For those of us who aren’t exactly morning people, each blast of the alarm clock is a painful reminder that the party is over – and we’d better get cracking if we’re going to make it to the office on time. Not long ago we gave you a few tips on how to streamline your morning madness, and since then, we’ve come up with a few more thoughts on how to start the day off right:Dress like a pro
--Take pictures of your workday outfits and hang ‘em up in your closet, so you can refer to them and locate what you need from head to toe. The snaps will save you the trouble of having to think too hard first thing in the morning, and limit the chance of a fashion foul-up – like the time we showed up at a 7:00 am meeting wearing two different colored shoes.
Limit interruptions
--This may seem totally radical, but let morning calls go to voicemail and keep plowing through your morning routine. Once you’re dressed, then listen to the voicemail and return the call if it absolutely can’t wait. Same goes for email too. The more interruptions you allow before you’re ready to go, the later you’ll be – so keep distractions to a minimum.
Be prepared
-- For a less stressful lift-off in the morning, get tomorrow’s essentials ready tonight. Go a little nuts – make an omelet after dinner and store it in the fridge for a quick micro waving in the morning. Load up the coffee maker with water and coffee so all you have to do is flip the switch first thing.
If you’re brown-bagging it, put some leftovers in a microwave container to take to the office for lunch tomorrow. Keep your briefcase and car keys together near the front door so you can make a quick exit.
One last thing? Don’t forget to switch on your brain by the time you step out of the house.
