Some days feel like a never-ending loop. You wake up, get yourself ready, feed the kids (or
help with the grandkids), take care of pets, get out the door, head to work...or dive into a full day of tasks at home.
There are errands to run, dishes to wash, email messages to answer, appointments to make, and maybe caregiving sprinkled in for good
measure.
By the time the sun sets, you might be helping with homework, prepping meals, folding laundry, answering texts, returning phone calls, or checking in on a friend or aging parent.
At the end of the night, you fall into bed, only to do it all again tomorrow.
Even if life looks different from what it did 10 years ago, the busy-ness can be just as overwhelming.
Whether you're balancing little kids or teenagers, helping adult children or grandchildren, managing health concerns, working full-time or retired, everyone deserves a little more calm and control.
Here are 8 ways to gently take back your time, your energy, and your peace of mind:
1. Revisit What Really Matters: Grab a notebook and write down 10 things that are truly important to you like your family, your health, faith, hobbies, quiet time,
whatever brings you joy.
Now compare that to how you spend your days. Do they line up? If not, this simple check-in can help you start making small changes that better reflect your values.
2. Keep a Time Log for Two Weeks: Keeping a time log
may sound tedious, but it’s eye-opening. Write down what you do and how long it takes, from scrolling social media to folding laundry to watching the news.
When you look back, you’ll spot time-drainers and opportunities to shift your energy toward what actually
matters to you.
3. Make Errands and Commuting Time Count: If you’re commuting, try adjusting your schedule to avoid traffic. Turn your drive into a peaceful moment with music or a podcast.
If you take public transportation, bring a book, plan your week, or text a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Batch errands when possible. One
solid trip out is better than five scattered ones.
4. Streamline Your Wardrobe: Most of us wear the same favorite clothes on repeat. Declutter your closet so it only holds pieces you love and actually wear.
Keep enough for two weeks, plus a few extras. You’ll save time and feel good getting dressed each day.
5. Rework Family Schedules: If you’re a parent, the calendar can fill up fast with sports, lessons, and events. Try limiting each child to one or two extracurriculars at a time, or work out
a carpool schedule with other parents.
If you're a grandparent helping out, talk with your adult kids about what works for everyone so you're not always in chauffeur mode.
6. Lighten Your Workload: Still working? See if you can work from home part-time, use tech tools to speed up tasks, or delegate where you can.
If you’re retired or
semi-retired and still doing a lot of “invisible labor” at home, ask for help. Share the responsibilities, and let go of the need to do it all perfectly yourself.
7. Declutter to De-Stress: Your space affects your state of mind. Tidy one drawer, one corner, or one shelf. Donate what you don’t use, toss expired items,
and clear surfaces.
Bonus: Things
get done faster when you don’t have to search for what you need!
8. Cook Once, Eat Twice: When you make dinner, double it. Leftovers are your friend, and freezing meals for later can save tons of time and energy.
Keep simple ingredients on hand like pre-chopped veggies, rotisserie chicken, salad kits, and canned beans for fast, healthy meals.
Whether you're cooking for a busy family or just yourself, make it easy.
You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.
You’re allowed to press pause, breathe, and slowly make shifts that bring your life more in line with what matters most to you.
On another
note...
Check out my new, carefully curated list:
Smart, simple tools for handling paperwork, filing, computer tasks, and keeping your workspace at home (desk, home office area, kitchen work station) organized!
