How do you create more time in your day?

[IpsoFactor30]

I was agreeing with someone the other day that life just seems too busy, too fast and running at a million miles an hour.

I don't even work F/T, 25 hours a week, but I have a long commute either side of these days. Outside of work I have all the household chores, picking up and dropping off DC to school, after school clubs, cook, walk the dog, clean the house, shopping and admin.

I am not a procrastinator, I meet friends once a week, I rarely go out at night, and I don't watch loads of telly.

All I want to do is some exercise (5x1-hour a week please), read my book, and hang out in my kitchen like Nigella making nice food (find it relaxing).

Do others find life mad busy, and how have you cut back?

Before anyone asks, DH leaves house at 5.30am and gets back 8pm, and helps out at the weekend.

Yes. Totally agree. I'm exhausted. I'd love to know the answer.

In your case you’re going to need to outsource - so cleaning and/or dog walking

or DH needs to do less brutal hours which mean you are in essence a lone parent for the week.

Aiming for 3 20-30min sessions of exercise is more realistic. Batch cooking once per month is good. Or double cooking everything you make (winter food best for this) so you build a freezer stash.

Getting up early at 5/5:30am to have time to myself to go for a run/ do exercise or to get ahead on things that will make my day easier depending on what’s on that day.

If you can cut back elsewhere and afford it, a cleaner will make your life so much more pleasant.

Cut out all social media, MN, etc. Turn your phone off more often!
Actually just have a look at the statistics of how much you use your phone and for what purpose!

outsource anything you can afford and lower your standards

How old are your DC? Mine are 14 and 10 so for the last year I take 30 mins each day for myself in the evening. Sometimes it's a run around the block, other times it's me sitting in my room reading my book. They choose a film and I get me time.

My dh also works unsociable hours so I'm alone alot with the kids and have been since they were tiny. Even when they were young I would settle them with a film and take some time to myself.

They also have always had to help with the house. No TV/devices until the chores are done. And by everyone chipping in a little each day it doesn't take long. Our usual day, I will do the bathrooms, dd1 will hoover and dd2 will dust/hang up or take the washing off the airer. While I'm cooking dinner i make lunch for the next day, after dinner the girls do homework while I wash up. Then it's chill out time for everyone!

Food shopping I used to do online, so I could just reorder once a week, sit with a cuppa and do my shop, done in less than half hour. Now I live so close to the shops I send one of the girls or I go on the way back from school run/work.

Remember it's important for you to take time for yourself. I am a better parent when I have small amounts of time to myself.

Basically you get up earlier so you have more hours in the day.

It sounds like you've got a lot going on. The only way to do more is to do something else less.