LIFE

When your blanket is super cozy and warm on a weekday morning, it can be so tempting to keep hitting the snooze button. But having to sprint out the door with half-done hair and an empty stomach isn’t so fun. Try these tips to snag some extra zzz’s *and* avoid a mad dash in the morning.

Prepare ahead of time
Plan your outfit, pack your backpack and lay out the products you need the night before to minimize the time you need to get ready. You can even prep your breakfast by freezing some cut-up fruit or homemade breakfast burritos. Most things you do in the morning can be done or partly done days in advance—just think creatively!

Use multi-purpose products
Instead of applying sunscreen, then moisturizer, then foundation, reach for a BB cream or another product that does all the jobs in one application. You can also try tinted lip balm, scented body lotion with SPF, and cleansing conditioner to reduce the amount of steps in your routine. Switching to multi-use products will also cut down clutter, making it easier to find the items you need in the morning.

Organize your bathroom
Once you've arranged only the products you’ll use, put the rest to the side or under the counter. This will prevent that panicky feeling you get when you’re in a rush and can’t find your go-to mascara or hairspray.

Use dry shampoo the night before
Dry shampoo is already an essential time-saver, but working it through your hair before going to bed will save you a few extra minutes *and* you’ll wake up with more voluminous hair.

Try overnight curls
Braiding slightly-damp hair or twisting it into a loose topknot before heading to bed can give you soft, pretty waves in the morning. A quick Google search reveals tons of other ways to curl your locks overnight, from wrapping your hair around a headband to tying it in front like a beard. Make sure to try the methods at home first to see if they give you the results you want.

Skip the distractions
Resist the temptation to scroll through your Insta or turn on the TV, which can suck up precious time fast with little benefit. Better yet, turn your phone off and focus on getting ready. You can catch up on all of your Snapchats, emails, and text messages during the bus ride or homeroom—you won’t miss anything, promise.

Go to bed earlier
Nothing can improve your morning more than getting a good night’s rest. Teens need about 8-10 hours of sleep per night. If you’re missing the mark most of the time, a few extra minutes in the morning might not be enough. QAim to finish your homework faster and cut down distractions so you can get more rest.

What does your morning routine consist of? Share down below!

by Grace Zhou | 1/23/2018