It can be difficult to get up and get going in the morning. If your typical morning consists of hitting the snooze button three times, racing to get dressed and then downing some coffee and cereal before rushing out the door, it could be time to try a different way to start your day. Allotting extra time in the morning for important health rituals improves everything from your fitness level to your mood. Add these early morning health rituals to your morning, and you will be amazed by how great you feel all day long.

1. Drink Two Glasses of Water

Water first thing in the morning is paramount to good health. Water aids in digestion, speeds up your metabolism and detoxifies your liver and digestive tract. It also gives your skin a huge boost of hydration, decreasing wrinkles and damaged cells. You need to drink at least 2 liters, or about nine cups, of water every day to avoid dehydration. Drinking even more than that further benefits your health. Drink two huge glasses of water in the morning, and you will feel an instant energy boost and positive effects throughout the rest of the day.

2. Exercise for At Least 20 Minutes

Don’t like early-morning workouts? Try it anyway. At least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise in the morning is one of the best ways to start your day. It fires up your metabolism, provides an energy boost that puts coffee to shame and gets your blood circulating and organs working. It also includes the added bonus of checking your workout off the list, so you are free to either relax in the evening guilt-free or head to the gym for even more exercise. Try getting up an hour earlier and working this into your routine. Your body and mind will thank you.

3. Shower and Steam

Morning showers are typically rushed. But think of how nice it would be to add some relaxation to your shower time. Allot a mere five to ten minutes to let your body steam in the shower. Take deep breaths and allow your pores to open and muscles to relax. You will get out of the shower feeling calm and stimulated. This is a perfect post-workout routine. After your shower, apply an herbal toner or natural oil while your pores are open and steamed.

4. Make a Skin-Saving Smoothie

Whip up a quick smoothie with skin-saving ingredients. Collagen powder, spirulina and Aloe vera gel provide instant skin protection for damaged cells and boost collagen production. Make a smoothie right after you work out for a protein boost before your shower.

5. Drink Tea Instead of Coffee

If you’ve exercised, you may not even feel the need for your daily morning coffee. And even if you haven’t built up a sweat, switching to tea provides major health benefits. Caffeine is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dehydration, and the amount of caffeine in coffee is almost triple that of a black or green tea. Make the switch and you will feel the difference right away.

6. Eat a Big Energy-Boosting Breakfast

Eating a substantial breakfast is the best way to boost metabolism. It provides energy and feeds skin cells. Dieters may be wary of eating a big breakfast, but it is a great way to lose weight as long as you eat reasonable portions throughout the rest of the day.

7. Take Omega 3 Fish Oil

Fish oil is an excellent morning supplement. It improves brain function, memory and mood. Go for triglyceride fish oils rather than those processed with ethyl esters forms. These are easier for the body to digest, more pure and healthier all-around. Take your vitamins in the morning, not at night. If you take Vitamin C or Vitamin E early-on, these two potent skin protectants will do their work throughout the day. Or take a high-quality multivitamin containing all of these ingredients.

8. Apply Sunscreen

Your skin is most susceptible to sun damage in the morning after skin cells have renewed themselves during the sleep cycle. Protect your face with an SPF moisturizer containing mineral protectants, not chemical protectants. The best are formulated with zinc oxide. SPF makeup or tinted moisturizers are good ways to go. Make sure to protect your neck, chest, forearms and hands. Take a small bottle with you during the day if you carry a bag or stow a bottle in your car to reapply.

While it can be difficult to focus on health early in the morning, it is the best time of day to take care of your body, mind and well-being. Incorporating even a few of these activites into your morning routine can improve your daily life in significant ways.