Updated March 5, 2019
Disclosure: I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to promote the launch of the new CVS Pay service on the free CVS Pharmacy app, available to download via Apple’s App Store and Google Play. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Being a working mom is hard. Even though I technically work part-time as a teacher, my other part-time gig is my blog. Let’s face it, though. Blogging is more of a full-time gig. So…. I basically have one and a half jobs. Add that in with two kids under 5 and it’s a real busy schedule.
I thrive on being busy. It helps me stay productive and feel like I am contributing positively to my family. But if I don’t thoughtfully plan my week, life is a mess. I have learned quickly that working smarter, not harder, is what really helps me have a successful week. Anything I can do to save time but also get more done is what I’m all about!
I’ve compiled a list of my most helpful tips when it comes to saving time and having a successful week, and hope they are helpful for you!
Meal Plan & Use a Shared Grocery List App
I have to admit – I enjoy meal planning! My husband I will do all of our meal planning and shopping on one day of the week. It usually falls on a weekend, but it helps us plan for healthy meals and saves us lots of money. It’s also out of the way before the week starts, so it’s one less thing to worry about. I will get on Pinterest to get my favorite recipes, and then use a grocery list app that’s shared between my husband and I. Once the planning and shopping is done, we write the week’s menu out on a dry erase board in the kitchen. Reduces that “what’s for dinner?” and “what do you want for dinner?” questions!
Develop a Family Calendar
Using a calendar is something I’ve really worked on in the last year, and what seems to work best between my husband and me is to use Google Calendar. I still use a paper planner that I keep on my desk, but I will also post it to Google so he can see my schedule, and I can also see his. I have avoided overbooking myself and our family as much as I can! Developing a family calendar is so helpful for planning out the week, even if you just use a wall calendar in your house.
Take Some Time Out for Yourself
This seems counterproductive since we’re talking about getting more done. But have you ever felt that there was so much to do that you couldn’t do it all? I have felt that way so often! When I feel that way, I do this – I cross of one item off the to-do list and then I take a couple of minutes to myself. Whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee, watching 10-minutes of reality TV, or just disconnecting altogether, it really helps me refocus and feel less overwhelmed. Set a timer for your “me time” and then get right back into your task. I know, as moms, it’s hard to take some time to yourself, but if you and your spouse make it a priority, it will make everyone so much more happy!
Use Timers
I mentioned this in another post, but timers help me get more done in a short amount of time. I set a timer for 10-25 minutes and focus only on that task. No phone, no TV, no other distractions that will divert my attention. You’d be amazed what you can do with a 10-minute timer. I can tidy up my entire downstairs area in that time! The longest I will set a timer is for 25 minutes, and I take a short 5 minute break in between, and then I will return to the task. I can’t tell you how helpful this trick is.
Use Apps the Help with Running Errands
Anything I can do on my phone without having to touch my computer is a lifesaver. Whether it’s a grocery list, refilling prescriptions, or even taking care of some online shopping for necessities – apps make my life easier. I recently started using the CVS app, which just got a makeover! It now has a pay feature, which lets you take care of multiple things in one. With CVS Pay, I added my debit card information in to the app before I visited the store. When I’m in the store and ready to check out, I can scan the app to pay, without ever having to pull out my debit card. It also scans my Extra Care card at the same time! I can also use it to pick up prescriptions, which also is a private and secure experience because I don’t have to say my name and/or birthdate. All the pharmacy has to do is scan my barcode, they retrieve my prescription, and then they scan my phone again to pay. So easy!
CVS Pay also allows shopping on the app to pick up in store. I can pick up my necessities and grab my prescriptions all in one trip – all without ever having to spend a long time in the store or pull out my wallet.
Like I said, I thrive on being busy, but I get frustrated when my to-do list is too long. These simple tips have been helping me get more done during the day so I can focus more on my business and my family! Win, win.
mollystillman says
these are GREAT tips, meg!! a family calendar has been life changing for us!
megflinn33 says
Meal planning is key! We would eat cereal for dinner if I didn’t meal plan!
GoFashiondeals (@Gofashiondeals) says
Great tips Meg! I need to do the timer things for sure, and get back into meal planning!
Amy March says
We need to start using Google Calendar.