11 Everyday Tasks That Make Winter Mornings Easier

Winter mornings can feel particularly challenging with the cold weather and early darkness, making it harder to get moving. However, a few simple habits and routines can make your mornings smoother and less stressful. By preparing ahead and incorporating small, efficient tasks into your daily routine, you can start your day feeling more organized and ready to face the cold. These easy-to-implement tips can save you time and help you avoid the morning rush, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed start to the day.

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Pre-Set Your Coffee Maker the Night Before

Mornings can often feel rushed, and the added task of brewing coffee can feel like an extra chore. By setting up your coffee maker the night before, you save precious time. This simple preparation involves measuring the coffee grounds, adding water, and setting the timer if your coffee maker has one. When you wake up, the aroma of fresh coffee is already in the air, giving you a sense of accomplishment and a head start to your day.

Additionally, by eliminating the morning coffee prep, you can focus on other important tasks, such as getting dressed or packing your bag. It also helps you avoid the temptation of skipping breakfast or taking extra time in the morning to brew coffee. Pre-setting your coffee maker is a small task that creates a smooth and stress-free morning routine, making your start to the day that much easier during winter’s chill.

Layer Your Clothes for Quick Access

Winter mornings often require more clothing layers than other seasons, and figuring out what to wear can take valuable time. The night before, choosing your outfit, including layering items like sweaters, scarves, and gloves, can save you from spending extra time deciding in the morning. Laying out your clothes ahead of time means you can get dressed quickly without scrambling for the right pieces. Knowing exactly where your warm layers are helps avoid the frustration of searching through drawers when the temperature is low.

Having your clothes already arranged also makes it easier to stay warm and comfortable throughout the day. You can focus on finishing other tasks, such as preparing breakfast or checking your calendar. Whether you’re dressing for work or a weekend outing, having your outfit planned streamlines your morning routine and ensures that you stay warm during the colder months.

Pre-Pack Your Bag or Work Essentials

Packing your bag or work essentials the night before may seem like a small step, but it makes a world of difference on busy winter mornings. When the weather is cold, it’s easy to lose track of time, making the rush to gather everything you need even more stressful. By taking the time to pack your bag the night before, you ensure that all your items, keys, phone, wallet, documents, and even snacks are ready to go. This eliminates the chaos of running around looking for items when you need to leave.

Having everything packed and ready also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t forget anything important. Whether it’s your lunch, work papers, or even just your favorite winter essentials like lip balm or hand cream, everything is in its place. This makes your morning less stressful and allows you to focus on other tasks, like grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying a few extra minutes of relaxation before heading out into the cold.

Set Up the Night Before for Breakfast

Winter mornings can leave little time for preparing a proper breakfast, especially when you’re trying to stay warm and get out the door. By preparing breakfast the night before, you can save time and still enjoy a healthy, hearty meal. For example, overnight oats or smoothie packs that are prepped the evening before are ready to go when you wake up. All you need to do is grab the ingredients, blend them, or heat them, making for a fast and nutritious start to your day.

Having your breakfast prepped ahead of time also takes the guesswork out of meal planning in the morning. Whether it’s a cold breakfast like yogurt and granola or a warm meal like a baked oatmeal, setting it up the night before ensures that you’re getting the necessary fuel to power through the day. This simple routine makes mornings much smoother, so you’re not scrambling to cook while also preparing for the cold weather.

Set Your Thermostat or Use a Space Heater

Waking up to a warm home can make winter mornings much more pleasant and help ease the chill from the outside. Setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature before bed can take the edge off the morning cold. Many modern thermostats allow you to schedule specific times for heating, so your home is toasty as soon as you wake up. This small effort prevents the shock of cold air when you get out of bed, and it can even help you get out of bed faster when you’re not dreading the chill.

Alternatively, using a space heater in areas where you spend the most time in the morning can provide additional warmth. Setting the heater to turn on a bit before you wake up ensures that the room is comfortable and cozy by the time you get there. This way, you don’t waste time trying to warm up the house manually, and you’re able to focus on other important morning routines, such as making coffee or preparing breakfast.

