Mornings can be stressful, as any parent knows; with everyone running around trying to get ready for the day at the same time, it can be difficult to make sure you get out the door with everything you need in a timely manner. This often leads to a bad mood, forgetfulness, or just a bad day in general. This is especially true for people who hold management roles for a living, as ZenBusiness notes, as these individuals are statistically under more stress than other individuals. It’s essential to start a routine that the family can stick to, not only to make mornings easier but to reduce stress and start the day off right.
One of the best ways to do this is to get organized. Good Housekeeping notes that helping every family member keep their things in one place will save time in the morning and keep you from getting frazzled, especially if your children are young and look to you for help with getting ready. You can also start preparing the night before.
Here are a few of the best tips from The Edge Magazine on how to eliminate stress in the mornings.
Plan the Night Before
Evenings can be a busy time for the family as well as mornings; many moms and dads get dinner ready, make sure homework is done, and get everyone bathed – and by that point it’s bedtime. There’s little room for anything else, but there are some small things you can do to help. You might consider hiring a dog-walker to take the dog out, freeing up some time for you to help the kids with their homework or to get everyone ready for the following day.
Laying out clothes, shoes, backpacks, and hair accessories will help tremendously, especially if your little ones are particular about what they wear. Many parents find that they have a fight on their hands with only minutes to spare before they need to leave in the morning, so planning ahead will eliminate the battle.
If you’re having trouble getting to everything on your to-do list, a good planner can bring order and control back to your life. Stay productive and confident and find work-life balance while achieving your goals!
Get Organized
Getting organized will allow everyone in the family to have their own space, which is helpful for kids of any age. Many parents find shoes and backpacks slung on the floor when the kids get home because they’re tired after a long day at school and are focused only on getting a snack and resting. If there’s a designated spot for these items near the door, it will help your kiddos keep things neat and they won’t have to worry about hunting them down in the morning.
Go to Bed at a Reasonable Hour
Many parents stay up late getting personal projects finished or working, but it’s important for everyone in the family to get a decent night of sleep. When we’re tired, we get cranky and have trouble functioning as well in the morning, so hit the hay at the same time every night if possible, and Science News for Students suggests turning off televisions, phones, and computers at least two hours before going to bed.
Get Up a Little Earlier
If you’re having trouble getting things done on time in the mornings, consider getting up a few minutes earlier so you can sit with a cup of coffee and relax before everyone else gets up. This will allow you to focus, wake up, and think about all the things the day will bring for maximum productivity.
Establishing a solid morning routine doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. With the right plan and a little organization, you and your family can reduce stress and work together as a team to get out the door at a reasonable time. Try to stay patient in the beginning as everyone gets used to the routine.
