Minimizing Morning Routine, Maximizing Sleep

Getting up and ready to get out the door is one of my least favorite parts of every day. If you are a morning person, you may not struggle the way I do, but for the rest of us having as much ready the night before can be essential. Not only does it save time (and therefore increase snooze time), but it also decreases the risk of forgetting something in your half-awake state!

Your top two prep priorities should be picking your outfit and gathering your belongings.

Check the weather for the next day and pick out an appropriate outfit. Make sure you have every item selected, from your shirt to belt to shoes to earrings. I even preselect the scarf I am going to wear, if the weather calls for it. Days where I haven’t picked my clothes the night before always find me staring into my closet as if it is an endless void with no compass.

Collect everything you need to take with you in the morning and put it in a convenient location near your door. I have lost count of how many times I’ve had a coworker show up to work without their computer because they don’t pack it up the night before. If you pack a lunch, make it the night before and leave a sticky note somewhere you’ll see as you leave, so you remember to get your lunch out of the fridge.

Don’t forget to set your alarm!

I, personally, like to get these things done right when I get home from work. It allows me to feel prepared for the next day so that I can enjoy the rest of the evening. You can pick what timing works best for you, given your schedule and other responsibilities.

This routine partners well with the Daily Habits I wrote about in December.

Do you have nightly preparation routines? Or do you prefer to wing it in the mornings?