There’s a stack of thank you notes on your desk that you were supposed to send to those who attended your baby shower. And a yummy looking recipe you’ve been meaning to try, torn from an old magazine, is peaking out from under the pile of baby catalogs that’s waiting for you to order.
Sound familiar? Between nursing, diaper changes, laundry, work and many other demands of motherhood, there’s just not enough time to write thank you cards, or gourmet home-cooked meals, let alone having some quality time for yourself or with your partner.
Don’t despair: here are some tricks that will free up some time you can use any way you’d like to.
Don’t despair: here are some tricks that will free up some time you can use any way you’d like to.
Kitchen Time
1. Make a Weekly Menu: every weekend plan your meals for that week, and shop accordingly. Make room in your plan for leftovers, so you can skip cooking once in a while.
2. Double Up: every time you cook, make more than you need and freeze then rest for another time.
3. Make Dinner at Lunchtime: while you’re getting things out for lunch, take out the ingredients and utensils for dinner as well. Cut up veggies for a salad, and put together a meal that you can cook later (lasagna sounds good here)
4. Invest in a Crock-pot: cut up meats and veggies in the morning and toss them into a crockpot. Plug it in before you head out so the food will cook when you are tat work or doing errands.
1. Make a Weekly Menu: every weekend plan your meals for that week, and shop accordingly. Make room in your plan for leftovers, so you can skip cooking once in a while.
2. Double Up: every time you cook, make more than you need and freeze then rest for another time.
3. Make Dinner at Lunchtime: while you’re getting things out for lunch, take out the ingredients and utensils for dinner as well. Cut up veggies for a salad, and put together a meal that you can cook later (lasagna sounds good here)
4. Invest in a Crock-pot: cut up meats and veggies in the morning and toss them into a crockpot. Plug it in before you head out so the food will cook when you are tat work or doing errands.
Exercise Time
1. While on the Phone: keep a pair of weights by the phone, and every time you talk (whether you are on the phone with a friend, or making appointments) you get a few minutes of exercise.
2. Lunch Hour: after you eat your lunch, go for a walk around your workplace. Find a partner to make it easier and more enjoyable.
3. Early in the Morning: yes, you’ve heard that before, but now, more than ever, you can use those 30 minutes before everyone gets up to exercise. You’ll be energized for the day, and things will go smoother when you know you took time for yourself.
Me Time
1. Give Yourself a Time-out: every day, break away from everything for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths.
2. Take the Long Way Home: if you work away from home, drive the scenic route to your office, and take the extra time to listen to your favorite music, or a book on tape.
3. Do Your Shopping Alone: go for grocery shopping in the evening, and let your hubby care for the baby. It will give you some time away from everyone.
4. Put it on Your Calendar: take one night a week to do something just for yourself: a bubble bath, a movie, a good book, or a manicure. Oh… so good….
1. Give Yourself a Time-out: every day, break away from everything for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths.
2. Take the Long Way Home: if you work away from home, drive the scenic route to your office, and take the extra time to listen to your favorite music, or a book on tape.
3. Do Your Shopping Alone: go for grocery shopping in the evening, and let your hubby care for the baby. It will give you some time away from everyone.
4. Put it on Your Calendar: take one night a week to do something just for yourself: a bubble bath, a movie, a good book, or a manicure. Oh… so good….
Romance Time
1. Start Dating Again: once a month, hire a baby sitter and enjoy the night out with your husband. And to keep it interesting, take turns choosing what to do.
2. Meet Him Halfway: pick a restaurant between your offices or near home, and meet for a romantic lunch.
3. Do Double Duty: wash the dishes together after dinner, share folding the laundry at night, or do some of that much needed yard work: you’ll get a chance to chat while getting things done. 4. Get Baby on a Schedule: once your baby’s hours are somewhat regular, you and your husband can enjoy some private time every night.
1. Start Dating Again: once a month, hire a baby sitter and enjoy the night out with your husband. And to keep it interesting, take turns choosing what to do.
2. Meet Him Halfway: pick a restaurant between your offices or near home, and meet for a romantic lunch.
3. Do Double Duty: wash the dishes together after dinner, share folding the laundry at night, or do some of that much needed yard work: you’ll get a chance to chat while getting things done. 4. Get Baby on a Schedule: once your baby’s hours are somewhat regular, you and your husband can enjoy some private time every night.
House Cleaning Time
1. Do It Now: throw just mail into the recycling bin as soon as it arrives. Fold clean laundry as soon as the drier stops. Put everything away the minute you are done with it, and avoid a big cleanup job later.
2. Grill It: use the grill often to make dinner if you can. This will save you from having to clean the stove, pots and pans.
3. A Little at a Time: instead of cleaning the house in one giant sweep, try doing it in 10 to 15 minute spurts, when the baby is napping. Or, plan to clean one room each day of the week, and save the weekends for fun with the family.
4. White Noise: vacuum when you baby is sleeping: the noise may soothe a cranky baby, and clean your home at the same time.
With these suggestions, and those new ideas they’ll trigger, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying more time in your day.
