BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! It’s 7:00 a.m. and your alarm is not shy in letting you know. If you’re like me, you’ve hit snooze once or twice and jump up at the very last minute possible where you’ll still be on time to wherever you have to be. You’re looking around for that pair of socks you just had, your house keys that you know you left in your bag by the door and, of course, can’t find your phone that’s in your hand. Does this sound like a typical morning for you? If it does, don’t worry. There are tiny tweaks you can make to be sure you’re using your limited time in the mornings in the most efficient ways, instead of having a hectic hour before you even clock in. 

 

#MorningMotivation

What gets you moving in the morning? Your favorite playlist? A blood-pumping workout? A hot cup of coffee? A hilarious morning show? It doesn’t have to be the same thing every day, but have something in mind the night before that you’ll be excited about getting up to.

 

Mind and Body

Eight quick ounces of water is sure to give you a jolt physically while your mind can benefit from a quick 10 minute meditation or stretching session. 

Now, I said if you’re like me, you hit snooze once or twice. More like three or four times. If this is you, try putting the alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. The hardest part is getting up, so once you’re up, you’re doing great. 

 

Nothing to Wear

How much time do you spend picking out an outfit? Whether five minutes or 30, that’s more time back to yourself if it’s done the night before. It might be your favorite go-to sweater, but that doesn’t mean it’ll match well with your new jeans or doesn’t have a small hole or stain you didn’t notice. Lay out your top and bottom, shoes, socks and accessories.

 

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub

A steamy shower is hard to leave, especially on a cold and dark winter morning. Save the environment, your water bill and yourself from rushing by getting in and getting out once the job is done. Wash your hair for the night before, and use rollers overnight to avoid not only having to use a curling iron, but heat damage, too! Wake up, shake and go.

 

Know Your Place

Everything should have a spot to call home. It does not have to be the most practical place, but keys, gloves, socks, chargers, phone, headphones – everything needs a home where you can easily find them. Pack the essentials the night before for a grab-and-go run in the morning without second guessing if you left something behind.

 

What’s on the Menu

You might be short on time in the mornings, but that does not mean you should skip breakfast. From avocado toast to yogurt with fruit and granola, there are quick, better-for-you options to munch on to kick start your day.  Don’t let a busy day throw off a healthy eating plan. Pack up lunch the night before to avoid having to run out of the office to the closest, fastest option. Your wallet will thank you, too!

 

Remember, the day can get away from you quickly. Getting rid of potential distractions and hurdles will cut back on stress and lead to a calm, productive morning that you’re in control of.

 

Until next time…

-Jae Marie