Everyday we make small decisions to keep our lives in check. We have to allow ourselves some rewards for our hard work. For example, I balance five hours of binge watching TV, with at least fifteen minutes of catching up on the news – so I’m informed, but not overly weighed down by the world’s troubles. It’s important to offset this teeter-totter as soon as you wake up. Morning routines are having a moment right now, and I’ll let you in on mine. Think of mornings like a daily horoscope that you get to write yourself. As a Cancer with a strong Libra rising, I may appear quite balanced, but without my morning routine I’d be as imbalanced as a politician on Twitter. Here is my step-by-step Morning Guide to Wellness.

Step 1:

The best way to start your day is obviously opening your eyes. Hearing that it’s bad to immediately look at your phone, I count to ten, delaying the inevitable endless, anxiety-inducing Instagram scroll as long as I can. But mounting curiosity of what I missed out on last night sets in, and I give in to check my social media.

Step 2:

Peel yourself out of bed and head to the kitchen. Coffee? Forget about that if you’re looking to achieve wellness! Instead, opt for hot lemon water. Hot lemon is a great detoxifier, and a super fast way to make you feel like running to the bathroom.

Step 3:

Open the fridge and look for a balanced breakfast – the most important meal of the day! But nevermind that, the sight of last night’s take-out leftovers reminds me not to eat at all until I’ve given my digestive system a heartfelt apology in the form of a warm citrus infusion.

Step 4:

Fitness. Try to incorporate at least an attempt at fitness every day. Exercise has been said to help our bodies with the general wear and tear of being alive, as well as the annoying effects of aging. And exercising on an empty stomach, save for some hot watery citrus, builds character. Searching my favourite yogis on Youtube, I begin my sun salutations in my bedroom. Balancing my laptop on top of a pile of not clean, yet not dirty clothes.

Step 5:

Brush your teeth and splash your face with the local tap water. I usually mist myself with at least 50-75 cents worth of my favourite high end rose water. Rose water is essential to your mental well being, humans have been using it for like a thousand years.

Step 6:

Drench your skin with the most highly reviewed drugstore face cream. After that, conservatively apply a $75 tinted moisturizer sunscreen to enhance the “no makeup look,” which is a must. One day in the future, I will thank myself for splurging on sun protection.

Step 7:

Get out the door! On the way to work, remember to feel in tune with with your mind, body and soul.

Step 8:

On route, I quickly pop into MacDonald’s to order a Big Mac, crossing the street on foot (exercise!) and picking up a $17 green juice to keep my health in check.

Balance is a fine line, I should know, but we owe it ourselves to become a priority in our own lives. Follow these eight simple steps to starting your work day with your best foot forward.