Take back your time: Life Hacks for Busy Women
Balancing work, family, and personal time can feel like a juggling act.
Being able to ‘find time’ to enjoy a peaceful morning coffee has always been one of my little indulgences. What better way to start your day.
However, implementing a few strategic habits can make your days smoother and more enjoyable. This blog explores three strategies: planning ahead, simplifying your morning routine, and automating tasks. The aim with this material is small changes that make a big impact!
1. Plan Ahead: Your Blueprint for Success
Taking time to plan can transform chaos into calm. The thing is that no one will do this for you - you need to invest the time to do a bit of planning and organising. The payoff is time back to do more of the things that really matter to you. Here are a few ideas about how to make it work for you:
Weekly Family Meetings: Set aside time each week to discuss upcoming events, assign chores, and coordinate schedules. This ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces last-minute surprises.
Shared Digital Calendars: Utilize tools like Cozi and Google Calendar to keep track of everyone's activities. Color-coding events for each family member can make it easy to see who needs to be where and when.
Meal Planning: While it sounds simple, this has been one of the biggest and most helpful changes I’ve made. Rather than having to go to the grocery store more regularly or scratching your head when you get home, decide on meals for the week and create a shopping list accordingly. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of daily meal decisions. Apps like Plan to Eat can help organize recipes and generate shopping lists. Another option is meal boxes like Hello Fresh are useful as they have everything you need. It makes it easier for kids to get involved.
2. Simplify Your Morning Routine: Start the Day Right
Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. Streamlining your routine can lead to a more relaxed start:
Evening Preparation: Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organize bags the night before. This reduces decision-making in the morning and allows for a smoother departure.
Capsule Wardrobe: Curate a collection of versatile clothing pieces that mix and match easily. This minimizes time spent choosing outfits and keeps your closet organized. For inspiration, check out Project 333.
Streamlined Grooming: Adopt quick and easy hair and makeup routines. For instance, mastering a few go-to hairstyles or makeup looks can save precious minutes each morning.
3. Automate Tasks: Let Technology Work for You
Automation can free up time and mental energy for more important activities:
Automatic Bill Payments: Set up auto-pay for recurring bills to avoid late fees and the hassle of manual payments. Most banks and service providers offer this feature.
Subscription Services: Use services like Amazon Subscribe & Save for regular household items. This ensures you never run out of essentials and saves trips to the store.
Smart Home Devices: Implement devices like smart thermostats or robotic vacuums to handle routine tasks. For example, iRobot Roomba can keep your floors clean with minimal effort.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create a more organized and less stressful daily routine, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Like a relaxing morning walk, peaceful coffee or what ever brings you daily joy.