5 Quick Hacks to Save Time in the Morning

When your alarm goes off, your morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day. If you’re running late, a hurried and stressful morning will surely set you off on the wrong foot. Prepping the night before can help reduce morning chaos, but you can only do so much the night before. It takes the average American around 43 minutes to get ready in the morning, and that doesn’t include extra tasks such as making breakfast, walking the dog, going to the gym, and taking the kids to school. Combining a few of these tasks can streamline your routine and destress your mornings, allowing you to complete it all with time to spare. Here are a few quick multitasking hacks to help you get your morning started the right way.

Brush and Floss Teeth While Showering

If you shower in the morning, take your toothbrush and floss with you. While your conditioning mask works its magic on your hair, brush and floss your teeth. If you shower during the evenings instead, use that extra few minutes during morning teeth brushing to tidy up your bathroom with your free hand.

Stretch While Brewing Coffee

Most of us don’t have time to go to the gym every morning, but this quick hack guarantees some movement to start the day. Many morning rituals begin with a cup of coffee or tea. While waiting, you probably have at least five to 10 minutes before your brew is cool enough to drink. In the meantime, wake yourself up by doing some morning stretches or a quick yoga routine in your kitchen. Studies show that stretching prevents injury, increases blood flow, and alleviates tension, which can reduce stress, making it a perfect addition to your morning routine. Squats, lunges, jumping jacks, downward dogs, or whatever you prefer, take a few minutes to get your blood pumping.

Watch the News at the Gym

For those who prefer to hit the gym in the morning, make it even more productive by catching up on the morning news from the treadmill. Most gyms have televisions, but if you’re exercising at one that doesn’t, you can stream live news programs or podcasts from your phone or tablet. This way, you don’t have to give up your morning news show, but it doesn’t cut into your morning routine. This works great on a morning walk or a jog. Take your device and listen to the day’s biggest stories while getting your workout in.

Use a Playlist Instead of a Clock

Not only can listening to music brighten your mood, but if you use a certain playlist every morning, it will also keep you on track for time. Create a playlist as long as your “getting ready” routine. If you know what songs play when, you’ll know if you’re running ahead or behind in your routine and can adjust accordingly without having to stop and check the clock every few minutes. 

Listen to Audiobooks During Your Commute

Everyone’s commute is different. Whether you’re taking a train to the office or dropping the kids off at school, many people’s mornings have a lot of idle time during the commute. While there are plenty of ways to pass the time on a train or bus, it’s not so simple if you’re driving. One hands-free option is to put on an audiobook. This is a fun and low-stress way to enjoy your commute and distract yourself from the traffic. If the kids are in the car, pick a book the whole family will enjoy. Then, you’ll all look forward to the next chapter during your daily commutes together.

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