...To request your tips for achieving a simpler life

[user365241987]

As above. In short, life is far too busy and stressful. I again am dreaming of us changing direction, simpler life etc, etc. Presently, not an option. We both need to work at present, though I only part time. Children in v different stages (toddler to teen). I would like 3 achievable things, we can do to adopt a simpler (less stressful!) life, from anyone with experience.

@loraflores thanks, I've probably over thought that so many times, it all links to work- I would be better working less but current role not possible in less and WFH wouldn't be possible regularly due to the nature of my role, so ultimately it's a new job- that's something I'm looking at but financially difficult. This phase will pass. Hopefully.

Meal plan, then order your shopping to be delivered.

Spend a couple of hours on a Sunday batch cooking for the week ahead and putting extras in the freezer.

Get a cleaner, if you can afford it.

Set up a good listing app in your phone (Wunderlist is good) then make your DH download it. Share to-do etc... lists with him via the app and clearly mark who is doing what. Use the notifications function to set reminders for him to do things, or to remind you for that matter.

On a slight tangent The Book People have some great audio books on offer at the moment. Or have you looked at podcasts to pass the long journeys?

Tip 1: Stay away from AIBU on mumsnet, it's where people come for drama not simplicity.

I increased my hours to FT. Things which are helping me cope a bit better are:
Weekly grocery delivery
Do small frequent washes in morning that can go on clothes horse or in drier at night - fold straight away to minimise ironing.
Choose new clothes that need no ironing and definitely no hand wash or dry clean only!
I've lowered housework standards a bit.
I buy a few emergency meals to keep in freezer.

I use the slow cooker couple of times a week for pot roast and casserole.
Give DCs and DH more chores tasks.
Say 'no' to some things. (Eg. social engagements you don't fancy).

Tidy as I go.

Catch up with phone calls when out walking (2 birds, one stone).
Go to gym/run errands nearby when kids are at clubs/parties.

Don't leave all housework to the weekend do a little every evening.
Stockpile birthday cards/ general cards/ wrap/ few generic gifts/raffle prizes etc.
Get supply of £1 coins whenever at bank.
Keep spares of things it's awful to run out of, loaf in freezer, toothpaste, washing powder etc.
Keep steady supply of vodka and ice cubes.....
Keep half an hour an evening to fun stuff like mn!

Iamyour ooh, all these are great. Thanks! We ran out of loo roll tonight.
What are you doing with all the £1 coins? Slot machines? A stock of supermarket trollies? I want in on it as it sounds useful but not sure how.

I love all the suggestions on here! Mine is a time/stress saving tip that takes a little bit of setting up, but I found it really worked for me.

I was inspired by this story of designer who wears the same outfit every day to work, to make my own 'work uniform'. I didn't go so far as the author, who wears an identical outfit 5 days a week. But I brought three identical pairs of black trousers, then organized five shirts that went with them, and a few plain colored cardigans that would also match any of the shirts in the winter. So each morning for work I just grabbed whichever the next shirt was and stopped having to think about it.

It saves me so much dithering time in the morning! It wouldn't suit someone who enjoys choosing what to wear each day or who likes to express themselves through their clothes. But when I was working in an office I just found it stressful to have to figure out what would be work-appropriate/was clean/matched each morning.

I now have a job with a more informal work culture, but I still do something pretty much the same thing, except with black jeans and comfy shoes rather than trousers and heels.

Read the book Simplicity Parenting.... its fab!

I know and want to be supportive but term time is utterly exhausting

Just don't do it. Why knock yourself out for a DC's activity? It's reasonable to take a DC to an activity once a week or so. Doing something like that so often that it leaves you utterly exhausted is just madness. You are making a martyr of yourself for no real reason. Stop it!

Apaleview
Thank you for reminding me about the 100% attention thing.

I’d heard it ages ago when DS1 was a tot. Didn’t really resonate.

17 yrs, 3 more DCs and too many pets later...