rituals are important for your health and happiness.

If, like me, you are looking for alternative ways to start your day, I suggest that you examine what successful people do. Last week, I listened to Tim Ferriss’ podcast on his five rituals that help him win the day. This is what Tim does on a regular day after he gets up:

1. makes his bed
2. meditates for 10 minutes
3. hangs from a bar to decompress his spine
4. drinks a healthy tea
5. writes in his journal

Lately, I’ve been thinking about starting my mornings a little differently. I would like to meditate more. How about you? What changes would you like to make? It’s worth experimenting with rituals and finding the ones that work for you.