As Christmas and New Year’s Eve rapidly approach, it’s time to enjoy your time off from school and take time to plan for the semester ahead. IMHO, it’s never too early to look ahead to the next year of school. If you felt like you were always running behind this fall semester, you are not alone. Early a.m. lectures, late-night homework deadlines, part-time job shifts, and extracurricular meetings can make waking up feeling rested quite a challenge.
Honestly, there’s nothing I’d rather do than turn off my alarm and go back to sleep almost every time I hear it. As an intern who often works from home, I find myself dealing with early mornings, long to-do lists, and even longer school days. I found an easy, stress-free routine that keeps me productive throughout the day. Here are my absolute fave morning routine tips that will make every sleepy girl feel way better in the a.m. You got this, bestie. Happy New Year and cheers to the upcoming semester.
01. Take a look at your day the night beforeÂ
Before the day ends, take a brief 15 minutes to review what the next day looks like. And yes, it is definitely alright if you review this while you’re laying in bed.
Write out what meetings you have to join and what needs to be completed before you clock out for the day. This simple task knocks one thing off your list for the next day, and you’re prepared for what’s in store.
02. Ignore your phone first thing in the morning
Believe me, I’ve been one to immediately roll over and begin mindlessly scrolling before I’ve fully woken up. DON’T DO IT! Getting sucked into social media, emails, and texts can lead to wasted time. Place your phone somewhere away from your bed, so you’re forced to get up and turn off your alarm. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and set it down as you get ready for the day. Your phone and every notification you have will be there when you’re finished.
03. Prioritize self-care
The most important thing you can do before starting your day is to take time for yourself. This looks so different to everyone and your version of self-care can be the complete opposite of mine. Some easy ways to practice self-care in the morning can include doing your skincare/makeup routine, reading for a few minutes, journaling, or simply making your bed. Taking those minutes to spend time with yourself is going to add a boost of confidence and productivity.
04. Figure out your favorite way to stay energized
Waking up in the morning can be a drag, so get yourself some energy! Making a cup of coffee while making your breakfast is such an easy task to accomplish, even on the grayest mornings. Something that has also helped me feel awake is by doing some sort of movement. This can include anything from a 10-minute yoga session, a morning walk, a dance session, and so much more. Find whatever brings you energy and add it to your morning routine now.
05. Prioritize your tasks for your morning routine
The day has finally started, but before you dive into the bulk of the day, take note of what tasks need to be prioritized. Try to work on the hardest tasks first, then finish off the day with the simpler, less time-consuming work. I promise you’ll thank yourself later! These heavier tasks would be a stressor on your evening if you’re rushing to complete the most important ones last.
Featured image via @nicole_vitullo. Design by Her Campus Media.
This article was originally updated on July 14, 2023.
