6 ways I’ve made my mornings way less stressful
Starting out in a state of chaos and stress just breeds more chaos and stress, which, in addition to hindering your productivity, just feels crappy. Who wants to exist like that on a regular basis? Spoiler alert: nobody.
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Having worked as a writer and editor for over a decade, getting out the door in the morning - and not distracted by a story or my inbox - has always been a struggle for me. (Also, I'm pretty sure that lateness is in my DNA.) I've found that I have to grab time where I can, and every little bit helps. Ahead, here are a few time-saving tips I've picked up along the way that might just do the trick for you.
Plan your outfit the night before
Preparing the night before isn't exactly a revolutionary concept, but there's a reason this is a tried-and-true hack: It works, and it definitely has for me. If you've ever had to rush in late to an important meeting because you couldn't find the right pair of shoes, then you know what a difference putting together your outfit in advance can make.
If playing stylist every evening sounds like too much of a chore, get some help from a Clueless-style outfit-planning app like : It creates the best looks from the clothes you already have, and even virtually organizes your closet.
Use an actual alarm clock
Using your phone as an alarm clock is convenient, but it may be doing more harm than good. While I certainly know first-hand how difficult it is to resist an Explore page full of dogs, staring into a glowing screen before bed can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep - meaning you risk oversleeping in the morning or waking up groggy. And, holding your phone first thing when you wake up can suck you into a social media/email-checking vortex, which could very well stress you out before you've even put two feet on the floor.
Avoid all that by keeping your phone off your nightstand, and swap it out for a stylish that's functional and fashionable.
Leave medications near your bedside table with a glass of water
Leave your daily prescriptions - and H2O to wash them down - in a spot where you’ll see them as soon as you wake up. This immediately knocks out two of my morning must-dos: hydrating, and taking any regular meds.
Rather than leave a bunch of pharmacy bottles out in plain sight, try storing your Rx's in a . (If your pills need to be taken with food, try also keeping a small box of saltines or other easy, non-perishable snack in your bedside drawer.)
Keep your contact lenses and solution right by your bedroom mirror
Instead of running back and forth to the bathroom while you're getting ready, leave your contact lenses and solution where they're easily accessible to the rest of your routine. (Also, being able to see while you're getting dressed or putting on makeup is always a plus.)
Want to take this time-saving hack one step further? Sign up for to ensure you've always got a fresh pair of contact lenses. For $33 a month, you'll get a 30-day supply of quality daily lenses (the first shipment includes 15 pairs for free), and you can cancel or modify your subscription at any time to suit your needs.
Organize your makeup so you're not digging around for what you need
Your cosmetics bag might be pretty, but piling everything into a zip-top pouch isn't always practical. If you find yourself regularly rifling through your makeup bag in the morning to find what you need (guilty), a little organization will go a very long way.
Try switching to a that allows you to see all your products easily, and stores eyeshadows, lip colors, and more in their own designated spots.
Designate a spot for your keys by the front door
Few things are more frustrating (and time-sucking) than having to tear your house apart hunting for your keys in the morning, which is why so many people recommend keeping them in a dish on a table or on a hook by your front door.
For extra insurance, try a gadget like , a product tracker that attaches to your key ring. Just activate the app on your phone and the tile will play a loud tune once you’re within the 100-foot Bluetooth range.
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