When you’re pressed for time, every minute counts — and that’s never more true than in the morning rush. Do you often find yourself scrambling to get out the door? Are you skipping breakfast or leaving late because of some unexpected delay? If so, consider starting your days with a morning routine. Establish a consistent pattern of tasks for your mornings, and you won’t have to waste time thinking about what to do next. You’ll maximize your time — so you can get more sleep, eat breakfast and get where you need to go, all without going crazy in the process.
What are the keys for starting your days better? What do you need for a morning routine?
To answer these questions, here’s a look at some of the best ways to make your mornings go smoother — and faster — each day:
- Do as much as you can the night beforehand. Great mornings start with strategic evenings. Before going to bed, take care of as many tasks as you can, so there will be less to do the next day. Wash the dishes. Clean the kitchen counters. Prep tomorrow’s breakfast and pack tomorrow’s lunch. If you don’t have to shower in the morning, shower the night beforehand. Lay out your outfit for the next day. Everything that you do at night is something you won’t have to do when you’re rushing to leave in the morning.
- Organize your bathroom for efficiency. Organization saves time because it ensures products are where they’re supposed to be — and you don’t have to hunt for your comb, washcloth, razor or hairspray. Set up your bathroom to empower your daily habits. Group like items together (hair care products, makeup, shaving tools, etc.). Then, when you’re getting ready, everything you need will be exactly where you want it.
- Get a shower timer. If you don’t shower the night beforehand, you can still make sure you don’t waste time by implementing a waterproof timer. Add it to your shower and set it for your chosen time — five minutes, seven minutes, 10 minutes or whatever you want. Then, start it, get scrubbing and turn the water off when the timer sounds.
- Streamline your hair routine. The less you have to do to get ready, the more time you gain. As everybody knows, the notorious grooming time-sucker is hair care. Instead of washing, blow-drying and flat-ironing your long hair every morning, for example, consider using dry shampoo so that you only have to style your hair once a week. Or, switch your hairstyle so that you can simply wash and go. Ask your hairstylist for an easy, low-maintenance look. If all else fails, have a few go-to hairstyles: ponytail, a bun, a topknot, etc. Make your routine as hassle-free as possible.
Anyone can enjoy a less stressful day with the right morning routine. For a smoother, calmer week, start practicing the above habits — and enjoy your newfound efficiency!