Parts 1 and 2, in case you’re interested.
I’m living in a season where there’s a lot going on all the time, so I’m perpetually looking for ways to make life a little easier. Maybe you’ll find something here that helps you, too! That’s my hope, at least. 🙂
1. Be 10 minutes early
Getting to wherever I need to go at least 10 minutes early significantly lightens my mental load. I’m not a person who does this naturally, so I have to do everything I can to get out the door in time, but when I make the effort to arrive at least 10 minutes early, I’m significantly less stressed about everything — the drive there, getting lost on the way, finding parking, swapping out my comfy tennis shoes for event shoes (am I the only one who does this, hmm), reapplying my lipstick, wrangling Connor’s stuff, seriously, there are so many things. LOL!
Although, note to self, I do even better when I give myself a 20-minute early cushion. Gotta keep working on that, Karen.
Anywho, when I arrive at an event or a place too close to the start time, I always feel rushed and stressed. Having that extra time really makes my life so much easier.
2. Make time for being a little bored
Or, make time to be purposefully unstimulated.
This seems to work especially well for me when I’m doing something with repetitive movements, like walking or riding a bike, or washing dishes.
It might seem really boring to ride a stationary bike or walk outside without music or an audiobook, I know. But there’s something about having quiet time that allows my mind to slow down and just wander.
That extra space also really helps with lift with mental weight I’m feeling.
When I’m in this state, it’s easier for me to work things out and think creatively. It feels good for my mind and body when I’m kinda bored.
3. Schedule extra errands when I have the most energy
If I know I have to do extra errands, I’ll make a mental note to do them at the start of the week.
For example, Connor’s school has an ice cream day every week, and I’m the parent volunteer who picks up the treats for the kids.
I purposefully make sure to do this on Monday afternoon when I get out of work because that’s when I have more energy to tackle extra tasks.
If I leave it for later on in the week, it’s too heavy a lift.
4. Let go of the idea of having to do everything the exact way you want to do it every single time
The idea that sometimes doing just a little bit is good enough has been a game changer for me.
As a recovering perfectionist, this is sometimes very difficult for me, but embracing it has helped me a lot.
5. Order take out even when you think you have the energy to cook
Seriously, I’d rather just make something to eat at home, but meal prep, cooking, washing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen and prepping lunches for the next day zaps my energy, and by Wednesday or Thursday, I’m worn out. Ordering take out once or twice a week saves me a lot of energy and gives me extra use to rest or to spend time with the fam bam.
If I can’t bear to do take out, then I’ll opt for something pre-made that I can toss in the microwave or the oven, like a frozen pizza.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
These are great tips, Karen! I have always been a “10 minutes early” person, it’s nice to enjoy my coffee at work and maybe a quick bite for breakfast. I joined a gym this week, and I even have a workout buddy! I used to hate going to the gym, thinking it was a waste of time and so tedious. Now, though, I relish the time I can spend on myself and not think of anything else except lifting that weight or climbing that stair. I go in the evenings after the girls go to bed so it is truly “me” time! And I’m all for easy, quick dinners, whether it’s take out or something take ‘n’ bake from the store. I have a list of food specials around us. For example, on Thursday’s there is a burrito place that has half price burritos, so often I will pick that up for dinner for us!
Happy Wednesday!
Happy Wednesday to you, too! That’s such a good idea to look for specials at restaurants. I’m going to see if any around me have deals!
These are great tips! As someone who likes to cook, and uses it to unwind/decompress— I especially like the idea of ordering out even when you think you have the energy to cook. Can then use that time for something else!
For sure. This was a hard one for me to accept,to be honest, because I know I can bang out a fast meal and do the dishes in the time it takes to call and get the takeout. It does seem to help with my sanity though!
I used to set my wrist watches 5 minutes ahead so that I’d leave by that time. Dear Husband once got in my car and swore about being late until I told him I had set the clock in there ahead. Grew up in a family that said, “If you arrive exactly on time you’re already five minutes late.”
We try limit getting take away to once a week. I try to make a very large meal on Sunday and then freezing leftover in portion sized containers. I do this with stew, Marcella Hazan’s meat ragu recipe (which I usually double and then freeze half immediately), soups, etc. I realize you have more challenges in creating menus because of El Hub’s celiac.
I would TOTALLY freeze more meals if our freezer wasn’t so tiny. I’ve been lobbying for an extra one for the garage… Maybe I’ll get one for my birthday, ha ha ha!
#4 is so true!! I have perfectionistic tendencies as well and this one is so hard for me!! But I’ve learned that letting go of doing things exactly as I want to do them allows me to get help from other people, which in turn reduces some stress. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Yes! I have to remind myself that even just a little bit of progress is better than nothing. 🙂
Great tips, Karen! Yup, here it’s slippers (aka “flip flops”) until event shoes! 🌺🤣THAT’s why the business tote to job interviews, to carry those stilettos while you walk there in slippahs!
LOL, don’t even think about calling them flip flops in our house! El Hub will short circuit.
I can really relate to #2 on this list. At my age, I have so much to think about, that I’m never really bored when I have to wait somewhere, even without a book, phone, or MP3 player to use. Even when I was young, I always had something to think about. My version of meditation is imagining skating routines to my favorite music on my MP3 player, even though I cannot ice skate.
About food – now that it’s always food for one😥 for me, I’m figuring out food buying and freezing. I can get good deals on meat if I buy significant amounts, but I have to freeze almost all of it to keep it from going to waste. Most “deals” at restaurants require ordering too much – clearly, they only cater to couples and families.