HealthyWomen Time-Saving Tips Blog Tour!

Time is very valuable, especially for moms who are taking care of multiple children and very often their husbands too.  Its easy for us to lose track of the time we spend taking care of everyone else. We forget to take care of ourselves.  I have always been something of a multi-tasker. Whether its working on the computer or household chores, I am more often than not, doing at lease two things at once. But I still neglect things like taking vitamins (expect when I'm pregnant), and keeping my regular doctor appointments. Because it seems like there's always a soccer game or clarinet recital to get to.  And its not like I can take the baby with me for certain doctor appointments either.  But I've decided its time to take my health seriously, and with the help of  HealthyWomen.org, I am going to start giving my health the attention it deserves. Because I can't take care of everyone else if I don't take good care of myself.

Recently, HealthyWomen.org conducted a survey with 1000 busy women, and the things they do to help themselves cope with their busy schedules. The result was a list of 12 time saving tips which I have been asked to share with my readers.

Domestic Duties
1.  Make Fridays left over night – you will clean out the fridge and save time and money.
2.  We know you want to be watching TV, but how about making that personal time a bit more productive? Use commercial breaks to squeeze in some of the end-of-day chores – sort laundry, start the washer, vacuum a room, unload the dishwasher, organize the kitchen counter.
3.  Sign up for free automatic bill-paying services for all recurring bills such as utility bills, etc. Then set up an online bank account for free, one-click payment of all other bills - saves time, postage, and gas!

Running Errands
4.  Combine as many errands as you can into one outing – grouping them by location and reducing travel time.
5.  Ask for help!  Keep a list of your errands and an ear open in case your spouse, relative or friend is headed to the same place.   
6.  Ride your bike, walk or run to run local errands – eliminating the need to take time to exercise later.    

Communicating with Others7.  Set a schedule and establish boundaries throughout the day. For example, at the beginning of each conversation, tell others how much time you have available.  It’s as easy as saying, “I’m glad you called, but I’ve only got about 10 minutes to chat…”
8.  Make email more efficient – spending the time to unsubscribe for all the junk emails will give you an inbox with just the information you want, and less time deleting the stuff you don’t.
9.  Take public transportation to work, and use that time to read, update your to-do list, or answer personal emails.

Health and Beauty  
10.  Reconsider your definition of clean and don't shampoo every day - your hair will be healthier and shinier and your shower will be shorter.  11.   Keep your period light – at least packing for it.  Wear a menstrual cup all day and save time packing up other protection.
12.   Tried and true – set your clothes out the night before. Women who don’t can waste time trying on different outfits or having to iron at the busiest time of the day.



If you would like to learn more about HealthyWomen.org and the amazing resources they offer, you can visit their website. You can also follow them on twitter or become their fan on face book.  Remember, it isn't selfish to give yourself a little time each day. We all need it to stay sane!




***I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of HealthyWomen and Softcup and received a $30 gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.***