Time Saving Tips

As I sit here, mentally preparing myself for the week ahead, I thought I would share some tips that I do each day to help kick start my day in the easiest and best possible way.

I start work every day between 06h00 a 06h15 (gasp!). Yes, I do know that it is rather early but that's the way that I like it. Believe it or not, this is actually by my own choice. I have always been an early riser, but by no means do I wake up at that time without an alarm clock and some gentle mental coaxing from myself. I do, however, start my working day in the quiet morning, before the phones start to ring, before too many emails are in my inbox and simply when it is much easier to get more work done. Thankfully, there is a coffee shop around the corner that opens at 06h30 sharp and they know my order off by heart. I don't think they quite know what heroes they are in my eyes.

Because I start work literally before the crack of dawn (in winter), I have come to learn a few tips to help me start the day with a spring in my step and without having to strain my brain while it is still waking up.

1. Plan your outfit the night before. To me, what I wear is important and I like to feel comfortable and more importantly confident in my outfit. Planning my outfit the night before allows me to spend time thinking about my outfit, what meetings I have or if I may be travelling the next day. I plan every aspect of my outfit from the clothes, undergarments, shoes and accessories. I take everything out and leave it hanging on my clothes hanger for an easy to reach start to my day.

2. Always wash your hair the night before. This is still something that I wrestle with daily. Sometimes I get home from a long day at work and just want to quickly jump in the shower and not have to worry about washing my hair. Whenever I give in to that inner voice of 'don't wash your hair now, you will have more energy tomorrow morning', I regret it the next morning. The next day, I would rather spend more time styling my hair and perfecting other little parts to my look.

3. Take out your products the night before. Every beauty product (whether moisturizer, mascara, hair straightener etc) has a home in my dressing table drawers. The night before, I take them all out and have them ready for easy access.

4. Pack your lunch/snack the night before. I always prepare my work lunches/snack the night before. This not only saves time in the morning, it also helps me to not get my hands too dirty in the morning. I have to admit, I am a little OCD about my hands being clean.

5. Leave your keys in the same spot. The majority of the time, I leave my keys on the kitchen counter when I get home from work. For me, there is nothing worse than when you are ready to leave for work and cannot find your keys.

I try to start each day on a positive and light note, as I find that a clear and peaceful mind in the morning pulls that positive energy through into the day. I will leave you with a quote by someone who knows more than most about the beauty and importance of a peaceful and restful mind. "Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health." - Dalai Lama