Sometimes going through life with a routine of work, school, practice or rehearsal gets monotonous. It's a sad reality, but most of the time, the goals we want to achieve require a degree, a steady income, or simply a ton of practice. We all take responsibility in these tasks and do what needs to get done, but there definitely are days when waking up early in the morning to go to class is a little harder than the day before. There, unfortunately, is no way to get around these days. You want to be comfy and stay in bed. Getting up and getting ready seems like the most difficult thing. Life doesn't have pause or fast forward functions, but I've found that there are a bunch of easy things you can do to break up the tired hum drum that preparing for everyday life turns into sometimes.
1. Listen to your favorite band on the way to work or class
Some people do this every day, but I'm one of those people who always forgets my headphones at home or just doesn't even think of it. My mornings are made a little better when I decide on some tunes for the walk to class.
2. Bring a cup of your favorite coffee or drink
This is another one that most people do, but somehow I never end up making it to class with my coffee cup still full. When I want my caffeine to help me all the way through class, I just wait until I'm sitting at my desk to start sipping, or I stop right before to buy something chocolatey with whipped cream if I'm feeling my sweet tooth that morning.
3. Buy a package of new pens or highlighters
This may seem silly! But writing notes with a new, smooth, black ink pen is somehow so much better than writing notes with a pen you've been using all semester. New highlighters always encourage me to color code my notes or keep track of important things I need to remember. Plus, when I know I have new ones, I can't wait to get to class to use them.
4. Wear an extra comfy sweater in the cold or throw on a loose, cool tank in the Summer
On those days when I just want to keep hitting snooze, the last thing I want to do is get dressed up in something I wont be my comfiest in. Some people actually are the opposite where a dressy outfit motivates them. As for me, comfortable and casual is the only style that will get me out the door feeling like I can make it through the day.
5. If you have time, use a moisturizer or scrub in the shower
These 2 or 3 extra minutes spent in the morning will leave you feeling fresh faced all day and sometimes that's all you need to get your motivation flowing.
6. Dress up a ponytail with a cute headband
If you're like me and have curly, frizzy or thick hair, having it down isn't so bad, but having it up is so much easier. For me, looking in the mirror and seeing something different and cute added to my usual up do is always a tiny pick-me-up.
7. Add a little something extra yummy to your breakfast
If you are someone who eats breakfast often, changing it up on very tired mornings can very effectively jump start your day. My favorites are crushing walnuts into my yogurt or adding a few spoonfuls of Nutella or cookie butter to a banana!
8. Use some of your favorite perfume
Most girls have a few different body sprays and perfumes. It's easy to get in a cycle of using the same one every day. Change it up! Use one that you love the smell of but haven't used in a while. Never underestimate the power of smelling good.
9. Add to the Autumn leather boot style with comfy knit knee high socks
In the past few years the trend of leather boots for Autumn has gotten huge. One way to stay warm and comfy on cold, sleeping mornings, while actually adding a stylish element is to wear knee high knit socks under your boots so they peek out of the top!
10. Let go and sing a fun song in the shower
On mornings where I walked like a tired zombie to a shower, all I want to do is get clean and get out. But, forcing yourself to have a little fun in the moments that you can is sometimes all you need for a wake up call. My go-to fun song almost always does the trick for me.
11. Set your alarm to be one of your favorite songs
Although it will wake you up out of a sleep you wish could've lasted a few more hours, hearing a tune you love rather than a shrill ring is bound to make your morning at least a tiny bit better.
12. Write words of encouragement on your mirror or dry erase board
This is something you might do throughout the day or at night rather than just in the mornings, but waking up and seeing the motivation you chose to give yourself is a great way to start the morning!
13. If you have time, clean out all the extra papers from your book bag
Towards the end of the semester your backpack probably starts to look a tiny bit like a black hole, and no matter how many times you tell yourself you need to, you never seem to get around to cleaning it out. Trust me, the few minutes in the morning it will take to recycle all the papers you don't need anymore will make you feel so much better.
14. Give a smile to the first person you see in the morning
Smiling at a peer, friend or even a stranger will not only make them feel good, but spreading the positivity is sure to make you feel good, too!
