As a woman in midlife, I know how precious time is. I also know that we can sometimes feel too tired and unmotivated to do even menial tasks. So for those times when I don’t have a lot of energy, I find that if I’ve simplified my daily routine, I still get things done, even when I’m not in the mood. These helpful timesaver hacks ensure I maintain my routine – without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are the great timesaver hacks that have made my life easier
1. Plan ahead. The more I plan, the less time I have to spend scrambling at the last minute. Or not do anything at all, if I’m honest. I use a calendar and a planner to keep track of my appointments, deadlines, goals and any social arrangements. I tend to work a month in advance and have a big desk pad planner that makes it easy to see what I’ve got coming up.
Populate your calendar with all your regular appointments like lash & brow tints, facials, manicures, and hair appointments (if you do these), and also include things like lunch dates with friends, a date night, brunch with family, walks, a movie night, dinner parties, book club, a cookery class etc. I find that if it’s in my diary ahead of time, there’s more chance that I’ll do it. Top tip: set up your next appointment at the end of every appointment – that way you don’t have to call later.
2. Batch similar tasks. This is a great way to save time and be more efficient. For example, I dedicate one day a week to online orders for groceries and coffee. It doesn’t take much effort after you’ve set up and created your lists or orders. And the result is gratifying.
I also use this system for my blogging and for various housecleaning tasks. It could also work for making multiple meals ahead of time – like assembling overnight oats jars for the week.
3. Use technology to your advantage. Technology is a fantastic asset when it comes to saving time. There are so many timesaving apps and tools available these days. I use a task management app to keep track of my to-dos, an electronic calendar app to keep track of my appointments that need reminders, and a note-taking app to keep track of my thoughts and ideas. And as I mentioned, I do online shopping for groceries and coffee. I’ve also automated repetitive tasks in my daily life to streamline my routine. For instance, I’ve set up automatic bill payments, and I utilise smart home devices to control various tasks. These small changes have reduced the time I spend on mundane tasks, allowing me to focus on more important aspects of my life.
4. Subscribe to a meal delivery service. One of the most significant time-consuming tasks in our daily lives is preparing meals. I often find myself stressed and unmotivated when it comes to cooking dinner. However, subscribing to a meal delivery service has changed that. It saves me time during the week (the meals are quick and easy to prepare), and it also ensures that we eat healthily and reduce our food waste.
Related: The 9 most helpful apps I have on my iPhone
5. Invest in an iRobot. I schedule our iRobot to vacuum up to three days during the week (or whenever I’m not home) which is a fabulous way to keep on top of that chore.
6. Streamlining my Wardrobe. Choosing an outfit for the day can be a daunting task, especially when you have limited time. To alleviate this stress, I recently decluttered my wardrobe and updated my capsule wardrobe for this season. By simplifying my clothing choices, I no longer waste time rummaging through my closet or feeling overwhelmed by options. I also keep a photo folder on my phone with outfit ideas to tap into when I’m undecided about what to wear.
7. Delegate or let go. If you’re finding the endless, exhausting job of “remembering and noticing” around the house, (like knowing when certain household items are running low, noticing that kitchen cupboards need cleaning inside and out, cleaning the fridge, setting up better organisation systems, and remembering to hang up washing before it has to be done for a second time) – is getting too much – delegate or let it go. I’ve set up our online grocery list on our fridge and anyone can now add what they want or need straight onto that list which I’ve found very helpful. And when it comes to the cupboards or fridge – I do a little at a time and let it go.
8. Prioritizing Self-Care. While it may seem counterintuitive, prioritizing self-care is a powerful timesaver hack. As midlife women, we often juggle multiple responsibilities, leaving little time for ourselves. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and reduced productivity in the long run. So by dedicating time each day to activities that recharge and rejuvenate me, such as meditation, exercise, or indulging in a good book, I am better equipped to handle the demands of my daily life.
9. Say no. I used to be afraid of saying no to requests, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to set boundaries. Yes, it can feel awkward if you’ve always been obliging, and yes, certain people may be annoyed at your newfound boundaries, but it’s time to prioritise yourself.
You may also want to read: Summer Travel Essentials: The Must-haves for My Next Adventure
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