So, you had to take the dreaded 8 a.m. class this semester. At first you try to stay positive: class is only an hour, you’ll be done earlier and have time for naps, you started even earlier in high school. However, your optimism quickly fades in the exhaustion of early mornings. I hope to bring back some of your former optimism and energy with these five tips.
1. Shower the night before.
Not taking a shower in the morning may mean frizzier hair and wearing more ponytails. Your hair might not look as good as it could (especially for those of use with curly hair), but the extra 20 minutes of sleep is worth it. Plus, your bed will be cleaner if you’re cleaner!
2. Know what you’re going to wear.
Pick out your outfit the night before. Get a weather app so that you can quickly see how cold — or, if you’re lucky, how war — the next morning will be. By planning ahead of time, you avoid the hassle of digging through your wardrobe to find the perfect sweater.
3. Trim down primping time.
Girls, makeup isn’t necessary. If it boosts your confidence, some mascara doesn’t take long to put on. But spending time getting the perfect winged eyeliner isn’t worth it. Not wearing as much makeup all of the time makes it stand out more when you do. Guys, your hair doesn’t have to be glued in place and your man buns don’t have to be perfect. A little mess can be a good thing.
4. Grab-n-Go breakfast.
It’s the most important meal of the day, folks! You don’t need to take much time on it, but you should try to eat something. I enjoy yogurt (granola is a plus) and instant oatmeal. Keep some granola bars on hand so that you have something to eat if you’re really, really short on time. The biggest thing: eat something with protein. It’ll help you focus!
5. Go to sleep.
I know, I know. We’re in college! We’re not supposed to sleep! Getting sleep will make your early mornings — and the rest of the day — easier. You’ll be a happier person if you manage to get the sleep you need. Getting the eight-nine hours recommended is hard, but even a good seven hours can work wonders. You’ve got time to stay up late on escapades on the weekends and other times when an early morning isn’t staring you down.
8 a.m.s are hard, but you can do it! Learn how to get ready quickly. The more sleep, the better sunnier the day!
