We’ve all been there when you’ve hit the snooze button one too many times (or three or five) and now you’re flying into work with your toothbrush in your mouth and yesterday’s unwashed Tupperware in your lunch bag.
The good news is there are some things you can do before you hit the hay that can buy you some extra zzz’s the next day. Add these to your nighttime routine and you’ll be acing this whole adult thing.
Pack your lunch
So simple. So effective. If you aren’t already batch cooking or meal prepping, get yourself into the kitchen stat! Carving out some time on Sunday afternoon to cook and portion out your meals for the week means you always have something healthy ready to grab and go.
Plan your outfit
No, not just in your head. Because you know the panic that sets in when that “perfect” outfit you planned out actually does not work like you thought. Try on the next day’s outfit if you have to, then lay it out or have it all hanging together in your closet ready to go.
Breakfast
Easily one of the most time consuming things is food, and leaving the house without eating or packing your first meal of the day starts you off on the wrong foot. A crockpot of overnight oatmeal is a great tasting and smelling breakfast to wake up to. Or try the refrigerated version, which is just as easy to prep and both are great to take on the run if you still manage to be running late. If you prefer to drink your brekkie, put all your smoothie ingredients in the blender and store it in the fridge. While you’re at it, make sure you set your coffee maker the night before so at the very least you’ll be caffeinated.
Keys, wallet, sunglasses
Before bed, put the essentials you literally can’t leave the house without on top of anything else you don’t want to forget. Even if this means your keys are in the fridge with your lunch.
Night shower
Try moving your showers to a pre-bedtime ritual instead of post. You have more time at night, and it’s a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. Plus your morning brain fog has probably made you double wash your hair more than once.
On the way home
Don’t let the future you deal with the laziness of present you. If you know on the way home that you need gas or have to top up your transit pass, take the extra couple minutes to do it on your way home.
Get to bed!
Seriously, you know what time you have to get up and it’s creeping closer and closer. Shut it down and get your shut-eye so you wake up ready to go.