10 things to do before 10 A.M. for your most productive day possible

The best way to get the most out of your day isn’t to perform a complete overhaul on your life but to incrementally make small adjustments that will better set you up for success. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Looking for suggestions on how to maximize your productivity? Give these tricks a try:

1. Make a to-do list

Establish your intentions for the day early on so you don’t have to spend time trying to remember as you go along. Writing down what you need to accomplish makes it easier to see the specifics. Plus, checking things off feels incredibly satisfying!

2. Get your blood pumping

Not everyone has time to complete an entire workout before heading into the office, but taking a few moments to get your heart rate up can work wonders. Doing a few circuits of cardio in your home before you shower or completing a lap or two around the block can clear your head and release tension so you’re in a better headspace to face the day’s tasks head-on.

3. Make your bed

Set the tone for the day by setting yourself up for success as soon as your feet hit the floor. Making your bed is a fast task that reminds you that you really can get stuff done.

4. Drink water

This simple change can make a major difference because it’s a basic biological need. It’s good for your cells and helps keep your brain working well. Not only that, but it will help give you energy–especially if you’re someone who often reaches for caffeine which can be dehydrating.

5. Declutter your workspace

Studies have shown that being in a messy environment can cause levels of cortisol to spike, which leads to a whole slew of stress and bad side effects. Working in a mess causes unnecessary distraction, and it can give you an excuse to break your concentration throughout the day. Protect your time—and your health—by tidying up your workspace early on.

6. Review long term goals

Keep your eye on the prize. Briefly reminding yourself what your end goals are can give you that extra boost you need to push through tasks that are difficult or boring.

7. Put your phone out of sight

Checking your phone can be a major time suck. If you aren’t directly responsible for another person, put your phone away while you work. If that isn’t an option for you, turn off your notifications, keep your ringer on and keep your phone out of reach.

8. Tackle your most dreaded task first

That project you’re avoiding that you keep putting off until the end of the day? Just get it over with! Responding to a difficult client or formulating a status report for your super picky boss can be so daunting that you spend more time doing things that shouldn’t take much time to avoid getting to the bottom of the list. Plus you spend so much time worrying about it, that you can’t focus on the things you should be focusing on.

9. Eat something healthy

While reaching for sugars and carbohydrates can be tempting, taking in foods that are nourishing will give you the energy to do your best. Fish, nuts, leafy greens, and proteins will give you a boost of natural energy that will help you power through your day and avoid brain fog.

10. Don’t hit snooze

It’s so tempting to take “five more minutes” to close your eyes, but it really does more harm than good. Not only do you run the risk of oversleeping (guilty of this), but the rest you get doesn’t have true value. Start your day with gusto by waking up on the first ring!

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A version of this post previously appeared on Fairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits, and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards, and career advice.