Getting up and ready in the mornings can be a rushed and stressful task. But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to help you streamline your morning routine, so you can cruise into that jam-packed day at ready to take on work, errands and life.
Sleep better
Staying up late and not getting enough good sleep is the reason most people struggle to wake up in the morning. Aim for eight hours of sleep each night – if this is just not possible even after numerous tries, then its time to change your nighttime habits. As tempting as these are, switch off TVs, computers, phones and other smart devices at least one to two hours before sleeping. According to experts, screen time can affect the quality of our sleep. However, if you always struggle to get out of the door on time, regardless of how hard you try, set your alarm 15 to 20 minutes early.
Do as much as possible the night before
Avoid wasting time in the morning by deciding what to wear, looking for your favourite shirt and ironing it – rather spend a few minutes the night before to complete these tasks. Also consider packing your briefcase or travel tote, and leaving it close to the door. It’s also best to pack your lunch the night before as this will not only save time, but also prevent accidents that occur in haste. You could also prevent wasting time on the road by filling up your tank the night before.
Write and use lists
Write a to-do list every evening – then do as much as possible before going to bed, and the rest when you wake up. It’s easier to forget things when you are stressed and in a hurry. Also consider writing down your morning routine and putting up in a central place (like on a kitchen wall) so your whole family remembers how to save time in the mornings.
Create a designated space for storing essential items
Your essentials (wallet, keys, bags, car remotes, phones and other small items that have the potential to get lost especially when you are running late) should be kept in a place so that it is just a matter of picking them up and leaving the house. Try putting a basket or bowl, which can be used to store these items, by the door and mounting hooks to hang your coats and umbrellas.
Avoid the TV and social media
TV and social media can easily eat up huge amounts of time so its best that you and your family avoid them until you’re ready to go. If you commit to this your efficiency and productivity will increase along with available free time. And if your kids love TV and games, making this rule will motivate them to wash, brush, eat, drink and tidy up quicker in the morning.
Leave a Comment