Keep Your Gloves, Hat, and Coat by the Door

When it’s cold outside, spending extra time hunting for your gloves, hat, or coat can make you feel even more rushed. Keeping these items near the door ensures that you can quickly grab them when you’re heading out. By placing your winter gear in a designated spot, such as a hook or a basket, you eliminate the need to search for these items in the morning. This helps you get out the door faster without forgetting anything essential for dealing with the cold.

This routine also saves you time on busy mornings when you might feel rushed or distracted. Having your gloves, hat, and coat in the same place every day helps you stick to a predictable routine. You won’t have to worry about scrambling to find these items in the morning, allowing you to leave the house on time and stay comfortable in the cold weather.

Prepare Your Car the Night Before

If you need to drive in the winter, preparing your car the night before can save you a lot of time and hassle in the morning. This might include checking that your car is stocked with essentials like an ice scraper, de-icer, and jumper cables. In addition, ensuring that your car is clean and free of snow or ice can prevent delays as you try to get your vehicle ready to go. Taking a few minutes to clear your windshield and windows the night before means you won’t be standing outside in the cold scraping ice off in the morning.

Another helpful tip is to make sure your car is fueled up, so you don’t have to stop for gas during your busy day. Prepping your car not only saves you time but also ensures that you’re prepared for any winter driving challenges. When you’ve taken care of these tasks the night before, you can quickly hop in and start your drive without worrying about getting stuck or delayed.

Organize Your Entryway

When winter arrives, it’s easy for your entryway to become cluttered with coats, boots, scarves, and mittens. By organizing this space, you make it easier to get ready and leave the house quickly. Using hooks, baskets, or shelves to store coats, hats, and boots can help keep everything in one place. This simple organization means you won’t waste time looking for items or tripping over scattered shoes when you’re trying to get out the door.

A clean and organized entryway also provides a more peaceful start to your day. When everything has its place, it’s easier to get into the routine of grabbing your essentials and heading out. An organized space reduces the stress of clutter and allows you to begin your morning with a calm mind, making it easier to tackle the day ahead.

Set Your Alarm a Few Minutes Earlier

In the winter, it’s tempting to stay under the covers for a few extra minutes, but setting your alarm a little earlier can make your morning feel less rushed. With the extra time, you can slowly wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee, or even take a moment to stretch before starting your day. This gives you a calm and collected approach to the morning, especially when you know you have the time to move through your routine without feeling hurried.

Waking up earlier can also provide time for other important tasks, like preparing lunch or reviewing your to-do list. This simple change helps you avoid the stress of rushing through your morning routine and allows you to approach the day with a sense of control. Having a few extra minutes in the morning makes all the difference, especially on cold winter mornings when you need a little extra time to get comfortable.

Use a Humidifier

The dry air during the winter months can lead to discomfort in your home, such as dry skin, sore throats, and even static electricity. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or living areas adds moisture to the air, making the environment more comfortable as you wake up. It also helps prevent dry skin, which can be an uncomfortable issue during winter, and can even make the air feel warmer. This small change can make mornings more pleasant and less harsh on your body.

Keeping a humidifier running through the night ensures that the air in your home is more breathable and comfortable. It can also help protect your home’s furniture and wood fixtures from drying out. By addressing the dry air before you wake up, you avoid feeling sluggish or irritated by the dryness and can enjoy a smoother morning routine.

Create a Morning Routine for Self-Care

In the winter, staying warm and comfortable is essential, but self-care can often take a backseat during busy mornings. Creating a simple self-care routine for the morning, such as applying moisturizer or taking a few minutes for meditation, can help you start the day feeling more refreshed. This practice doesn’t have to be long; just a few minutes of taking care of yourself can boost your energy and help you stay focused throughout the day.

Having a consistent morning self-care routine can also make your mornings feel more grounded and peaceful. Whether it’s a skincare routine or a short breathing exercise, incorporating self-care habits into your morning helps you feel ready to take on the day. These small moments for yourself can be the key to a calm and productive winter morning.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.