Over the past few months, my morning routine has changed drastically.

And I am not complaining.

What is your morning routine like? Do you know the importance of having a positive morning routine, and how it could set you and your day up for success?

When I was working in the office, my routine consisted of:

• Hit snooze, usually multiple times.
• Take care of the dog, probably in my PJs and with my eyes partially closed.
• Make breakfast and scarf it down.
• Hurry to shower, get dressed and ready for work.
• Rush out the door, jump in my car, sit in traffic and be frustrated.
• Get to the office, sit at my desk, and immediately start with emails, meetings, and other work assignments.

How enjoyable does that sound? Not at all… then the rest of my day is spent rushed, jumping from meeting to meeting, worrying about everything I have to get done at home or errands I have to run, and sucking down coffee because I’m exhausted and worn out.

Now that I’m working from home, I’ve created a different schedule for myself.

• Still hit snooze, but only a couple of times. I’ve also started getting up earlier.
• Still make breakfast, but I sit down and enjoy it.
• Pour a cup of coffee and relax on the couch with the dogs, enjoying the light coming in the windows and front door.
• Take a few minutes to center myself, journal, express gratitude. Usually with a live beach scene and wave sounds in the background.
• Boot up my computer, skim email, check the calendar and mentally prep for the day.

Sometimes, I’ll sit outside on my patio for a bit and watch the birds, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes I’ll take the dogs for a morning stroll. Sometimes, I’ll even turn on Netflix and watch an episode of my current show.

I don’t rush. I take time to enjoy the morning. I am able to spend time on myself and my own mental health. I’m able to do what I want to do in my own time instead of rushing to sit at my desk all day. I feel ready for the day and prepared to tackle everything on my to do list. I feel a more positive energy. I’m happier.

Experts say having a morning routine sets us up for success throughout the day. It lets us control our schedule instead of our schedule controlling us. We can better focus on what needs done, and what’s important, and plan for how to tackle what comes our way during the day – often with a more positive attitude. And ultimately, it gives you time to be with yourself.

I don’t have children. And I am working from home. So I know my morning routine can be a little more flexible than it can be for others.

But I stress this: take time, even just for a minute or two, to set positive intentions for your day. Perhaps you simply take one minute to really enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Or, in the car on your way to the office or daycare, instead of listening to music or the radio you think about three things you’re grateful for and one goal for the day.

One of the huge benefits of working from home and having my own business is being able to do all of these things. It’s something I’ve worked incredibly hard for, and plan to take full advantage of for as long as I possibly can.

Your challenge is to wake up tomorrow and have some sort of positive morning routine. Do one thing tomorrow morning that you didn’t do today that will help set you and your day up for success. Wake up 15 minutes earlier (or just don’t hit snooze). Sit down and eat your breakfast. Enjoy your coffee or tea. Journal or meditate. Express gratitude. Take a breath. Whatever it is, do it for yourself and only yourself. You’ll thank me for it.