For many high school students, mornings can feel like a race against the clock. With classes starting early and homework often keeping them up late at night, it can be tough to find a routine that works, and where they can get everything completed and to class by 7:25am.
But, having a consistent and healthy morning routine can make a big difference in how the rest of the day goes. It can help students feel more prepared, confident, and focused as they start their day.
There are many ways that students can achieve an effective, efficient morning routine where everything can be completed. There are many factors that play into a morning routine, and students need to find what works best for them. To have the most efficient morning routine, there are some general steps that students should follow.
Waking Up Early
The first part of every student’s morning is waking up. This is often the hardest part, especially when it’s still dark outside or they went to bed late the night before. Setting an alarm clock is necessary to make sure that a student wakes up on time. The time a student wakes up depends on how much they have to do in the morning and how far away they live.
“I wake up at like 5:30 on Mondays and Tuesdays, because I’m staying at my sister’s house, which is way closer to school,” said Breon McRae, junior. “But, the rest of the week, I’m at my mom’s house, and it’s farther, so I get up at 4:30. It sucks getting up that early, but I need the time.”
Getting out of bed right away can be a challenge, but it helps students stay on track and avoid rushing. Some students find tricks to make it easier, like placing their phone or alarm across the room, so they have to physically get out of bed to turn it off.
Getting Ready
After waking up, in order to have the most efficient routine, kids should start to get ready for the day. This will get them motivated and feel accomplished starting off, leading to a successful day. Things students do to get ready can include taking a shower, brushing their teeth, doing their hair, doing their makeup, and getting dressed. Starting the day with these small tasks can help students feel more motivated and organized.
Rylee Craig, freshman, said, “After I wake up, I usually go straight into doing my makeup and hair. After that, I choose out my outfit and get dressed for the day, before I go eat or do anything else. It helps me feel more awake.”
Choosing out an outfit the night before can help students save time in the morning. Rushing through all your clothes the morning of school, while trying to find an outfit, can be stressful and very time consuming.
Other people start their routines off similarly, helping them get ready for the day.
Carson Thorne, senior, said, “In the morning, first I shower, then I get dressed and brush my teeth and fix up my hair. After doing all this, I feel awake and ready.”
Eating Breakfast
Mornings can be rushed, but students should try to make time to eat something. This will fuel them with enough energy for the day.
“I am not very hungry in the morning, but I try to have a protein shake or smoothie and drink some water, just so I can have something in my stomach, so I won’t get hungry in class and will be able to focus,” said McRae.
“I usually just eat cereal or yogurt in the morning. They are quick and easy and help my morning not take longer than it already does,” said Craig.
Packing Up and Going
As time moves closer to the start of school, students will make sure they have everything they will need throughout their day — packing their backpack, packing their lunch, checking for homework, charging their phone, and getting anything else they will need.
“I try to pack my stuff the night before, but sometimes I get home too late or am just tired and forget,” said Thorne. “So in the morning, I double check my bag and make sure I have everything I need.”
A good way to save a significant amount of time is to pack lunch the night before, so students won’t be rushing to pack lunch and getting stressed so early in the morning.
Students also spend this last bit of time before school starts to take a minute to themselves and mentally prepare for the day.
Craig said, “I listen to music on the way to school. It helps me wake up and puts me in a good mood, especially if I am not looking forward to that day.”
Even though mornings can be hard, having a solid routine can make a big difference in how students feel throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it won’t always go smoothly, but having a plan helps.
Leave a Reply