7 Time-saving tips for your morning routine

Ever find yourself glancing back and forth at the clock in your car on the way to work, wishing you had got out of bed just 10 minutes earlier? You know you’re going to be late for your meeting, and it will be the third time this month.

This might sound familiar because, on top of your hectic work schedule, helping the kids with their homework, preparing for the dinner party you’re hosting, remembering to take out that new life insurance policy, and battling the flu, when are you supposed to find the time for sleep?

There are ways to take back those extra, precious minutes of sleep in the morning. Read on to find out more.

1. Pack your bags the night before

While making sure the children have packed their school bags the night before, pack yours too. This includes making lunches (for you and the kids), packing workout clothes for your trip to the gym after work, and anything else you might need for work.  If you can’t pack something at night (like leftovers for lunch that need to stay in the fridge), leave a note for yourself in the morning with your keys so you don’t forget to pack it.

2. Tick it off 

Make a checklist of every item you need for the next day and go through it every evening. Do you know where your car keys are? Does your daughter have her hockey stick for practice tomorrow? Have you packed your lunch? If you go through this every evening, the mornings will be a pleasure.

3. Resist the snooze 

While you can catch an extra 10 minutes of sleep in the morning with these tips, that doesn’t mean hitting the snooze button is the best way to get it. Rather set your alarm for 10 minutes later than normal; your body will be more grateful for those extra minutes of undisturbed sleep.

4. Power play 

Making a playlist of some of your power songs is a great way to get you energised in the morning, and there are so many ways you can use it. Set it as your alarm and you’ll find it harder to ignore your favourite track and go back to sleep. You can also use it to time your shower routine: set a time limit on your shower – two songs max and then you’re done.

5. Berry delicious

If you can’t prep your breakfast the night before, try a five-minute recipe to whip up an energising smoothie. Have a look at this recipe for smoothie cubes that you can prepare before-hand, and then simply blend them with some plain yoghurt and you’re good to go. You can clean the blender just as quickly, too, by filling it with some soap and water and blending it for a few seconds, and then simply rinse it.

6. Coffee wake-up

If you’re not really awake until you’ve had your cup of coffee, you can save time in the mornings by putting the grinds in the filter the night before. It’s these extra seconds that will get you to work on time. Even better, you could invest in a coffee maker with a timer.

7. A stitch in time

Prepare your outfit the night before. Rummaging through the cupboard before work to find your suit jacket for your presentation is sure to make you late, not to mention stressed out.

Whether you’re looking for car, home, business, or life insurance in South Africa, we know how valuable your time is, which is why we won’t waste a second of it.