Helpful ideas for a stress-free morning

Okay, it's probably no one's favourite time, but there are plenty of good reasons for starting every morning  as stress-free as possible. Here's how to make sure you get up on the right side of bed.

• That way, the natural light of the rising sun will signal your brain to slow down its production of melatonin, telling you that it's time to wake up.
• When the alarm goes off, you'll already be half awake.

• Instead of jumping out of bed, you can begin the day by slowly waking up and preparing yourself mentally as well as physically for your day.
• These few minutes in bed, before anyone else gets up, are all yours.

Try this even before you open your eyes. By limbering up your muscles and joints, you enhance the flow of blood through your body, providing extra oxygen to all of your tissues.

Use a motivational phrase that provides a meditation-like burst, or read a poem that helps you to focus.

• If you're in the habit of skipping meals, a daily multivitamin will ensure you get all the essential micronutrients your body needs.
• Think of it as a sort of insurance policy. Keep a supply visible on the kitchen counter to remind you to take one every morning.

• This is one of the few times when you can catch your children still vulnerable. Sit beside them and gently wake them, one by one.
• Such moments will send joy through your entire day and will become all too rare too soon.

• Spend five to 10 minutes each morning listening to music or just pondering.
• This allows the creative thinking that takes place during the night to gel and form into a plan of action, grounding you for the day.

• Treat yourself to a coffee maker that can be set to start brewing at a specific time.
• The scent of strong coffee will pull you out of bed like a fishhook in the back of your pajamas. And the caffeine can't hurt either.

You've been fasting all night. You need to hydrate.

• Keep a wicker basket for yourself and each child by the front door.
• Into it go your keys, wallet and bag, along with the kids' schoolbags, papers, gloves and hats. This will prevent that frantic last-minute search for missing items.

• If you don't like showering the night before, try using two-in-one products such as a combination shampoo and conditioner.
• When you wash your body, do your groin and underarms. Everything else can just be rinsed off.

• Start with an oversized 100 per cent cotton bath sheet for maximum blotting. Towel-dry your hair and let it air-dry while you do your make-up.
• If you use a hair dryer, make it a high-energy one, at least 1,600 watts.

• Studies find that people who work out in the morning are more likely to stick to their exercise regimen because they get it out of the way first thing and don't have to come up with excuses later.
• You'll also produce feel-good endorphins, whose mood-boosting effects will last most of the day.

• Before you leave, connect with the ones you love.
• It soothes stress and helps you to focus on what's really important. Keep that warm and fuzzy feeling with you all day.