Is there any such thing as a mum who isn’t busy? The vast majority of parents feel as though there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, and that it is constantly a matter of being on the go. Here are a few tips to help you slow down the chaos and yet still save time. Put them to good use and, believe it or not, you’ll even have an hour or so to spare for yourself!
Create an ongoing shopping list
Planning for and actually getting the grocery shopping done can be a massive time-waster, as well as a huge stressor. Optimise this process by creating an ongoing shopping list and striving to grocery shop just once a week. An ongoing shopping list basically means placing a blank piece of paper on the fridge and filling in the items that you need to buy on your next shop as you go along.
Prep the night before
Every mum knows all about the infamous ‘morning rush’ and will agree that it definitely isn’t the most conducive way to start a cheery, productive day. Save time (and your sanity) by prepping for the morning routine the night before. Make your kids wholesome overnight oats for breakfast, lay out their clothes and shoes, and pack their school lunches before turning in for the night.
Get up 15 minutes earlier
Savour a few minutes of solace before the rest of the household rises and you are likely to generate the motivation and energy necessary to breeze through the morning duties faster and with a bigger smile on your face. No need to get anything done in those spare 15 minutes. Just grab a cup of coffee, sit in a cosy, sunny spot on the sofa, and breathe.
Say ‘no’ to cooking
Cooking is arguably the biggest stress factor in every mum’s life. It often takes hours out of your day when you factor in trying to decide what to make, shopping for the ingredients, chopping and other prep work, and then finally cooking the meal. Cut this out of your schedule completely by opting to make use of meal prep companies that specialise in cost-effective, healthy family dinners. Companies, like Chefiesta, promise highly nutritious dishes that are as tasty and nourishing as if mum had made them herself!
Embrace technology
These days, there’s an app for everything. The great news is that apps are all designed to make your life easier. From banking apps to allow for quick, easy financial management to calendar apps to aid in keeping track of important appointments and birthdays, they promise peace of mind and to streamline your daily life. There are even apps that make it possible for you to find kid-friendly places to visit near you, such as museums and parks. Many of these places provide the perfect opportunity to keep the children busy so that you can catch up on some work, or just take a hard-earned breather.
No more worries about rushing through your day. These simple, yet effective tips are certain to streamline your lifestyle and keep stress to a minimum.
