7 Steps To A More Productive Morning

Are you a morning person? I know for certain that I am not. Despite that, I often have to be up and ready to go just about every morning every day of the week. I have found that a little preparation makes my morning much more smooth, which is a blessing for a non-morning person like me.

For years, I have had such hectic mornings. That makes for a very stressful, unorganized day. And the more stressed and unorganized I feel, the less productive I am overall. So, I’ve implemented seven steps I take each day and night to have a more organized, productive morning. Taking these steps each day has made such a huge difference in my life, spiritually, physically, and mentally.

1. Read my Bible— With the start of the new year, I began anew with my Bible reading plan. I’m using the one-year reading plan on YouVersion.  I had planned on reading the entire Bible last year. I instead chose several different plans that were shorter in length but delved into specific areas of the Bible. I find that reading for a few minutes each morning sets my mood for the day and gets me in the right mindset for the day.

2.  Make my Bed Daily— I know it probably sounds like a mundane, think-less chore. But making my bed every morning sends my brain a signal to keep on task. My bedroom instantly looks 100% neater than it did before I made the bed. There is something about straightened sheets and fluffed pillows that is more aesthetically pleasing than a ball of sheets and blankets in the middle of the bed.

3.  Keep the Bathroom Counter Clear— This is always tough for some reason. I make a conscious effort to keep my bathroom counters clear of clutter. It is so easy to leave the hairspray, curling irons, and toothpaste laying out on the counter when I’m in a hurry to get myself ready in the morning. It takes only seconds to put those things away, and it creates a sense of calm in the bathroom. I also encourage my boys to do the same in their bathroom.

4.  Program the Coffee Maker— God bless whoever invented the automatic timing feature on coffee makers. Getting my coffee together the night before saves me much needed time in the morning. It is so pleasing to wake up and have my coffee waiting for me. It takes less than five minutes to prepare my coffee each night. I typically get it together while I’m doing my dishes each evening.

5. Wash a Load of Laundry Each Night— One way I keep my laundry under control is by washing a load each night before I go to bed. I turn it on right before I get in bed and place it in the dryer first thing the next morning. I have a pretty basic washing machine, but if you have a fancier model with a automatic timing feature, you could set it to wash about thirty minutes before you wake up.

6. Set Out Clothing the Night Before— I always have my children’s clothes set out and ready to go the night before school, church, or any other outings we may have. The same goes for me. If I have to leave the house, I have all of our outfits laid out, ironed, and ready to go. This includes socks, belts, and accessories for me. This saves me precious minutes in the morning. I don’t find myself running all over the house trying to find clothes for everyone.

7. Unload the Dishwasher—  One of the first kitchen jobs I do in the morning is unload the dishwasher. This sets me up for an easy cooking day. Many days I will do a baking or freezer cooking session, and an empty sink and dishwasher gives me a feeling of motivation and relief. And, a clean kitchen just looks better and creates a productive environment for cooking.

I have found such a peace when I complete these steps every day. What are some things that make your mornings easier?