With today's increasingly busy schedules, it's hard to finish everything that needs to get done. In fact, you've probably had at least one morning where you felt behind before you even got out of bed. You spend the morning running around trying to remember everything you need to accomplish, and then, before you know it, it's noon and somehow your to-do list is longer, not shorter.  

Well, there is a better way. You can lead a more productive and fulfilling life, starting with your morning routine. We talked to productivity expert Annie Mueller to find some ways to get your mornings started on the right foot.  

First: she insists that keeping it simple is crucial. "Mornings don't need to be complicated to be productive," she says. "Don't try to cram in 10 habits or three hours of work or personal growth activities. A few carefully chosen habits will make a huge difference. The key is to pick habits that are easy to develop and that have a clear benefit."

Try some of these: 

Lay out everyone's supplies the night before. You probably already pick out your outfit for tomorrow the night before (don't you?), but you can set all family members up for success during the evening, too. Put kids' backpacks by the door and completely assembled lunches in bags in the fridge, set the table for breakfast, and put the dog's harness and leash (and coat, if it's chilly) together right next to the door. 

Don't pick up your phone first thing. The urge to grab your phone and check out what's happening in the world can be overwhelming. Plus, it's always exciting to check your emails and texts to see what potentially life-changing messages arrived overnight. But Mueller insists that all that can wait until after your morning routine; the morning is about you and your needs. "It makes a huge difference to reserve that first morning time for yourself," she shares. (Better yet, don't take your phone into your bedroom at all.) 

Start some healthy habits before you even get out of bed. Are you drinking enough water? Before you go to bed, put a big glass of water next to your bed, so that it's ready for you to start drinking first thing. And while you're at it, take a multivitamin like Centrum MultiGummies, too. It's a quick and easy way to give your cells the healthy micronutrients they need to keep you going. 

Another thing to do before you get up? Meditate. Before your feet even hit the floor, take care of your brain. "For meditating, I put in headphones, turn on an app with background sound or calm music, and breathe deep for 10 to 20 minutes," Mueller says. The productivity expert insists that it makes her feel energized, calmer, and in touch with the bigger picture. Not a bad way to start the day! 

Write it out. Before she gets going, Mueller sits down and writes whatever comes to mind. "It's an important habit because it helps me work through any issues, emotions, worries, or 'back of mind' things that are hovering there, waiting to distract me," she says. She likes to write out all of her tasks, projects, and possibilities that are swirling around in her mind so she can unclutter her mind, and know what to work on first.  

Do something for you. In the craziness of the day, it can be hard to remember to take the time to do anything for yourself, and you might find yourself burnt out by mid-afternoon. Take your me-time in the morning before things really get going. Mueller likes to read a motivating nonfiction book or go back and reread an old favorite. You should do what works for you and makes you happy, whether that's doing a crossword puzzle, going for a run, or just watching a morning news show while you enjoy a cup of coffee. It's a lot easier to have a good day when you start it in a good mood!