We’ve all had the absolutely insane morning where everything seems to fall into chaos and we can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe you lost your keys, can’t find your jacket, ran out of clean underwear, or your kids hid the coffee maker again. Trust me lady, I’ve been there too. That’s why in today’s post I’m going to give you some ideas to shave off those extra morning minutes and take back control of your day. This week, I’m going to share 10 tips to get ready in 10 minutes or less.

I know…..

Even if you are one of those people who can get completely ready in less than 20 minutes, saving those extra few minutes can add up to a lot. How you feel at the start of your day can carry through and affect your entire day as a whole. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my morning doing yoga, keeping my gratitude journal (free printable HERE) or actually drinking my homemade latte out of my favorite mug instead of a to-go canister. So let’s dive in:

Try No Heat Curls

Often, doing your hair can take longer than anything else so let’s tackle this time-sucker first. By sleeping in a french braid, you’ll wake up with soft, voluminous waves. Personally, I like the added texture and tighter curls that come from sleeping in two boxer braids. Just spray dry hair lightly with water the night before (hair holds it’s shape longer this way) and braid before bed. What’s amazing is whenever you sleep in braids, you’ll often get compliments from strangers about your “mermaid hair” the next day, which is just another cherry on top. They don’t need to know it took you less than 2 minutes.

If you don’t like the look of braided curls or opt for up-dos, try these quick, 5 minute hairstyles that look great and won’t slow you down.

Beauty Balm: Your New Best Friend

Brighten dull, morning skin with a quick and easy beauty balm. Not only do these moisturizers double as a light, skin-correcting foundation, they often feature extra benefits as well. If your skin needs the extra morning boost, try one with brightening additives to create a more “awake” or toned appearance. Beauty Balms can also contain anti-aging elements, possess skin-calming qualities, protect your skin from UV rays or prevent breakouts. Click below to discover the one you like best or create your own basic beauty balm at home with this 2-step DIY.

Lay Out Your Clothes The Night Before

I’ll often go to bed and mentally plan out my outfit for the next day, but until everything is laid out or I can see it in my closet, it’s still likely I’ll hit a snag when I go to put it on in the morning. Have you ever had that moment when you go to grab the sweater you planned on wearing, only to not be able to find it? Then you spend the next ten minutes of your valuable morning searching for it? Lay out your clothes ahead of time and save yourself the frustration.

Invest In Eye Lash Extensions

I’ve had my eyelash extensions for about 5 years now and can honestly say that my lashes are longer and healthier now than they were when I was constantly suffocating them with mascara, curling them, and then scrubbing it all off at the end of the day. About once a month, I go in to get then re-filled and get to lay on a table with no kids around, listen to music, and talk to another adult. It’s therapeutic for so many reasons.

On the busiest mornings when I have absolutely no time, I can literally wake up, brush my teeth, apply beauty balm and take off. Having lash extensions really makes my eyes look bigger, more awake, and I love the way they make me feel more put together as a whole- even when I am absolutely not.

Everything else on this list are free tips, but I really don’t think I could write a post on how to get ready quicker without it. Below are my before and after pictures without any makeup. One was taken at night before I went in to get my eyebrows dyed and lashes filled and the other was the morning after (again, with absolutely no makeup on.)

Shower The Night Before

I know it’s refreshing and best to shower the morning of, but let’s be honest- sometimes it’s just not realistic and you just don’t have the time. In our house, we try to make it a nightly-ritual of sorts where me and Jon sneak into the shower together after the kids are asleep. It’s so nice to end the night alone with him and saves me time in the morning too. Plus, for some reason it’s easier to develop the routine of braiding your hair, and laying your clothes out and planning the next days breakfast after a shower.

Plan Breakfast Ahead Of Time

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but often we eat less, have less nutrition, and opt for coffee and donuts instead of a nutritious real meal. When I know I’m going to have a busy morning and don’t have baked eggs already stored in the fridge, I usually opt for protein oatmeal or a quick avocado toast. As long as you know what you are going to eat ahead of time, you should never be left forced to skip breakfast. I love this post by FitFoodieFinds.com that’s full of awesome overnight oats ideas.

Pack Your Purse

Part of your outfit that often goes unnoticed is your purse and what’s inside it. Chances are, if you switch it out, you’ll be stuck somewhere far from home before you realize you left your wallet, headphones, or tampons. Check your schedule to see what the day has in store and be sure your bag is packed with everything you’ll need ahead of time.

Avoid Checking Your Phone Until You Are 100% Ready

I think we’re all guilty of checking our phones first thing in the morning before we get really moving on our day…. but how often do we get sucked in reading an email that can wait, a friend’s text that was sent overnight, or your social media account? After these time-saving hacks, you could have been completely ready in that time! Often, these tasks really can wait until you’ve gotten a handle on your day and can actually respond with a clear head. Plus, by waiting until you are well into your morning to check your phone, you are likely more productive and efficient in your response anyways.

Take A Picture Of Your To-Do List

Since I use a written day planner that also doubles as my gratitude journal and daily goal list (you can use my free printable here) I often run errands out of the house without it. I know there are some incredible to-do apps out there, but I love the process of taking pen to paper and I love the layout I created that organizes my goals. journaling practice, and daily schedule all in one, two-page spread. I often snap a quick photo of my to-do list with my phone before taking off so I can remember everything that was on it before I get back.

After that, you should be ready to go. So let’s break down your new, 10 minute routine:

2 Minutes: Hair

3 Minutes: Wash Face & Apply Beauty Balm

4 Minutes: Get Dressed

1 Minute: Take Picture Of To-Do List

With the extra time you’ve saved, maybe you actually can start doing yoga in the morning like you’ve always wanted, take your dog for a walk to start the day, or just have time to pack your kids lunch. When you take charge of your day from the beginning, you set yourself up for more productivity for the rest of the day.

What is your favorite time-saving tip? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Cheers,

Lisa