7 Tips for a Calmer Start
By Kathy Gates
Ever notice how when you start out the day late, you
tend to be late (and cranky) all day? And on the
opposite, how a nice calm morning tends to lend itself
to a nice calm day? So it makes sense that you'd
want to put some thought and preparation into making
your mornings as calm as possible. If you're ready
for a calmer start, try these 7 tips next week.
1. Do make having a morning plan/routine a family
affair, one that everybody is aware of, agrees to, and
sticks to. It will cut down fussing, confusion,
tardiness, and your frustrations if everyone has input
into the schedule and understands the benefits. Try a
routine, and then tweak it until it's working well for
everybody.
2. Don't try a new makeup, new hairstyle, new hair
color, or a new self tanner during the week. There's
no reason to purposely frustrate yourself before you
have to go deal with the boss. There's plenty of time
for frustrating yourself on the weekend. Practice on
the weekend first, so the results will be predictable.
3. Do decide what to wear the night before. If you
or your fussy teenager (or toddler) tend to dress based
on your wake-up mood, hang out 2 or 3 different
styles (dressy, funky, comfortable) to choose from.
This makes sure that the clothing is clean, in good
repair, and fits, and will preserve your sanity as well
as your closet. No more shouting, "where's my green
sweater?" when all you want to know is "where's my
coffee?"
4. Don't watch TV (or let the kids watch). If you
need the weather report, or the traffic report, turn on
the radio. Trying to pry kids away from a good
program is a recipe for moodiness. Trying to pry
yourself away from the antics of Matt and Katie is a
recipe for lateness. Just say No.
5. Do set up a "station" for each family member (this
could be a basket or backpack) to corral everything
each person needs to walk out the door (purse,
briefcase, cell phone, keys, dry-cleaning to drop off,
video to return, homework, gym clothes, lunch box,
etc.) This eliminates lost minutes and lost calm by
preventing the frantic search for the Grisham novel
you promised to return to your co-worker, or the
overdue video. It's a good idea to keep this near
coats, umbrellas, and even your monthly planner so
you know what's on the family's agenda.
6. Don't try to clean the house before you leave
unless that's already a part of your not-late routine.
Decide what must be done in order for you to feel
good about leaving and create a set amount of time -
and a specific person -- to do it. Everyone make their
beds? Make sure you do it at a specific time, not as
an afterthought, when it's time to be going out the
door. (7:00 = breakfast time, 7:15 = bed making
time).
7. And finally..Don't hit the snooze more than
once. You know those extra few minutes won't make
you feel any better, and it will make you cranky when
you have to rush. Be realistic about how much time
you need for the morning routine, and pad that with
10 minutes. And have a happy, peaceful start to your
day.
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Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates is the author of
several e-books and e-courses designed to help people
live happier, healthier, easier lives. Sign up for her ezine, "Make It Happen" at
www.reallifecoach.com.