Extras // Get Up & Go: How To Cut 30 Minutes Off Your Morning Routine

The alarm goes off and the snooze button is smacked. Fifteen minutes later you wake up realizing that you’re late! It’s one of the most frantic feelings waking up and running around trying to get out the door with no time to spare. That is why it’s essential to always be prepared for your morning routine. That way when you are running late, you have ample time to spare.

Invest in a Planner

This is the first rule in cutting 30 minutes off your morning routine. A planner is the easiest way to write down your projects and tasks all in one place. How many times have you had 20 post-it notes on the fridge or a list on the counter with things to do for that day? It’s messy and can create chaos when you’re running late. With a planner, if you need to remember a task or what you need for it, open it up and there it is. Plain, simple, and in clear sight.

Lay It Out

Ah, clothes, probably the number one reason girls run late. Ever spend so much time obsessing on an outfit choice you realize you’re late for work? Pick out your outfit the night before and lay it out! You can even make it fun and create a mini fashion show by trying on different clothes the night before. Don’t just lie out clothes either; choose your accessories and shoes as well.

Eat Fast

Eating is critical for starting the morning off right, especially when you have a long day ahead of you. When you are running late, you often have food fall to the bottom of your task list. This is bad not only because it’s the most important meal of the day, but also you will feel tired from not eating. The night before set out some fruit and a box of cereal with a bowl. That way, you can pour the cereal right in and eat quickly. If you have fruit, you can just eat it on the go. Also, if you’re a coffee drinker, invest in a one-cup coffee maker. They make coffee in under a minute.

Beautify Nightly

Don’t wait until the morning to shower. It’s so much easier to shower and do your hair at night. Regardless if you have straight or curly hair, you can calm the hair down by sleeping on it. That way, when you wake up in the morning your hair is manageable and ready to be styled. As far as make-up, have your key items waiting on your bathroom counter than you use each day. Don’t have them stuffed away in a make-up bag.

Set Up a Station

The easiest way to have all your important items in one place is to set up a station. Usually the best station is by the front door because when you’re on the go, you can just grab whatever items you need. Put items you use every day at the station including keys, sunglasses, bags, coats, and possibly an umbrella when it rains. By doing this, you can minimize time running around the house looking for things.

If you do wake up and realize you’re late, remember to breathe. Frantically running around will make you even more late! The key to being on task in the morning and maximizing time is to always prepare. Create a mental checklist in your head and run through it the night before. By doing this you’ll be on your way to a speedy, productive morning!