Time. The one thing we all want more of but can never seem to hold onto. As a busy career woman, and efficiency enthusiast, I’ve mastered a few time-saving tips outside the office. These tips aren’t groundbreaking, but they work – and that’s what matters. So, let’s dive into the little ways I’ve reclaimed my time (and my sanity).
1. Less Clothes
Gone are the days of staring at my closet like it’s a Sudoku puzzle. I’ve adopted a capsule-like wardrobe with mostly neutral basics that mix and match effortlessly. Think black tops, jeans and a few simple dresses. The result? I can get dressed in under two minutes flat and still look put-together enough for work and mom duties.
2. Minimalist Makeup
My makeup bag could probably fit in my pocket, and that’s the way I like it. My everyday makeup is simple and easy. Max 7 minutes. No drama. No 12-step makeup regimens that make me late for life.
3. Habit Bundling
In the productivity world, multitasking has become something of a bad word. “Focus on one thing at a time” is the new golden rule. I get it – but I also think multitasking, or habit bundling, still has its place when done thoughtfully. Here’s how I make it work for me:
- Lunch Prep Meets Learning: While I’m assembling my kids’ lunchboxes, I’ve got a podcast or audiobook playing in my earphones. For years, I’ve been obsessed with How I Built This (podcast) by Guy Raz. It’s inspiring to hear how entrepreneurs have built their dreams from the ground up – all while I’m slicing apples and grapes.
- Walking With a Purpose: My daily walks aren’t just for exercise. They’re also favourite audiobook time.
4. Grocery Shopping on Autopilot
I do most of my shopping online. With an app. And delivery. I’ve also got a running list of household essentials that must be in stock (think bread, milk, coffee and yoghurt). Whenever I’m running low, I add them to the cart in seconds. No wandering aisles or impulse buys here.
5. Batch Everything You Can
Doing similar tasks together saves me time and keeps my brain from shifting gears unnecessarily.
6. Ask for Help (And Expect It)
Gone are the days when women were expected to do it all – run the household, crush it at work, and look flawless while doing it. I’ve learned to ask for help when it’s not offered. I can’t and won’t do it all – and that’s okay. By handing over some responsibilities, I’m not only saving time but also setting a powerful example for my kids about teamwork and partnership.
That said, I understand that everyone’s situation looks different. Not everyone has a partner who can or will assist when help is asked, and some may not have a partner at all. In those cases, asking for help might mean leaning on extended family, trusted friends, or even outsourcing certain tasks when possible. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is recognizing that you don’t have to do everything alone and finding the support system that works for you.
What About You?
These tine-saving tips might seem random, but they add up to hours saved each week. What are some of your go-to time-saving tips?