We have all experienced mornings where time seems to just slip away. One moment you’re waking up with plenty of time to get ready for school and the next you’re five minutes late, still trying to pack your lunch. Days like this make school almost unbearable. A rushed morning almost always guarantees a stressful school day. However, there are ways to prepare the night before in order to make mornings run smoothly.

The Night Before

Choosing your outfit

First off, spend a few moments before bed choosing your outfit for the next day. Although this may only save you a few minutes, those few minutes can be the difference between getting to school on time and showing up late. Choosing your outfit the night before will ensure that you don’t waste five to ten minutes trying to decide in the morning, allowing you to focus on the more time-consuming things.

Preparing your backpack

Instead of leaving your backpack on the floor in the hallway or downstairs by the door every night, after finishing your homework take the time to pack up your bag for the next day. Make sure you have all of the homework, binders, and notebooks that you need for your classes. Again, while this may only take a few minutes, it can save you a lot of time and stress in the morning.

Setting realistic bedtime

While late night binge watching may seem like a good idea at the time, waking up the next morning will feel next to impossible. Late nights make early mornings slow and tedious. The best way to make sure you are alert and refreshed for school is to go to bed at a reasonable time. Sleep plays an important role in mental health, and getting enough of it can help prevent a morning full of hassle.

Setting Yourself up for Success

Staying organized

The best way to grow as a student is to commit to difficult classes that will develop your way of thinking. For these classes, it’s extremely important to stay on top of due dates and test dates. Figure out your own unique ways to plan ahead, whether that’s using a computer to write down important dates or using an old fashioned paper planner. And don’t forget self-discipline. Writing down important tasks is one thing, actually completing these tasks is another. Always do your homework and spend more time in advance to plan and study for high-stake tests.

Having fun

After you have tried your best, it is also important to know your limits and still find time for fun. Try new clubs and meet people who have the same interests as you. Life is all about balance, finding ways to enjoy yourself and relaxing your brain when school gets to be too much. Otherwise, school will start you drag you down and prevent you from doing things that make you happy.

The day to day stresses of school and every day life can weigh heavily on the typical student. Doing little things like choosing your outfit the night before, finding ways to stay on top of school work, all while still having fun can ensure a more significant and relaxed school experience.