1. Set your alarm for the same time each morning

Research shows that one of the most important things that you can do to help improve sleep is to have a regular sleep routine, going to bed and getting up at about the same time every day. If improving your sleep is a goal, this should definitely be something to think about doing.

2. Get up when your alarm goes off

Don't hit snooze or turn your alarm off and go back to sleep - not only does it stop you from having a good sleep routine, but allowing yourself to drift back to sleep tricks the body into starting its natural sleep cycle, preparing you for deep sleep. Interrupting this cycle when your alarm goes off again could mean you are more likely to feel sleepy or groggy.

3. Make your bed

So simple, so sensible, so dull. But...having a made bed means that when you go to bed, it is tidy and comfortable and inviting, which will help improve sleep. Meanwhile, the act of accomplishing an easy and quick task first thing in the morning can give a sense of achievement that helps when tackling the next, bigger or more challenging task.

4. Drink water

Drinking water is good, and not drinking enough is bad - relatively mild dehydration can reduce concentration, memory, and alertness. Given that when we wake up we won't have taken in any fluids for however long we slept for, it makes sense to drink some water so that you are making sure that concentration, memory, and alertness are all optimal for the day ahead.

5. Exercise or stretch

A morning workout may be a lot to incorporate into a routine, but if you want to improve your health by exercising more and feeling most energised in the morning, it is absolutely the right time to get active. If not, a 5-minute stretching session every morning can help you feel more awake and can mitigate the physical effects of long hours spent at a desk or on a laptop.

6. Eat breakfast

While the idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day may have been clever advertising by cereal companies, there is still a lot of sense to the idea - especially if you lack energy in the morning. Also, if you have a busy day and may not have time for a decent lunch, skipping breakfast as well is setting you up for a hungry and unproductive afternoon.

7. Attend to your personal care

Wash, maybe have a shower. Definitely brush your teeth. Take some me-time in the morning for both the obvious health benefits and for the psychological boost of having done something for yourself. When things get difficult to manage, self-care is often something that gets sacrificed as we either try and cut anything that seems to waste time, or because we feel that there is no point in looking after ourselves.

8. Make a list

If you spend the day with your head buzzing with things to remember, making a list each morning may be helpful. Go through what needs to be done - you may have your timetable and calendar or diary for the main things, but list out all the smaller tasks that also need to be completed. Get things out of your head where they can distract you, and onto paper, or into an app.

9. Allow some time for fun

A morning routine does not have to be about just getting you from bed to wherever you need to be for the day, it can incorporate some fun stuff too. If you want to carve out half an hour to check Instagram or listen to some music, do so. It may be that you can double it up with eating breakfast or doing some stretches, but life doesn't have to be a constant strive for maximum efficiency, so if your day is better after you've watched an episode of The Real Housewives, do it!

10. Review the day ahead

If you often forget things - stuff you need to have with you, or appointments for example, add some time to mentally go through the day ahead and think about what you will need for each thing you plan to do. Got a lecture? Check your laptop is charged or that you have packed the power lead. Meeting a friend? Check you know where and when. Going to the gym? Check you have your gym kit and pass.