The alarm screams and you wake up to scramble around for your things. The pants you were looking for are in the dirty pile and you have to rush to pick something else. But instead of scrambling and rushing to get your day started “right,” these tips for a more productive morning are going to make your life a lot easier. So check them out, try them, and let us know what you think!

Plan Plan Plan

Meal prepping is not only popular, but useful! And you can plan much more than just your meals. Planning your goals, your outfits, your exercise, things to do, and more prepares you to succeed. Not only will you avoid forgetting to set your alarm, you’ll save time instead of having to haphazardly run around and pick out your outfit before rushing out the door.

Family Bonding

You might be thinking, yes that’s all good and well but I have a hectic schedule. However, creating a nightly family activity like bedtime stories or playing a game will not only help your family begin to calm down and relax for a good night’s sleep, but it will create long lasting memories full of laughter, love, and quality time. Instead of spending your time on the phone or watching television, spending good moments together will strengthen your family bonds.

Leave Work at the Office

Just like using your phone late at night, working deprives your body of its natural desire to slow down and go to sleep. Leaving your work at the office will help your body follow its natural rhythm to slow down and shut off.

Read

Nighttime is a great time to enjoy the things you love like reading which eases your body into slowing down and shutting off for the night. However, the book needs to be a paper or hardback, not an electronic book, since the light from the screen will keep your brain from wanting to sleep.

No Sugar or Alcohol

Unfortunately those sugary snacks and glass of wine aren’t helping you wind down for the evening. Since your body is busy digesting those snacks and drinks, your body can’t focus on what it should be doing – preparing for bed. Alcohol often leads to you waking up around 3 a.m. and not being able to fall back asleep. So avoid drinking alcoholic drinks and eating sugary snacks at least two hours before bedtime.

Reflect

A great way to wind down for the night is to remind yourself of what you’re thankful for, what you did well today, and how you worked towards your goals. Reflection is an exercise in positivity, so removing the negative thoughts will allow you to enter into a calm good night’s sleep. Writing down what you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal helps you to also remember why you’re working hard (your family/friends, etc.), or remember all the hard work you did to have the great job you do.

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Finding good ways to make sure you have a great night’s sleep is always going to benefit you in the long run. You’ll find yourself having more energy, being in a better mood, and having a more planned out life. So give these simple ideas a try and let us know what you think!