Wake up, brush teeth, coffee (or tea, if you're fancy), and... Checking the ol’ inbox.

As a business leader, our email inboxes can often become the center of our universe, demanding our attention before we've even had a chance to sip our coffee. Unfortunately, as you know, it can be easy to fall head first into that inbox, jumping from one response to the next.

But what if I told you there were 14 better ways to start your day that can help you to be more productive, positive, and energized for your entire day, while leaving your inbox for later:

Take a walk
Whether you stroll around the neighborhood or hit the trails for a hike, getting some fresh air and movement first thing in the morning can boost endorphins and offer a mood-enhancing start to your day.

Journaling
Spending some time reflecting on your thoughts and feelings can help you prioritize your goals and stay focused throughout the day. Try writing down your intentions for the day or jotting down a few positive affirmations to boost your confidence.

Have a Healthy Breakfast
It's no secret that eating a nutritious breakfast can set the foundation for a productive day. So ditch the sugary cereals and opt for something that will fuel your body and mind, like oatmeal or avocado toast.

But let's be real here - we're not all morning people, and the idea of whipping up a healthy breakfast every day can feel like a daunting task. However, there are plenty of benefits to starting your morning with a balanced meal. Not only does it give you the energy and nutrients your body needs to tackle the day head-on, but it can also boost your metabolism and improve your concentration.

So whether you prefer a hearty bowl of oatmeal, a fulfilling smoothie, or a classic eggs-and-toast combo, make sure to make breakfast a daily habit for a healthy and happy you.

Call a Friend or Family Member
Connecting with loved ones before the workday begins can offer a sense of grounding and support. Plus, it's a great way to start the day on a positive note.

Mentors can check in with mentees and vice versa. Send a quick text to your sibling or call a friend on to see what’s new.

Meditation
Research shows that just 10 minutes of meditation can improve focus, reduce stress, and increase productivity throughout the day. Plus, it's a fantastic way to clear your mind before diving into work, and has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. So go ahead, give it a try. Your body and mind will thank you, and who knows? Maybe you'll even start looking forward to your morning sit-downs more than your daily dose of caffeine.

Learn Something New
Whether it's a new language or a new skill, committing to lifelong learning can help you stay sharp and motivated. Spend some time each morning working on a project or reading a book that expands your knowledge.

Me? I’m working on my Espanol, but don’t quiz me or anything yet.

Go for a run
Similar to walking, running can offer a mood-boosting start to your day while increasing cardio health and promoting mental clarity. Plus, nothing feels quite as satisfying as crushing a morning workout.

Spend time with a pet
If you have a furry friend, spend some quality time snuggling or playing with them before starting your workday. Not only is it a great way to bond, but it can lower stress levels and boost happiness.

I have two dogs and they always love running around in the mornings before I’m out the door. The look forward to it, and maybe it makes them productive while I’m gone at work too. We don’t know what they’re up to while we’re gone.

Practice gratitude
Take a few minutes each morning to reflect on what you're grateful for. Giving thanks for what you have can shift your mindset to a more positive one, even during challenging times.

Not only does taking a moment to appreciate the good things in life set a positive tone for the rest of your day, it's also been shown to have some pretty impressive health benefits. Studies have found that regularly practicing gratitude can improve sleep, lower stress levels, and even boost your immune system.

Stretching
Stretching can release muscle tension and loosen up any stiffness from sleeping.

Not only does it get your blood flowing and limber up your muscles, but it also kickstarts your day with some much-needed energy. Incorporating a few yoga poses into your morning routine can help improve flexibility and bring a sense of calm to your day.

Trust us, your body will thank you for it. Plus, once you get into the habit of stretching every morning, you'll wonder how you ever managed to function without it.

Listen to music
Music has the power to enhance mood and reduce stress levels, making it a great morning ritual. Start your day off with some feel-good tunes that inspire and motivate you.

If this is the new thing you add to your morning, I need a LinkedIn message with your favorite morning soundtrack!

Brainstorm Ideas
Jotting down ideas or creative solutions for upcoming projects can get the creative juices flowing and help you feel more prepared and ready to tackle your day.

Read a Book
Taking time to read something inspiring or educational can help you learn something new while increasing focus and mental clarity. Choose a topic you're interested in or a genre you enjoy for a more enjoyable reading experience.

An audio book can do as well, Audible’s a great resource for this.

Write Down Your To-Do List
Before diving into tasks for the day, write down a prioritized list of what needs to be accomplished. Having a clear plan can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.

I like to write my urgent tasks out on one sheet, and then prioritize them on another. Just my way, but any workflow that works best for you is ideal.

Good Morning To You
Incorporating any of these practices into your morning routine can offer a more productive, less stressful start to your day. So go ahead, hit snooze on that email inbox, and try something new tomorrow morning.