1. Grab a healthy breakfast – 10 minutes

“Whatever you do, don’t skip a healthy breakfast,” writes Michel Schwantes, founder of Leadership From The Core company.

But, instead of a bowl of sugary cereal, he recommends going for something equally quick yet healthier, such as a protein berry smoothie or oatmeal. Kalibrr founder Paul Rivera, for instance, says his breakfast almost always consists of oatmeal.

If possible, consider preparing your meal the night before so that you have one less thing to think about in the morning.

2. Exercise – 15 minutes

Many entrepreneurs swear by regular exercise.

“Whether it’s Muay Thai, swimming, or going to the gym, I exercise before work as often as possible,” says Brian Perley, COO of massage-on-demand start-up Zennya. “This always helps to energize and keep focus.”

Bitcoin Vietnam co-founder Dominik Weil says he follows “a very disciplined workout schedule, usually once in the morning, once in the evening,” in order to relax and clear the mind, refocus, and rethink business strategy.

According to positive psychologist Shawn Achor, daily cardio mimics the effect of taking an antidepressant for the first six months. “This is not a repudiation of anti-depressants. It’s an indication that exercise works, because your brain records a victory, and that cascades to the next activity,” Achor tells the Washington Post.

3. Practice “conscious breathing” – 5 minutes

According to a study by Stanford University researcher Emma Seppala and her colleagues, conscious breathing is a concentrated, yoga-based breathing meditation that has been shown to lessen the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in US military veterans.

After working out, settle into a comfy chair and start breathing. Make sure your exhales are longer than your inhales. Just concentrate on your breath, seeing how it enters and exits your body.

By teaching your mind to concentrate entirely on your breath, this practise not only helps you unwind but also makes it easier to concentrate. It’s the ideal remedy for the hectic, multitasking-obsessed pace of work that many people have grown accustomed to in today’s world.

4. Set three goals for the day – 5 minutes

Writes Schwantes, “The most successful people start the day by putting their mental focus on something that will make them better.”

Find a quiet corner and ask yourself these three questions: What can you do today to support your personal or professional growth? What will excite you and boost your energy? How can you maximize your productivity?

Write your answers down and have them handy for easy reference throughout the day.

5. Ask yourself, “What are three things I’m grateful for?” – 3 minutes

According to the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Centre, studies have shown that being grateful improves sleep, fosters relationships, strengthens the immune system, and decreases blood pressure in addition to raising happiness and life satisfaction.

A 60-second meditation on the things for which you are grateful in your life should be the final step of your morning routine. The following two minutes should be used to reflect on the previous day and list three items for which you were grateful.

You can teach your brain to focus on the positives rather than the threats by performing this 38-minute exercise for 21 straight days, claims Schwantes. This will enable your brain to maintain a generally positive state.