For most people, the act of getting going each day coincides with rush hour, both inside and outside of the home. As you’re probably well aware, school buses don’t wait and the clock just keeps on ticking, no matter what side of the bed you woke up on. Whether or not you consider yourself a morning person, your a.m. routine could probably be more efficient — and more pleasant. Here are some clean, green strategies to help you start your day.
Begin Your Morning Routine in the Evening
Chances are, you have a bit more time before bed than you do during your morning rush. Ease your mind and save yourself a few minutes each morning by making sure your kids have their bags packed and their homework completed before they go to bed. You can also pick out your clothes and prepare lunches for your whole family the night before. As an added bonus, if lunches are already packed, you will avoid the trap of having to buy lunch every time you’re running late. You’ll save money, eat healthier, and avoid all that packaging that goes along with take-out meals.
Be the First One Up
Easier said than done, right? Maybe, but waking up just a half hour before the rest of your family will give you some much-needed quiet time to organize your thoughts and plan your day. You’ll avoid the frantic bathroom rush and maintain your inner sanity, which is definitely worth the effort it takes to avoid the snooze button.
Skip the Morning News and Stretch Instead
First thing in the morning is not the time to catch up on happenings around the world. Because disasters and other sources of negativity go viral far faster than more inspiring news stories, it’s wise to steer clear until after lunch. Keep your mornings focused on yourself and your family and save the drama for later in the day. Instead of the news, spend just five minutes waking up your muscles with a simple stretching or yoga routine. Your body and your mind will thank you for it.
Make Use of Public Transportation
While public transportation isn’t the answer for everyone, if it’s available and convenient in your area, it could be the most important solution to your morning time crunch. The morning commute is probably the most stressful part of a worker’s day. When you leave the driving to someone else, you are available to catch up on emails, plan your workday, or listen to your favorite audio book. On top of that, you will avoid excess wear-and-tear on your car, save money on transportation costs, and invest in a greener, cleaner planet.
Are you ready to make your mornings more efficient? These simple changes will help make your days lighter and brighter, which is something everyone can appreciate.