“Good Morning” a phrase used in the early hours of the day, most often times said with no true feelings of such fulfillment behind the expression. My hand is raised. A guilty gal. Mornings just don’t seem to be it for many of us and it hasn’t been for myself especially since starting my freshman year at university. Mornings used to run me crazy. Ignoring my inconsiderate alarm, would make me become a 5-minute running mess on the daily. I felt like the day was dragging me by the hair. I felt very unproductive, as I would be starting my days with minor heart attacks because I would only have 5 minutes to get ready. If that’s you, its’s probably a great idea that you’re reading this. Quite recently, I’ve slowly become an enjoyer of mornings and truly have valued the time I have to myself before heading off to classes. Here are the exact things I’ve routinely done to ensure I have the reigns on my mornings:
1. Prepare the night before:
I always make sure that I’ve packed my bag with all the books and necessities for the next day. I’ve found this a big eliminator of stress in the mornings. It’s something I won’t even need to be thinking about. Just grab and go! This can also go for breakfast too. I always pick out my outfit the night before, even if I’m not feeling like it because it’s saved me more time than not doing so.
2. Write it down:
I write/type down all that I want to accomplish or have done for that day. Having some sort of direction for the day, helps bring structure.
3. Look forward to It:
Whether it be the 30 minutes of alone-time to get ready, breakfast, devotionals, coffee, walking to class with music, the sunrise, a workout, or just simply because you’re awake before your roommate, have something in mind to look forward to. It serves as a great motivator.
4. Set the alarm
I’ve found that knowing the estimated time that it takes me to get ready and adding 30 minutes to an hour to that, gives a good amount of time to slowly go about my morning with all that I want to do, with no rush.
5. Put the alarm far away
I find a place, in my room, where I would have to stand up and at least take a step to turn my alarm off. When first trying this, I would find myself walking over to turn it off, then get right back in bed. What has helped me from doing this, is letting the alarm ring until you’ve given yourself a mini pep-talk about the thing you’ll be looking forward to if you get up.
You take control of your alarm not the other way around. Try this because snooze will not be in your vocabulary!
Now hold your head up high because you just got all the cards to help run your morning like a boss.