If you are chronically overworked or experiencing a temporary period of stress, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier. I always found that starting the day off on the right foot (not literally, but you can if you’re superstitious) makes all the difference.
Now, there are some days when you do everything the way you “should” when getting ready, but you still make a mistake at work and have an allergic reaction to whatever foreign cuisine you tried. While the way of the world is not entirely controllable, do what you can do to make sure you’re as well equipped as possible.
Below are five ways to have a stress free morning:
1. Get your outfit ready
This seems like very school-girl-like advice, but for those of you who don’t do this already, laying out an outfit ahead of time is important. It gives you a chance to make sure your shirt is ironed and you have a pair of clean underwear. It also keeps your room cleaner. If you do one thing, do this.
This also includes packing your bag. If you constantly switch bags, make sure you have your wallet, keys, and cell phone. WalletKeysCellPhone is a little chant I learned from my mother. Also, get rid of used tissues and receipts that you don’t need.
2. Plan breakfast
This doesn’t have to be anything shmancy, but just make sure that fruit is washed and cut up if needed. Oatmeal, eggs, or plain yogurt are great, easy options to have with or without fruit.
Also, be smart with your food choice. You really want to make sure you’re eating foods that that’ll keep you full for longer than your commute to work.
3. BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee!)
You might think that waiting in line at Starbucks is the easiest and most efficient way to go, but getting an overpriced coffee or tea isn’t great in the long run.
First, you don’t always know the ingredients they’re putting in your drink. Second, it’s a great way to save money. It also reduces stress from waiting in long lines. There is no problem with treating yourself once in a while, but keep your cleaned thermos and coffee machine (and/or reusable water bottle) on your countertop the evening before for easy access on routine mornings. You can start it up before you get dressed to save time.
4. Say no to snooze
The snooze button may feel like your best friend at 6 AM, but it’s not as nice as you may think. It reportedly makes you more lethargic and might even make you late to work. Set your alarm at the time you need to get up, not ten minutes before, and stick to it. If you sleep through the tone, set two alarm clocks around five minutes apart.
5. Make a playlist
Your favorite, most upbeat songs will make morning routines much less painful. If it’s not convenient for you to listen to it while getting ready (i.e. you live with someone else or the walls in your building are too thin), then listen to it on your way to work. Heading to work or school can be depressing without some motivational jams.
How do you stay organized in the morning? Let us know in the comments below!
*This post originally appeared on The Dream Beaver.
More from The Dream Beaver
