If you’re someone who routinely spends hours getting ready in the morning, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey by the American Psychological Association found that the average American woman spends 55 minutes getting ready each day. That’s almost an hour of your life that you could be spending doing something else, like sleeping, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.
So what’s the deal? Why do some people take so long to get ready? And is there anything you can do to speed up the process?
Reasons Why You Take So Long to Get Ready
There are a number of reasons why people might take a long time to get ready. Some of the most common include:
- Perfectionism. If you’re a perfectionist, you might find yourself spending hours trying to get your hair just right or your makeup just so. This can be a major time suck, and it can also lead to a lot of frustration.
- Indecisiveness. If you’re indecisive, you might find yourself spending hours trying to decide what to wear or what makeup to put on. This can also be a major time suck, and it can also lead to a lot of wasted time.
- Lack of organization. If you’re not organized, you might find yourself spending hours looking for your keys, your phone, or your favorite lipstick. This can be a major time suck, and it can also lead to a lot of frustration.
- Distractions. If you’re easily distracted, you might find yourself spending hours getting ready while you’re also checking your email, watching TV, or talking on the phone. This can be a major time suck, and it can also lead to a lot of wasted time.
How to Speed Up Your Getting-Ready Routine
If you’re tired of spending hours getting ready each day, there are a number of things you can do to speed up the process. Here are a few tips:
- Set a timer. One of the best ways to speed up your getting-ready routine is to set a timer. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting distracted.
- Declutter your space. If your getting-ready space is cluttered, it will be harder to find what you need and get ready quickly. Take some time to declutter your space and get rid of anything you don’t use.
- Create a routine. Having a routine will help you get ready more quickly and efficiently. Decide what order you want to do things in and stick to it.
- Prepare the night before. One of the best ways to save time in the morning is to prepare the night before. Lay out your clothes, pack your lunch, and set out your coffee maker. This will make it much easier to get out the door in the morning.
- Delegate. If you have a partner, children, or friends who can help you get ready, don’t be afraid to delegate. This can free up your time so you can focus on the things that you need to do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re trying to speed up your getting-ready routine, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Trying to do too much at once. If you’re trying to do too much at once, you’re more likely to get overwhelmed and make mistakes. Focus on one thing at a time and do it well.
- Getting distracted. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re getting ready, but it’s important to stay focused. If you get distracted, you’ll lose track of time and end up spending more time getting ready than you need to.
- Giving up. If you get frustrated, it’s easy to give up. But don’t give up! Keep trying and eventually you’ll find a routine that works for you.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Long Time to Get Ready
There are both pros and cons to taking a long time to get ready. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- You can look your best. When you take your time getting ready, you can make sure that you look your best. This can be important for job interviews, dates, or other special occasions.
- You can relax and de-stress. Getting ready can be a relaxing and de-stressing activity. It can be a time to pamper yourself and focus on your appearance.
Cons:
- You can waste time. If you take too long to get ready, you can waste a lot of time. This can be a problem if you’re running late for work or school.
- You can get stressed out. If you’re rushing to get ready, you can get stressed out. This can lead to mistakes and a bad mood.
FAQs
- Why do I take so long to get ready?
There are a number of reasons why people might take a long time to get ready. Some of the most common include perfectionism, indecisiveness, lack of organization, and distractions.
- How can I speed up my getting-ready routine?
There are a number of things you can do to speed up your getting-ready routine. Some of the most effective tips include setting a timer, decluttering your space, creating a routine, preparing the night before, and delegating.
- What are the pros and cons of taking a long time to get ready?
There are both pros and cons to taking a long time to get ready. Some of the pros include looking your best and being able to relax and de-stress. Some of the cons include wasting time and getting stressed out.
- Is it possible to get ready quickly and still look good?
Yes, it is possible to get ready quickly and still look good.