
Before Breakfast
In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
Latest episodes

Sep 1, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Look at the whole iceberg
Explore the iceberg analogy to understand the hidden challenges behind commitments. Learn why it's crucial to evaluate the full scope of a project before diving in. Discover how holistic thinking can help manage your schedule, minimize stress, and prevent errors. Engage with the latest in music and gaming for a more well-rounded outlook.

Aug 31, 2024 • 6min
Second Cup: Just go to bed
Discover why prioritizing sleep is crucial for your health and productivity. Learn how maintaining a consistent bedtime can boost your energy and creativity. Explore the benefits of going to bed earlier, including enhanced problem-solving skills and clarity. Engage with the host as they encourage listeners to share their experiences with sleep and its impact on daily life.

Aug 30, 2024 • 5min
Buy yourself some school supplies
Explore the uplifting power of new school supplies and how they can inspire motivation and creativity in learners of all ages. Discover personal anecdotes that highlight the joy of selecting stylish pens and notebooks. These tools can enhance the writing experience and spark excitement, making productivity a delightful endeavor. Embrace the back-to-school spirit and invest in the simple items that can transform your approach to learning!

Aug 29, 2024 • 5min
Bring the outdoors in
Discover how to bring the serenity of nature indoors. Learn about the uplifting effects of integrating natural elements into your living spaces. Personal anecdotes reveal the joys of fresh air and outdoor sounds. Practical tips on decor inspired by the great outdoors create a calming atmosphere, enhancing your mood and wellbeing. Embrace indoor gardening and nature-infused aesthetics for a healthier home.

Aug 28, 2024 • 5min
Remind yourself to relax
Discover the vital role of scheduling downtime after stressful periods. Learn how intentional breaks can enhance relaxation and boost productivity. Personal stories illustrate the benefits of this practice, showing how it prevents burnout and over-scheduling. Embrace the importance of balancing intense work with moments of rest for better energy management.

Aug 27, 2024 • 5min
Watch your vacation balance
Explore the art of vacation balance by blending relaxation with adventure. Discover how to create a fulfilling vacation schedule that caters to diverse needs throughout the year. This discussion emphasizes the importance of mixing different vacation types to enhance overall well-being. Learn practical tips to achieve harmony between rest and excitement, ensuring your time off is both rejuvenating and exhilarating.

Aug 26, 2024 • 4min
Try a family breakfast
Discover the power of family breakfasts in building stronger connections. This discussion highlights practical strategies for incorporating this important meal into busy routines. Emphasis is placed on accommodating individual preferences while maintaining regularity. A simple meal can transform family dynamics and create lasting memories.

Aug 25, 2024 • 6min
Second Cup: Checklists save time
Discover how checklists can transform your daily life and reduce the stress of forgotten tasks. Personal stories illustrate their effectiveness in managing family logistics. Learn about the critical role checklists play in enhancing productivity in high-stakes environments like healthcare. Find out how refining your lists can maximize efficiency, clear your mind, and create intentional time management. Engage with insights on how to harness checklists for better focus and performance.

Aug 24, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Your friends are my friends
Discover the joy of mixing friends from different circles for social outings. The discussion highlights how diverse social connections can enhance experiences and create shared moments. Emphasis is placed on the value of weak ties, showcasing how they bring unexpected delight to interactions. Embracing variety not only enriches friendships but also leads to newfound connections and greater joy.

Aug 23, 2024 • 4min
Make muffins on Sunday night
Get ready to transform your Mondays! Discover the sweet strategy of baking muffins on Sunday night to kickstart your week with a delightful treat. Enjoy the convenience of having a quick and tasty breakfast ready to go, saving you precious time and boosting your morning mood. Say goodbye to Monday morning chaos and hello to a delicious start!