This Simple Trick Is The Secret To A Calm, Smoother Mornings

To be honest, I’ve never been the super-organized type — you know, the preparing the night before kind of mama. Nope!
Rather, I’m the type who tends to roll with the moment — sometimes because I’m just tired, and sometimes because my brain likes to come alive after midnight (thanks to all that content creation wahala — you know, the late nights and never-ending tasks 😅… squeezing in the barakah, and yep, it costs my sleep too.)

But you know what I’ve noticed?
The mornings I do just a little prep the night before… the feeling is different.
There’s less rush. Less forgetting. And way more space to breathe, connect, and actually be present in the moment.

And that’s the kind of barakah shift I think every mama deserves — not perfection, just a little more peace.

Do You Know That Your Morning Actually Starts the Night Before?

Yep. You heard that right!
I used to think I could just deal with everything tomorrow.
But tomorrow morning always arrives faster than expected — with a side of missing socks, cereal spills, and my tiny humans who need everything right now.

And so I started wondering…
What if I could make the morning kinder?
Not perfect — just kinder.

That question led me to try out some nighttime routines I came across, like:

🌙Preparing the Night Before: The Simple Habit That Brings Barakah

• Picking outfits for everyone
• Laying out school bags and shoes
• Checking the weather (so we’re not scrambling for a sweater)
• Prepping lunch
• Clearing just one space

And honestly, even just ten minutes of prep at night gives my brain a little breathing room — space to remember what actually matters when the sun rises.
And subhanAllah — sometimes, that’s all it takes to set the tone for the day.

🧠 Decision Fatigue: The Hidden Thief

I came across a fun (and slightly shocking) stat:
Women apparently spend 17 minutes a day just deciding what to wear.

I laughed — but I also winced, because it’s accurate.
I don’t know about you, but I can totally relate! 😩

And interestingly, those minutes add up — especially when the kids are crying or you’re already late.

Then I thought: what if I could gift my morning self those 17 minutes back?
What if choosing clothes at night — when I’m not in a rush — could actually make space for a slower breakfast, a calmer walk out the door, or even just five deep breaths before the day begins?

Nothing fancy. Just being intentional. (And yes, it does sound good.)

🕰️ The Timely Reminder from Surah Al-Asr Makes This Even More Relevant

“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss…” — Surah Al-Asr

Notice how this verse brings us back to how quietly time slips away.
It’s not that we’re lazy — it’s that we sometimes allow small, avoidable things to steal our barakah (even if we don’t realize it yet).

And for me, not preparing at night is one of those things.
But every time I do even one task — whether it’s laying out clothes or checking bags — I get the feeling that I’m reclaiming a drop of that barakah back.

Why?
Because that small effort can spare you some time during the day — time you could use for something more important, like the remembrance of Allah (Zikr).
Which is exactly what this Surah is reminding us to do… instead of letting the hours go to waste.

🧺 Having Routines Isn’t About Being Rigid — It’s a Form of Mercy

Actually, I used to think that routines were for the “perfect” people.
The ones with color-coded planners and a clean fridge.
(Not me 😅)

But the more I pay attention, the more I realize — routines are actually rahmah(A blessing to keep).

They protect your brain from chaos (yes, really).
With routines in place, you’re more likely to make space for du’a in the morning — instead of drama.
They give your kids something to depend on.

Even just sticking to one night habit can create that ease.
No need to overhaul everything — just try one shift and see how it feels.

💛 The Mama Tool I Genuinely Love

Honestly, I’ve had my eye on this magnetic meal planner.
It’s simple, fridge-friendly, and sounds like it could save a lot of brain energy — might be my next try, inshaAllah.
👉🏽 See the one I’m eyeing

🌸 The Personal Encounter That Changed it All For Me

So on this particular morning, I couldn’t find the kids’ shoes, the lunch pack was still in the freezer, and my hijab too refused to sit right.
This had me sweating before 8 a.m. The story wouldn’t have been this way had I made the plans the night before.

And so, unlike most experiences, this one really taught me a lesson — preparing at night doesn’t mean overdoing things, but it definitely helps us create the breathing room we need.

Since then, I started picking just one thing to prep at night — and it truly helps.
Even if the rest is still chaos, at least one thing feels handled.

💡 The Few Simple Habits That Have Helped Lighten My Load

Here are some of the small routines I’m beginning to gradually build into my night — feel free to try what works for you:

✔️ Pick tomorrow’s outfits for everyone (yes, even yours!)

✔️ Pack bags or place essentials near the door

✔️ Check the weather and adjust clothes as needed

✔️ Prep lunch (even partially)

✔️ Review any school forms or reminders

✔️ Do a “5-minute tidy” to clear one surface

✔️ Make a simple checklist or mental note for the next morning

✔️ End with a short du’a — asking Allah for barakah in your time

💛 🌷 A Sisterly voice to your day:

Dear Mama, This Counts Too.

Whatever may be going on with you right now…
Know that you’re trying.

And when it comes to this whole night prep thing?
Even if it was just tossing those clothes on the couch and saying “bismillah” — it still counts.

You’re not failing. You’re not lazy.
You’re just figuring it out — like the rest of us.

So Start small. Do one thing tonight.

Do it not for perfection…
But for barakah.

And remember:
Allah is the Best of Planners.
Do your best. Leave the rest to Him 🤍

Let’s say this Du’a together🤲🏽
“Ya Allah, reward me for the effort even when the result feels messy.
Make my nights a door to Your mercy, and my mornings a window to Your peace. Aameen”

✨ Want a Gentle Reminder Every Night?

📲 Download this free du’a wallpaper
Keep it on your phone screen —let it become your quiet push of barakah before bed and when you rise.

A Send-Off Reminder

Bear in mind that preparing the night before isn’t about getting it all right — it’s about intending right.

Start small. Build slowly. And trust that even in your tired, imperfect efforts… barakah is being planted.

💛 With love & du’a,
@ Encrypted Muslimah