Glitter Guide contributor Leslie from Blare June is back to offer a breakdown of morning routine rules to live by this fall in order to make the most of your day!
Unless you are a morning person (lucky you!), you likely can relate to the struggle that occurs each morning when your alarm clock goes off. As much as the ‘rise’ may eventually occur, the ‘shine’ often does not until much later in the day—if at all.
With college classes starting up again and work days getting longer, being up and at it definitely has its perks! Not only is getting to class or work on time more likely, but being productive in the morning can prevent stress throughout the day. Now is the perfect time to become the morning person that you always wanted to be. Read on for 10 simple ways you can save time in the morning this fall!
- Bye-Bye Snooze: The snooze button is often the perfect way to snag a few extra minutes of shut-eye. However, it is now time to say “goodbye” to this perceived luxury! Instead of hitting the snooze button over and over, set your alarm to the time when you actually need to get up. By changing this simple morning ritual, you will be able to achieve a deeper sleep for a longer period of time. As a result, you will be better able to cope with stress throughout the day.
- Save The Scrolling For Later: For many (myself included), lying in bed scrolling through each of our social media feeds is a morning ritual. Try to save the scrolling for a later time. Wait until you are on the train or during your morning break at work, which can add a few extra minutes to a hectic morning. You’ll be able to bank some valuable time and it might even be more relaxing and enjoyable when the time comes.
- Pre-Schedule An Upload: The morning is a perfect time to upload an image to your own social media feed. Many individuals are on their phones in the morning, so posting at this time can result in an increase in engagement and likes. Because choosing the perfect photo and caption can take time, scheduling it in advance is a good idea. If posting a morning image is vital for your business or social media presence, there are a variety of apps that can help. Planoly is a great app for scheduling content and drafting captions days in advance.
- Breakfast Is Served: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and not one that should be skipped. Boiling two eggs the night before or making yogurt parfaits for the week are easy and efficient ways to get the nutrients and energy you require. Instead of grabbing a pastry at a café, having a prepared morning meal cuts down on time, cost and calories. What’s not to love?
- Choose Your Look: I like to think I am not alone with having nothing to wear on the daily. In order to save time in the morning, I recommend setting aside a few different outfits each night, so there is an option no matter the weather. Another great tip is to have an assortment of Polaroid looks tucked away in your closet. These looks should consist of timeless and comfortable pieces that make you feel good with each wear. If you find yourself struggling to get dressed, look to the Polaroid snaps and choose one from the list.
- My Bag Is Packed And I’m Ready To Go: In addition to choosing your outfit in advance, packing your bag the night before is just as important—if not more. Whether it’s your lunch or what you will wear for after-work drinks, being prepared cuts down on stress. Is there anything worse than changing for a workout class to discover you forgot your sports bra? Packing your bag the night before can save you time in the morning. It can also save you from an urgent trip back home or to the mall.
- Braids For Days: It’s undeniable that having bad hair can start a day off on the wrong foot. Instead of scrounging to find your curling iron or a handful of hairpins, go to bed the night before prepared. Work with your natural hair type by narrowing in on some low-maintenance hairstyles. Braid your hair at night for beachy waves in the morning or use a defrizzing spray to emphasize your curls. Honing in on a few easy hairstyles that can be implemented the night before can make your mornings a breeze.
- Post It: We’ve all been in that familiar panic situation of forgetting if our straightener was turned off or if we did, in fact, lock our apartment doors. To avoid such anxiety, make a to-do list on a post it and leave it by the door. As you leave each morning, you can quickly go through the list. It will help you be at ease that all fire hazards or break-and-enter situations are under control.
- Coffee To Go: For many, a latte from a specialty café is a daily indulgence. With the help of the Starbucks mobile option, you can order and pay for your favorite drink in advance. This app feature can save you valuable morning time. It can also bring a whole new and convenient meaning to enjoying coffee while on the go!
- Emergency Kit: Heading off for the day only to return a few minutes later for a Band-Aid or some floss can make getting to work or school on time unlikely. Have an emergency kit filled with your most needed essentials on hand to prevent having to run back home.
Saving time each morning by implementing some of the steps above will cut down on your morning stress levels. It will also set you up for success all day long!
