Waking up early to prepare for school is hard! If you press the snooze button on the alarm too often, you'll end up rushing to get ready and head to class. Luckily, by preparing a few things the night before and aligning your morning routine, you can get to school on time and avoid the morning panic.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Night Before
Step 1. Make and pack your lunch in the evening
Start making lunch after you finish dinner. Once packed, put your lunch box in the refrigerator overnight to keep the food fresh. Don't let your food get moldy in the morning. The next morning, remove the lunch box from the refrigerator and immediately put it in your bag before you leave the house.
- If you tend to forget to bring your lunch frequently, try posting a reminder note in your room or other frequently visited places (of course the ones that come in will be, and not in places like parks).
- If you usually buy lunch, make sure you have enough money ready, then put your money in your wallet or purse.
Step 2. Pack the contents of your bag before going to bed
After doing your homework, put everything back in your bag so it's ready to be taken the next day (and, of course, not left behind). Make sure you also put other necessary things in the bag, such as a permit, a special project/job, or a pencil case.
Put your bag next to the bedroom door or near the front door before going to bed. This way, you can pick it up right away when you leave the house
Step 3. Choose and take out all the clothes to wear tomorrow before going to bed
Looking for clothes in the morning can take a lot of time. Therefore, choose clothes that will be worn tomorrow the night before. Don't forget to take out your socks, shoes, underwear, jewelry, and make-up (if you're wearing them). Make sure you have washed and ironed your clothes before taking them out and laying them out on the table.
If you're wearing a school uniform, you can easily put it on the desk the night before, and put it on in the morning
Step 4. Take a shower at night, and not in the morning
Taking a shower at night can give you more time in the morning. However, not everyone likes taking a shower at night and maybe you need to freshen up with a morning shower to start your day. However, try to shower at night several times. If you get used to it, you can get a longer sleep time (about 15-30 minutes)!
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Bedtime Routine
Step 1. Set a bedtime and stick to it every night
Also show consistency regarding when you wake up in the morning. Your body likes a routine and your sleep quality will improve if you go to bed and wake up on the same schedule every day. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep on school days.
Set a reminder on your phone that rings about 20 minutes before your bedtime. This way, you have enough time to shower/wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on your night clothes before getting into bed
Step 2. Set an alarm before bed
Try to set aside about 45 minutes to get ready in the morning before you leave the house. If you feel like you can make preparations faster, give it a try! The length of time it takes will depend on what you have to do in the morning to get ready to go to school.
Step 3. Try placing the alarm in another place or corner of the room if you often press the snooze button
This way, you have to get up and walk to the other side of the room every time the alarm rings. You can also set another alarm that rings about 10 minutes after the first alarm on your phone. This way, if you hit the snooze button, you at least have a “backup” alarm.
Step 4. Stop putting your phone near the bed
When your phone is near you, it can be hard not to pick it up and check social media. The light from your phone can disrupt your sleep schedule and make it difficult for you to wake up in the morning. Therefore, place your cell phone in a place out of your reach.
- It's okay if you want to check your phone before going to bed. However, do not let you put it next to the bed or use it to make you sleepy. Most people will instantly message and chat with other people. Activities like this can take hours and delay your sleep.
- If you usually can't get up in the morning, try turning off your phone, computer, and video games an hour before bed. You will feel sleepy more quickly.
Part 3 of 3: Skipping the Morning Routine
Step 1. Wash your face
As annoying as it sounds, a splash of cold water to start your day is really refreshing once you get used to it. Carefully clean your face with a warm washcloth and face wash.
Step 2. Brush your teeth and apply cleaning products in the same order every day
The more often you practice this habit, the faster and easier you will be able to get through your morning routine. Try brushing your teeth, applying deodorant, and styling your hair and face in the same order.
Step 3. Put on your clothes as soon as possible
Many people are still active while wearing their pajamas in the morning. However, if you have to go somewhere (in this case, school), it's just a waste of your time! Get into the habit of getting dressed immediately after waking up or taking a shower.
Step 4. Choose a simple hairstyle
Comb your hair and style it simply so you don't have to spend a lot of time taking care of your hair. Ponytails, simple buns, and loose hair are simple, but still cute, hairstyles.
Step 5. Tune in to your make-up time
There are several ways to reduce make-up time. You can use less makeup, try a basic look, or use practical products like lip gloss or blemish mask on your way to school. If you enjoy getting your makeup done before going to school, try applying all of your make-up products the night before, in the order you normally follow.
Step 6. Take advantage of waiting time
If you have to wait until your sibling has finished bathing or the straightener is hot enough, use that time to prepare for other things. For example, if you can't shower until your sibling has finished using the bathroom, try eating breakfast or checking the supplies in your bag while you wait.
Step 7. Drink some coffee or tea (optional)
Excessive caffeine consumption will not make up for a lack of sleep. However, regular portions of coffee or tea can make you a little more alert when starting the day. Don't drink more than one cup or add too much sugar. Otherwise, you will feel nauseous or tired before lunch.
Step 8. Enjoy a quick, yet nutritious breakfast
Never skip breakfast, even when you're late. You will feel sluggish and hungry until lunchtime. If you're afraid of running out of time, put a banana or cereal bar in your bag as soon as you wake up.
Step 9. Double-check the equipment in the bag before leaving
You can feel calmer and get to school faster if you pack your bags the night before. However, it's a good idea to re-check the bag's equipment before leaving. When everything is ready, go to school immediately!
Tips
- Do not use gadgets/electronic devices when preparing to go to school because it can distract and take up your time.
- You might want to make a list to make sure your school supplies are ready.
- If you wear glasses, clean them the night before to be ready for tomorrow.
- If you tend to spend a lot of time showering, make a playlist of about 3 of your favorite songs at the start. After that, add songs you hate after so you can hurry up and get out of the shower to turn off the music.
- Play an uplifting and fun song to sing when you wake up!
- For girls: if you enjoy getting your hair or makeup done in a different style every day, plan and practice the styling the night before. If you can't/fail to do it, find another style!
- Make your lunch the night before if necessary. Don't just make sandwiches! Make sure you get enough protein for the day. Healthy food will give you energy to get through the day. Try to pack foods such as fruits, yogurt, vegetables, and others.