5 LIFE HACKS TO MAKE LIFE RUN MORE SMOOTHLY

5 LIFE HACKS TO MAKE LIFE RUN MORE SMOOTHLY

1. Plan ahead – make lists 

I’m a big list maker and as a busy working mum I find it’s the only way to stay organised. I’ve tried many different systems over the years but find that an A4 divided notebook works best for me so I can put different areas of my life into separate sections. There’s no better feeling than crossing things off a ‘to do’ list! Plus I’m very old fashioned with my diary as I’m still a pen & paper girl and love my trusty Filofax!

2.Plan your menu for the week & batch cook some meals 

Just knowing what you’re going to cook for the week ahead makes shopping much quicker and easier. Often if I make a base such as as bolognaise I make more so I can freeze some. It can then be used as a base for many different meals such as chilli, lasagne or spaghetti bolognaise.

Making packed lunches the night before and putting them in the refrigerator is essential to me as mornings are always so busy & it’s one less thing to worry about.

3.Get everything ready the night before 

Clothes cleaned, ironed & laid out along with accessories etc & all bags for myself & the kids are packed the night before & lined up in the hall with shoes and coats.

4.Stop procrastinating ‘Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?’

It’s too easy to get distracted and do anything but the task in hand but I’ve really forced myself over the years to get the unpleasant tasks done straight away. Otherwise it’s hanging over you all day, the weight is lifted from your shoulders if you just get it over & done with!

5.Get enough sleep & wake up earlier

Easier said than done right? I’m definitely a night owl and often used to stay up until 1 or 2am. The last few years I’ve made a conscious effort to be in bed by 12 at the latest. It’s not early by some people’s standards but it’s better for me & I do feel slightly better when I wake up in the morning. I have to get up early to take the kids to school so once I’m back home I’m awake, ready to take the day by the horns & be productive.