Mornings can be a stressful time for anyone, unless it’s Sunday when you have nowhere to be.  Most of us feel rushed and need to get out the door in a hurry; we oversleep, feel groggy, and end up forgetting something important. Everyone has been guilty of the morning rush. In order to avoid that, I have compiled  a few easy things we all think to do, but often forget, to save ourselves those precious minutes of sleep (or running around in a panic).

Lay out your clothes

This is one of the easiest steps to simplifying your morning. If you are going to class, and don’t feel the need to impress anybody, you can probably get away with throwing on a pair of leggings and a shirt. If you are the type of person that spends time rummaging around and constantly thinks, “I have nothing to wear!" then this will save you so much time. Transitioning from the collegiate world into the job force, picking out an outfit can set the tone for how people view you. Do yourself a favor  and spend fifteen minutes before bed going through your closet. You will see the outfit waiting for you in the morning, and know that one piece of your day already decided. The rest of the day is what you make it.

Meal Prep

Breakfast is one of the most important parts of the day. Even if you don’t love breakfast food, you shouldn’t skip this meal! Lay out a Belvita Bar by your coffee cup. Personally, I like to pick out my cereal the night before, and set out my bowl. I can go from my coffee pot, straight to breakfast, and have those extra few minutes to enjoy my coffee (without it, there is no facing the day). If you have a job or internship, and have to go straight from class, pack your lunch and have it ready. Make a salad and leave it in the fridge. You can grab it and go once you are done, and don’t have to worry about feeling hangry before work. These are simple fixes that make the day more enjoyable, especially if it's going to be a long one!

Make Coffee

Do yourself a favor: set the coffee pot the night before. Have a K-Cup ready and waiting next to your coffee mug. If you are a tea person, make sure the hot water kettle is full and you have a tea bag nearby. It is much easier when everything is in one place, and you aren’t wasting time going around the kitchen.

Have Your Makeup In One Spot

If you don’t wear makeup, feel free to skip this step, or apply it to your skincare in the morning. Have everything you need in the same place so you aren’t going through drawers or cabinets to find a foundation brush. As someone with an expansive makeup collection, I keep the essentials in one bag. I grab it and take it to the bathroom each morning. It’s a no muss, no fuss look, that doesn’t require too much effort if I’m in a pinch. You can always keep a small bathroom organizer handy with all of your everyday skincare and makeup products in sight. With the basics in reach, you’ll be out the door in no time.

Be Organized

We are all guilty of misplacing things. It happens, and is super frustrating. Instead of worrying about where you left what, hang some command hooks or a key hook by the door. Hang your car keys, house keys, and everyday handbag or backpack. Important documents? Print them and put them away the night before. Worried about low batteries? Put any extra chargers in your purse. Everything is in front of you before you leave, so that little mental checklist is all crossed off.

With these five steps, you’ll be out the door in no time! Or maybe enjoying that cup of coffee a few minutes longer. Just remember, whatever works for you, is what’s best for you.