Seven simple steps to a stress-free start

Most of us lead busy lives, trying to successfully juggle home responsibilities, work, and personal interests into a happy, cohesive life. There is nothing that can start your busy day better than having a calm and stress-free morning. You know the ones where no one raises their voice; No one has to search the bottom of a laundry basket for a matching sock; no one is frantic to get out on time.

The thing about these stress-free mornings is that they require preparation, they don’t just happen; A little thought, a little planning, and a little work the night before has the power to create a perfect launch for you and your family in your daily activities.

Here are seven simple steps that can be incorporated into your nightly routine to help you start your morning off right:

1. Empty the dishwasher so it’s ready for your dirty breakfast dishes.

2. Set up the coffee maker. Even if you don’t have one with a timer, you can pop in a clean coffee filter and fill it with water, ready with the push of a button. Conveniently place travel mugs next to the coffee maker.

3. Have family members pick out their clothes for the next morning. Don’t forget underwear, socks and shoes, as well as any additional items you may need.

4. Pack your lunches the night before. I started doing this while cleaning the top plates. Put leftovers in small containers that can be heated in a microwave. Prepare sandwich fillings, pack as much as you can in lunch bags, reserve fruit, snacks, yogurt, cheese, and drinks in reusable plastic lunch containers or bags in lunch portions ready to be packed for lunch

5. Breakfast plan. Set the table with bowls of cereal and breakfast options. You can easily mix up a batch of waffle or muffin batter and store it in the fridge to cook or bake the next morning. A large batch will keep for two to three days.

6. Gather personal items by the door. School bags, purses, briefcases, mobile phones and keys can be stored next to the exit. Any notices that need to be signed or money that needs to be collected, do it the night before; Library books, movie rentals can be placed by the door, ready to be dropped off.

7. Check your calendar. There should be no morning surprises. Check the calendar for families after work or school activities, appointments, deadlines. Be clear about drop-off and pick-up arrangements for other family members.

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