The mornings can be a time of peace and excitement to start the new day. Or the mornings can be filled with frustration and excitement about starting the new day. I am sure there is a happy medium in there somewhere, but that is neither here or there.
For my family, mornings can be hectic with all the moving pieces and trying to make it to our respective locations on time. Over the years, I have implemented a few hacks to save time and make the mornings smoother. Some have stuck, others not so much.
Today I will share the hacks I currently use to get my life together in the mornings and carry my family along.
Tip #1: Prep The Night Before
Just like this sounds, do what you can the evening before. This includes making lunches, picking out clothes, coffee timers. Anything you can do the night before to help your morning, do it. If there is a lot, start with one thing then slowly add to it.
Doing this will open up time in your morning routine and make things a little less hectic.
Tip #2: Include Everyone
Do you have anyone that can help out in the morning? Aside from the two year old, everyone in my household is capable of helping. We each have our own slice of the pie to get us out the house in the morning.
For example, hubs makes coffee and deals with the dog, the nine year old makes breakfast and entertains the toddler.
Including everyone takes the stress off one person and lets everyone know they are an important part of the equation.
Tip #3: Find Time For Yourself
Even if it is 15 minutes before the rest of the house wakes up, take that 15 minutes and prepare yourself for what is to come. I personally take an hour as described in the “5 A.M. Club”. I can tell you I have more patience to deal with the craziness of the morning compared to waking up with everyone else. This time can also be used to accomplish tasks that did not get done the night before.
You may find that getting a head start in the morning increases patience, offers clarity, and helps to get the ball rolling in the morning.
Tip #4: Plan The Morning
This is related to Tip #1 above. Having an idea of what your morning looks like will help ensure you have everything needed to leave the house?
- Are there papers that need to be signed?
- Anything special to take to school or work?
- Extracurricular activities that need to be planned for?
Going in knowing what to expect will help your morning routine, just by making sure you have everything you need for the day.
Do not get so caught up in having a plan that you lose flexibility. Sometimes things do not go as planned, be able to adjust.
Tip #5: Give Yourself Grace
This is by far the most important tip I can offer. Too many times we are hard on ourselves for not getting it just right.
It is okay, things come up. Mistakes are made. Embrace the moment and move forward.
Sometimes it’s not what happened, but how we respond.
I am sure we are all trying to accomplish the same thing.
Be the best version of ourselves for our family and loved ones.
If there is one think you can do for yourself and others is take a moment and be in the moment.
I hope these tips will help to make your morning smoother and your days brighter.
Until next time, take care.