How To Get Ready Quickly In The Morning
Morning Poll
How much time do you need to get ready in the morning?
Not enough time in the morning?
If you find yourself always running short on time in the morning then keep reading. This article will give you some good tips on how to save time getting ready in the morning, stop being so sleepy and tired, and be out the door ready and on time.
The key thing to keep in mind is to give yourself time, and avoid wasting time by having everything organized and a plan to move from one morning activity to the next in an efficient order.
1. Make Breakfast More Efficient
Skipping breakfast isn't a good idea. Unless you're so terribly late that you just can't eat, then you should take a few minutes for this meal. Instead of going to time-consuming foods (leave those for the weekend) opt for something that is quick and easy to make.
Here's a list of some foods you can have ready in 5 minutes or less.
- Instant Oatmeal (Stir in brown sugar and a fruit and you're good to go)
- An omelette (Stir the eggs the night before and leave them covered in the fridge)
- Toast with butter and a fruit on the side
- Cereal and milk
- A fruit salad
- Yogurt with granola
- Peanut butter sandwich with banana, jelly, or strawberry
- A fruit smoothie
- Muffins baked the night before (bake enough to cover you for the week and have a glass of milk or yogurt as a side)
- Sunny side up eggs (Just crack and fry)
2. Set More than One Alarm Clock
If you have to get up at 7:00 AM and you only set one alarm clock, there is a chance you will ignore it if you went to bed late or tired the night before. Get into the habit of setting two alarms. Set one for 6:40 AM so you can snooze if you need to (although studies suggest that is a bad habit to get into that makes you more tired) and set another for 7:00 AM (20 minutes later) the second alarm going off will tell you that you absolutely cannot stay in bed any longer.
It helps to also place the alarm clocks, or a the phone, or tablet, whatever you are using, on the opposite side of the room. Having to get up to reach the alarm may seem like a drag but once you're on your feet, there's less of a reason to jump back in bed.
Take home point: give yourself time in the morning by getting up when your alarm clock rings. No snoozing for another 30 minutes.
3. Have Your Clothing Ready
You have two options to save time here. You can get your clothing ready the night before, have it all planned and ready, right down to the underwear and socks so you don't waste time planning it in the morning.
The second option relates to the second tip. If you follow the second tip, to set two alarms 20 minutes apart, then when the first one rings, you can wake up and start thinking in your mind while you are still in bed what kind of outfit you would like for the day. Use that time to mentally think about all the clothes you plan to wear: pants, shirt, jacket, shoes...etc. Then when your second alarm rings go and get the clothing you just thought of right away.
4. Organize Your Most Used Hygiene Products
When you walk in your bathroom in the morning you shouldn't be wasting time opening drawers and cabinets and closets looking for all the things you need: deodorant, make up, face wash, shaving cream...etc. Get a plastic tray with compartments or just a plastic basket and place everything you need on a daily basis. Think about including things such as:
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and floss
- Commonly used makeup items and brushes
- Face creams
- Shaving foam
- Razor
- Tweezers
- Tissues
- Q-tips
5. Multitask in the Bathroom
If you follow tip 4, then grab your toothpaste and toothbrush from your handy basket and take them into the shower with you. While you're waiting for your conditioner to set in, brush your teeth quickly.
If you shower every morning you could consider leaving a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush that you specifically use in the shower so you don't have to keep putting them back so you can use them again at night only to repeat in the morning.
6. Skip the Morning Shower
Taking a shower in the morning uses up a considerable amount of time. If you're a lady you probably consider drying your hair too which takes up even more time. It's best to either plan to wake up a little early to leave room for a shower or take a shower the night before and skip washing, drying and moisturizing in the morning.
A Few Helpful Tips
Time Saved
How much time do you think you can save in the morning by following some time-saving tips?
Take Home Points
- Wake up when your alarm clock rings
- Prepare your clothing the night before
- Organize your frequently used products
- Find ways to multitask and group activities together
- Take a shower at night instead, if you shower every morning
- Make a quick breakfast
With a few quick modifications to your routine you can fit everything you need to do into your morning schedule and be out the door in time. The more efficient habits you pick up the faster your mornings will go, and maybe there will even be an extra 15 minutes to sleep in.
