Think back to when you woke up this morning. Did you immediately rise and set your intention for the day? Or did you hit the snooze button twice? How you start your day is the ultimate indicator for how your day will progress. By beginning your day mindfully and putting healthy practices first, you’re more likely to continue that pattern as you navigate a busy and hectic schedule.

What works for one person may not work for all, but for many, finding those moments of peace and introspection in the morning can restore balance. Kara Griffin of L.A.’s Feel This is a holistic nutritionist, personal trainer and group fitness instructor whose daily schedule and responsibilities could make your head spin. She credits her morning ritual with helping her boost productivity and find calm amidst the everyday chaos. “I rely on it to feel focused and present with my clients,” Griffin says.

Griffin says having a plan for her morning routine helps keep her accountable. “You never want to start the day feeling like you’re ten steps behind, so I find that planning the night before is really helpful.” In addition to the benefits your body reaps from this mindful practice, you’ll start to notice the mental boost a morning ritual can provide. “When you have a positive spin on your morning you can continue to incorporate that positivity all day long,” Griffin says.

Griffin’s morning ritual consists of hydration ( “to start your digestion off on the right foot”), taking any necessary supplements (Griffin swears by probiotics for gut health and bee pollen for energy), and sipping a warm beverage with a view. “It’s so simple but it always feels so nice to allow myself that little bit of time with the greater perspective.”

Kelsey Patel, owner of Pure Barre Beverly Hills, Reiki master and empowerment coach, says her morning ritual has become increasingly important for her health. Patel’s ritual begins the moment she wakes up.

Every morning before I even get out of bed, I place my hands on my heart, take several deep breaths and set my intentions for the day,” Patel says. “Usually the first several minutes of my morning are spent connecting to myself, my energy and my desires for that specific day.” Patel’s morning routine also includes drinking warm lemon water and meditation.

Not all of us wake up feeling ready to take on the world—Patel says on those days especially, a grounding morning routine can guide us back to our passions and goals. And while we may understand why a morning ritual is important for balance, we might not be sure how to begin our own.

Patel advises, “Trust yourself. Listen to your body. Hear your heart.” Try recording your thoughts for the day in a gratitude or intention journal. Setting aside even a few minutes to think about what your priorities are and how you can act on them will put you in a better place to actually do so. Take a moment to also consider what your body and your mind needs, and how you might achieve balance in both areas. Patel continues, “Be open to the possibilities that await you because you are setting intentions, working with the power of the day before you and noticing your needs each and every day.”

Miranda Raimon is a freelance health, wellness and fitness writer who believes that life is a balance of green smoothies and pinot gris. A former yoga studio manager and fitness instructor, helping others live happier and healthier lives is her passion. Miranda is part of our ClassPass Partner Success Team. Follow her adventures on Instagram.