Before I had kids, my life had to have been boring. Like, REALLY boring. I remember sleeping in and getting up whenever I wanted to, going to bed whenever I wanted to and not because I was physically and/or mentally drained. I was #Freetobe. It scares me to think of what I will do when my kids are grown up and out of the house. Thank goodness I don’t need to think about that for awhile. Right now I need to focus on how I can free up my schedule, because it’s downright cray! I put together a list of 5 tips I am going to try to use to free up my schedule and still be #FreeToBe, just in a different way!
5 Tips To Free Up Your Schedule:
1. Keep A Time Log: Take a week or so to write down where you are spending a lot of your time. If you can monitor your time for at least a week, you can get a good sense of where your time goes. This way you will be more mindful of any unnecessary time takers.
2. Eliminate Time Wasters: Turn off the television. Shut down the computer. Get off the phone. I know a lot of people who spend a lot of time on their electronic devices and I am not innocent. I often find myself trying to pass multiple levels on Candy Crush and when I finally DO pass the level I get a rush that makes me want to keep playing. I know, I’ve got problems! But, I’ve also wasted some precious time that I could have been getting other things done. While it is definitely okay to indulge and get your mind off of life every once in awhile, a daily 30-1 hour play time adds up!
3. Live Simply: The big house and the big cars can be nice to have, but remember…the more space you have, the more you have to clean, maintain and take care of.
4. Say “No”: It is okay to say “no”! I do love to help people and it is such a good thing to be able to help those who really do need your help. However, if your plate is full and you are not sure how you are going to fit yet another thing into your schedule, it is okay to say no. Also, know that if someone is constantly asking you for help and favors, they could be taking advantage of your generous nature. You are sacrificing your time for someone else, which is perfectly fine. But know when to draw the line!
5. Consolidate Chores: Chores can definitely seem overwhelming, especially if you wait until the weekend to do them all. If you can take 30 minutes or so a night or two nights (depending on your chore load) to get a few things done, you will be able to have fun and spend more time with family and friends or work on a project that you actually WANT to do.
Laundry is one of those chores that really can get crazy around our house considering the number of outfit changes my kids go through on a daily basis.
Yes, THIS little girl likes to wear at least three outfits in a day.
So, that is why we try to divide and conquer throughout the week. One less thing I have to worry about is my kids’ sensitive skin. Before we used all free clear detergent I remember having to re-wash ALL the kids’ clothes because they would breakout in a rash due to the harsh ingredients other detergents have.
all free clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by Dermatologists, Allergists, and Pediatricians for sensitive skin. It’s tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family. Plus, it’s safe for use in standard and HE machines. It rinses clean and has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula. Powerful Clean. Gentle on Skin. all free clear is also 100% hypoallergenic.
Rounding out our all free clear arsenal is the all® free clear liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets. Use together to make fabrics cleaner, softer, and more comfortable against your family’s sensitive skin. 100% free of dyes and perfumes. Gentle on skin. Safe for all washing machines. Find it in your fabric conditioner aisle! I do not buy any other detergent. all free clear has been SO amazing for our family.
It could just be your family’s saving grace! How do YOU free up your schedule?
I’m definitely going to have to take these tips into consideration. I never seem to have any extra time to do anything.
We do a lot of laundry in our house. I don’t think I have ever tried ALL but I think I should.
I couldn’t even if I tried keep a time log, lol I’d spend time making the time log just to make it presentable. Ha, it’s always best to take free time though. You really need to breathe once in awhile
Fantastic tips – I definitely need to learn to say no more.
These are great tips. I always seem to get distracted by the TV or computer.
Saying no saves so much time. I also try yo stay away from Facebook when rushed
The only way I can free up my schedule woukd be to not get something accomplished. My days are so full and booked up. I miss the days nothing was planned and I was free to be!
I hear ya! I miss those kid free days sometimes.
We use All Free& Clear for our laundry. My daughter is allergic to most other laundry detergents!
Great advise. I so need to say no more and more, too much on my plate is overwhelming.
I am learning to say no more these days. We can’t be everything to everyone.
I am working on saying no more too. It is harder than I thought it would be.
I need to learn how to say no more often. These are great tips.
Great tips! I have such a hard time saying no about a lot of things lately, but I’m working on it. My schedule is seriously so full!
I try so hard to consolidate chores with my girls and I end up doing them myself so I make sure it gets done and done right.
Just say no! Ha. Yes, don’t take on more than you can do. make time for yourself, no rushing things. Rushing will almost always make you have to redo whatever task you rushed through. Becomes a time waster.
I try to schedule time for myself every day. I also spread chores out throughout the week so I’m not working in overdrive over the weekend!
These are great time saving tips. I bet I could get a lot more out of each day if I tried.
Great tips. I so need to take your advice in saying no. I put too much on my plate!
These are awesome tips. I have a child that likes to wear several outfits a day as well!
Even not being a mom, I feel like my time just flies by! I can use some of these tips myself 🙂
These are great tips! I need to learn how to say no more often!
Great tips! When I take the time to do a time log, it sure works beautifully!
Those are excellent tips. I learned to say no with the years. It was hard at first
I need to learn how to say no. I always take on so many projects it leaves little time for myself. These are all great tips.
I like all these tips. I am very busy with my daily works and I try to schedule my time everyday. I think your ideas would really help me a lot to save some time. Thanks for your ideas.
I just had to take a “Facebook fast” to free some time up to focus on some other things going on for a while. It’s been nice, actually!! 🙂
Love this list, and lots of good reminders. I definitely need to put down the phone/computer and get more done rather than browse Facebook!