We all have 24 hours in a day. The difference is how we manage our time.
How do some people find time for their careers, families and community work? Yet, some of us can barely get through a day without being overwhelmed with the responsibilities of life.
Life can pull us in so many directions that we might feel like hamsters on wheels, never able to get off to live in peace.
But here is the truth about time management. It’s not about having more time, it’s about finding ways to use time more efficiently.
When you’re already doing a lot, it might seem impossible to find that extra time. But with a few changes to your routine, you can save those precious minutes to do the things you enjoy.
Whether it’s five minutes here or 15 minutes there, you’ll start to find more breathing room in your day. Here are some simple habits to save time for the things that matter most:
Plan meals
Schedule a couple of hours on the weekend to plan your menu for the whole week. Look for simple but nutritious meals your family loves.
Ask the kids to help with chopping the vegetables or cracking the eggs. This is a perfect time to create something and enjoy the time with your family.
Use delivery services
Use grocery pickup or delivery services to avoid time-consuming trips to the store. Have enough nonperishable food for a month or longer. That way you only shop for fresh vegetables and dairy produce.
Schedule daily chores
Set a kitchen timer for daily chores to keep yourself on track. Use 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes before bedtime to tidy your home.
Involve your kids. After all, most of the mess is their doing. Kids love to help, especially if they get rewarded.
Combine tasks
While folding laundry, make phone calls to family and friends. Don’t neglect these connections because you are too busy.
Plan for mornings
If you claim not to be a morning person, then you need to do a little bit of preparation the night before. Lay out your clothes or your kid's clothes the night before to save time in the morning.
Ask kids to help with making their lunches. Don’t forget to start the coffee maker before going to sleep. It could help you to become less groggy and possibly a morning person.
Schedule paperwork
Make time one day per week for paperwork. This could include paying your bills, overseeing your finances or checking out any correspondence you have to deal with.
Choose an errand day
I haven’t met many people who enjoy running around from place to place doing time-consuming errands. Even if they seem unimportant, they have to be done regularly. Combine errands so you’re not making multiple trips out during the week.
Time management is not just about being more productive, it’s about the quality of your life. Never forget to include some fun in your day.
I wish you a productive and purposeful day.
Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email [email protected] or call 604.578.8954.
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