Tip of the week: Prepare the night before for a smoother morning

A calm start to the day often depends on what you do the evening before. Ten minutes of preparation can save an hour of rush and stress.

Before you sleep, do a short routine:

• Write tomorrow's top three tasks
• Prepare what you need to carry: stock, cash float, charged phone, receipts
• Check your diary for appointments
• Set out clothes and anything for the family

Charge your phone and power bank, particularly where power cuts are common. Keep a small lamp or torch ready.

A boda boda rider who checks the bike, fuel and helmet the night before avoids losing early-morning customers to delays.

For a shop, tidy the counter and note any stock to buy so you can go straight to the supplier.

An early, well-prepared start often means a better first sale, and good mood spreads to customers.

Keep the routine short, so you will do it every night.

This week: do a ten-minute evening preparation for five nights and notice how your mornings feel.