I tapped author Gretchen Rubin for some help.

I am not the biggest fan of mornings. Actually, scratch that. I really don’t like mornings. I struggle to get out of bed and when I do, it is a case of doing the bare minimum before leaving the house.

We often underestimate how much our morning rituals can set the tone for the rest of the day. When you prioritize activities that spark a natural dopamine release, you aren't just waking up — you're ...