By Emily Wilder

Let’s face it – mornings are the hardest part of the day to survive… yet we must do it every day! So instead of waking up and feeling unrested, grumpy, and too muddled to get up with a smile on your face, strive for a more organized beginning to your day. These tips will help get your day moving, and you’ll start to get through – perhaps even enjoy – waking up!

 

The Night Before

An organized and productive morning doesn’t start in the morning at all; it starts the night before! There are several things you need to do before going to bed in order to wake up ready to tackle your busy day the next morning:

 

  • Pack your lunch so you don’t have to stumble about the kitchen in a groggy stupor right after getting out of bed.
  • Take a shower and tie your hair up so it is still wet and shapeable in the morning.
  • Set out the clothing you want to wear.
  • Be in your bedroom ready to sleep at a reasonable hour. Don’t force yourself to sleep right then, just listen to quiet music or read a book so you are in the right mood.

 

Waking Up

Waking up is not usually a productive task; usually the phrase, “Just one more minute,” is said in the process of pulling yourself from bed. Surprisingly, there are things you can do that makes waking up just a little less torturous:

 

  • Be consistent. This is one of the most important rules of waking up. Always try to wake up at the same time each morning. This way, you are training your body to be prepared for waking up subconsciously, and once that happens, you will awake feeling more rested. This might be hard to accomplish the nights you didn’t sleep well, or when your day isn’t so busy so you can afford those thirty minutes extra of sleep. Don’t do it! Get up at your usual time, and your body will thank you.
  • Find creative ways to get yourself up. People get so used to their bedside alarm clocks that it stops doing what it is supposed to after a while – actually waking them up! So instead of reaching for the snooze button in your sleep, move your alarm clock under your bed so you have to get up to turn it off. Experiment with different ideas!
  • After waking up, do not lie in bed! Sit up and get right to your next task.

Saying Modeh Ani and Washing Negel vasser

Sometimes in the morning, when you are so tired and can’t think straight, it’s hard to remember to thank HaShem for allowing you to awake another morning. Here are a few tips to help you remember:

 

  • Keep a note next to your alarm clock or on your nightstand, saying just “Modeh Ani and Negelvasser.” This will prompt your memory.
  • Keep a bowl and a washing cup filled with water by your bed. That way, the Mitzvah is ready right next to you.
  • Think up a short mantra about your gratitude to HaShem, and whisper it to yourself right after Modeh Ani so that it is the first thing on your mind.

 

Breakfast

 

It’s true – breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast not only gives you energy to start off your day, its helps you do better in school or with any project you have for the day and promotes a healthier eating pattern for the rest of your day!

 

  • Be healthy with your breakfast. Don’t be lazy and pour a bowl of your most sugary cereal – make oatmeal or peel an orange. It’s the most important meal, so eat wisely!
  • Just pack it up and go on those super busy days. Don’t skip!

 

These tips will make your mornings easier and much more organized, but don’t be afraid to come up with your own “helpful hints” or to do a little research. Mornings – both during the school year an during summer – can be a much more enjoyable and productive time if you just set your mind to it!