How to Prepare at Night for a More Efficient Morning

We are what we repeatedly do. So, when we go to sleep every night tense and spend every morning running frantic, needless to say, we’re probably stressed. What if we told you the key to cutting stress in half all started with preparing a bit more the night before?

Check out these 10 easy steps to prepare at night for a more efficient morning.

1. Put Your Alarm on the Other Side of the Room

Instead of hitting snooze until you’re just about to be late for work or school, place your alarm further from the bed. This means you’ll need to physically get up to turn it off, reducing drowsiness instantly.

2. Prepare Your Breakfast

Preparing your breakfast the night before can save you a ton of time in the morning. Plus, you might have an easier time waking up knowing there’s a delicious meal waiting for you. Try something simple and nutritious, like overnight oats or cut fruit and yogurt.

3. Get the Coffeemaker Ready

No coffee, no talk-ee. Make rising and shining a whole lot easier by preparing your morning cup of Joe the night before. If your coffee machine has an automatic timer, set it for just before your alarm so you can wake up to the glorious smell of fresh-brewed coffee.

4. Tidy Up the House

Waking up to a mess doesn’t make for a peaceful morning. Spending just 10 to 20 minutes washing dishes or putting away clothes can make your space seem calmer and more productive.

5. Lay Out Your Clothes

Eliminate the hassle of searching your closet at the crack of dawn and give yourself more time to plan a stylish outfit. Do yourself a favor and lay out clothes, undergarments, accessories, and shoes the night before.

6. Reflect on the Day’s Wins

Don’t lose sight of the day’s wins, no matter how small. Give yourself some encouragement for the coming day by reflecting on and celebrating the day’s achievements.

7. Create a To-Do List

Define your priorities for the coming day with a to-do list. Having a better understanding of the day ahead puts perspective on what items you’ll really need to tackle come morning.

8. Clear Your Head

How many times this week have you taken work to bed with you? Try clearing your head before bed to allow your mind to truly shut down and have a peaceful sleep. There are numerous ways to do this, including meditation, journaling, or light reading.

9. Stop Checking Your Email

Again, stop taking work to bed. Resist the urge to let others control your schedule, and wait until you’re in the office to check your email and social media accounts.

10. Make Night Prep a Routine

What you do during your nighttime routine isn’t nearly as important as actually committing to it. Incorporating some or all of these steps nightly gives you something easy to accomplish to get the ball rolling for an efficient morning.