Back to School: Surefire Morning Strategies to Start Your Day on the Right Step
AcademicAlly, LLC: September 1, 2024
The school bell is ringing across the country, and students of all ages are gearing up for another exciting year. This blog marks the first of four blogs dedicated to back-to-school success. We start with thoughts about the first part of the day. Mornings can set the tone for the entire day and for students with ADHD establishing a consistent and effective morning routine is crucial for success. With the right strategies, you can transform your mornings from chaotic to calm, setting yourself up for a productive school day. Let’s dive into some practical tips that will help you master your morning routine.
Plan Ahead: The Night Before
One of the best ways to streamline your mornings is by preparing the night before. Set out your clothes, organize your backpack, and lay out any materials you’ll need for the day. Having everything ready means fewer decisions in the morning, allowing you to prioritize getting out the door.
Another helpful strategy is to create a morning checklist. This can include tasks like brushing your teeth, packing your lunch, and making your bed. Having a visual reminder of what needs to be done can keep you on track and reduce the likelihood of forgetting important tasks.
Incorporating time for breakfast and exercise into your routine is equally important. Preparing your breakfast and lunch the night before ensures you have a nutritious start to your day without feeling rushed. A quick morning workout, even just 10-15 minutes of stretching or a short walk, can help wake up your body and mind, making you more alert and focused for the school day.
Adjust your bedtime
As summer winds down, transitioning back to the school routine can be challenging. Start by adjusting your sleep schedule gradually—go to bed and wake up 15 minutes earlier each day until you’re back on track. This will help your body adapt to the new routine, making those early mornings less jarring.
Limit Phone Use in the Morning
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get sucked into your cellphone first thing in the morning. However, checking social media or emails can quickly derail your routine, leading to wasted time and increased stress. To stay laser-focused, try to limit phone use in the morning. Consider using your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or placing it out of reach until you’re ready to leave the house. This simple change can make a significant difference in how smoothly your morning unfolds.
Strategic Alarm Placement
For those who struggle with hitting the snooze button, the placement of your alarm clock can be a game-changer. Positioning your alarm across the room forces you to get out of bed to turn it off, making it less likely you’ll fall back asleep. If you find it difficult to wake up, consider using an alarm with a gradual wake-up feature, which mimics sunrise to help ease you into your day.
Here’s the thing: Mastering your morning routine is about finding what works best for you and sticking to it consistently. By planning ahead, limiting distractions, and gradually transitioning from summer to school, you can start each day with confidence and focus. Remember, if you need additional support, AcademicAlly, LLC is here to help. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in creating a routine that sets you up for a successful school year.