Tuesday Tips

5 Minutes for a Better Morning (and a Less Stressed You!)

We've all been there: staring down a daunting to-do list, feeling like we need an entire day (or week!) to get everything done. It's easy to overestimate what we can accomplish in a long stretch of time, and conversely, completely underestimate the power of short, focused bursts of effort. But what if I told you that just five minutes could drastically improve your mornings and bring a sense of calm to your household?

I've developed a simple yet incredibly effective method I call "5 Minutes for a Better Morning," and it's been a game-changer for my family, especially with the kids. We are NOT morning people, so anything that helps is a win for us. The premise is straightforward: each of my children dedicates just one minute to five specific tasks. The cumulative effect is awesome, and the kids go to sleep feeling ready(ish) for morning.

Here's how we break down those powerful five minutes:

Minute 1: Floor & Laundry Frenzy This minute is all about tidying up their personal space. Clothes go into the hamper, trash finds its way to the bin, and anything else on the floor gets put away. It's amazing how much difference 60 seconds of focused tidying can make!

Minute 2: Bathroom Blitz A quick wipe down of the sink, putting away toiletries, and ensuring towels are hung up properly. A minute is plenty to make their bathroom feel much more organized.

Minute 3: Desk & Dishes Dash Schoolwork, art projects, and even a rogue cereal bowl can accumulate on a desk. This minute is dedicated to clearing their workspace and taking any dishes to the kitchen.

Minute 4: Schedule & Backpack Prep This is a crucial step for a smooth morning. They quickly glance at tomorrow's schedule and pack their backpacks accordingly. No last-minute scrambles for forgotten books or permission slips!

Minute 5: Outfit & Towel Grab To avoid the morning "what to wear" dilemma, they pick out their clothes for the next day. They also grab fresh towels, ensuring they're ready for their showers without any fuss.

Pro tip: If your kids share a bathroom like mine, or bedrooms, I mix up the order they do their minutes so they don’t bump into one another!

The beauty of this method lies in its brevity and clarity. It breaks down what might seem like overwhelming tasks into manageable, minute-long segments. Not only does it help my kids develop good habits, but it also means our mornings are significantly less chaotic.

It’s important to note that there is no expectation of getting anything done in the 1-minute. It’s about progress, not perfection. If this is new to them, 1-minute might not be enough to clear a desk. But over time, it will all get done. Give it a try! You might be surprised at how much you (and your family) can accomplish in just five minutes.