Time Hacks for Busy Days

If your to-do list looks anything like mine, you could use a little more time in every day. I’m right there with you! And with more holidays coming up, it’s only going to get busier.

Here are some of my top time hacks to help you crush your busy days around the holidays (or any time of the year)!

Embrace the Crock Pot

I love a good crock pot recipe, and I know I don’t use it enough. For me, it’s all about not having to think about dinner during the busiest time of day. Which, coincidentally is dinner time. Between shuttling kids home from school and to their various sports practices, making sure homework is getting done and trying to prep for the next day, it’s a lot. I love knowing that a healthy, home-cooked meal is sitting in my crock pot when everyone is ready to eat.

Carpooling

With four kids (and countless activities), it’s hard to get everyone where they need to be all the time. And when Jeff (or I) is out of town, it’s an even bigger challenge. Thankfully, I can rely on a tribe of family and friends to help with the driving. I’m more than happy to pick up the slack for other families too, when I’m able. It’s all about give and take so we all stay on track.

Asking for Help

Of course, no one is going to help out if I don’t ask for the help. It’s important to know when you can’t do it all and to reach out when needed. I know we’re all strong and feel like we can take on the world, but it’s in the best interests of our kids and our own sanity if we let other help us. And vice versa, of course. Lend a hand to someone who needs it and they’ll be more than happy to return the favor.

Homework

How you handle homework in your home varies by how old your kids are are how much homework they typically have. In our house, the kids do their homework as soon as they get home because otherwise it’d never get done. There’s no break or snack time; it’s just straight to work. Whatever you do, have a system so they kids know what to expect and can follow the schedule.

Prepping for the Day

For easier mornings, I like to prep the day before. That means knowing what’s for breakfast, the kids having backpacks by the door, carpooling figured out, changes of clothes loaded in the car and even dinner planned in advance. We like to get lunch packed the night before too and while that doesn’t always happen, it saves us all time and stress when it does. Be mindful of where you put things and how you prep for the following day so your mindset is in the right place the next day.

What are your favorite hacks for busy days? Are you more likely to fly by the seat of your pants or really follow a predictable schedule and routine so you’re more on top of things?

Whatever you do, give yourself some grace when you fall off the wagon and allow yourself the time and space to get back on when you can.