Juggling work, family, chores, and quality time together can sometimes feel like a circus act for married couples. If you've been struggling to find a balance, don't worry - you're not alone!
Here are 31 simple time management hacks that will help you and your spouse harmonize your busy lives.
1. Prioritize
First things first, make a list of your tasks and prioritize them. Know what needs your immediate attention and what can wait.
2. Delegate Tasks
Each of you has unique strengths. Dividing tasks based on your skills can save lots of time and effort. Check out our Household Chores articles for ideas.
3. Use Technology
There are plenty of apps to help manage time and tasks. From grocery shopping to bill payments, automate what you can. Have you seen Coexist?
4. Meal Prep
Dedicate a day to preparing meals for the week. This way, you won't waste time every day figuring out what to cook. A fan for ideas is our article Meal Plan Like a Man.
5. Early Mornings
Wake up earlier than usual. You'd be surprised at how much you can get done in the quiet hours of the morning. Follow us on Instagram or YouTube for our motivational messages on Mondays to get you going.
6. Unplug
Set aside a specific time to disconnect from technology. This helps to focus on tasks and each other.
Dr. Ashley Whillans, a time expert who teaches at Harvard, shares why she believes this is important in the Modern Husbands Podcast episode The Science of Money, Time and Happiness.
7. Plan Your Week
Spend some time on the weekend planning for the week ahead. This will help avoid last-minute scrambles.
8. Do Chores Together
Cleaning can be more fun and less time-consuming when done together. Our post Household Chores: Simple Solutions for Husbands to Help Create Happier Homes is full of handy ideas to tackle household chores as a team.
9. Quality Time
Dedicate certain hours to spend together without distractions.
10. Date Nights
Set a specific night every week for a date. Use this time to connect and relax together. We have loads of date night ideas shared in past articles.
11. One Task at a Time
Multitasking often leads to errors. Focus on one task at a time for better results.
12. Organize
A clean, organized space saves time spent searching for items. Follow Tara Stewart for eye popping ideas!
13. Say No
You don't have to do everything. Learn to say no to tasks that don't align with your priorities.
14. Exercise Together
Staying fit is important, and it's more fun when done together. Plus, you save time! Grab some specific ideas in our previous article Striking the Right Balance: The Ideal Amount of Exercise for a Long Life.
15. Bulk Shopping
Limit shopping trips by buying items in bulk. This can also save money!
16. Shared Calendar
Use a shared calendar to keep track of all appointments, tasks, and events. 10 Fast Tips for Husbands to Save Time (Section: Embrace Technology) is full of apps and ideas.
17. Establish Routines
Routines can help streamline your days and reduce decision fatigue.
18. Time Buffer
Always leave a time buffer between tasks to accommodate unexpected delays.
19. Simplify
Cut down on unnecessary tasks. The simpler your life, the easier it is to manage time. And there are no better ideas to do so than what we shared in our article 29 Home Hacks for Husbands.
20. Outsource
Consider hiring help for tasks like cleaning, babysitting, or lawn mowing. We have a specific recommendation, which we wrote about in our article Our favorite meal delivery kit: Gobble.
21. Communication
Clear communication is key. Regularly discuss your schedules to avoid misunderstandings. What is a Money Date is the ultimate guide to regular money conversations with your spouse.
22. Evening Prep
Prepare for the next day the night before. Pack lunches, choose clothes, and so on.
23. Less TV
Reducing TV time can free up hours for other important tasks or hobbies. If you’re looking for science backed ideas for the activities that make us happiest, read our article Meaningful Activities that Make us Happiest.
24. Declutter
Getting rid of unnecessary items can make your home easier to clean and manage.
25. Time Audit
Track how you spend your time for a week. This can help identify time-wasting activities. And apropos, our Time Management articles focus on ideas to create more time with your partner and keep you focused on what is most important.
26. Create Deadlines
Set deadlines for your tasks to avoid procrastination.
27. Relaxation Time
Set aside time for relaxation. Everyone needs to recharge! If you're looking for a good book to read while relaxing, we've got you covered.
28. Positive Attitude
Maintain a positive attitude. Stress can slow you down. Read How to be Happier as an Adult: Mid-Life Crisis Explained for a collection of great ideas.
29. Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and productive. Listening to the Modern Husbands Podcast is a great way to spend your down time.
30. Set Goals
Having clear, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and use your time wisely.
31. Teamwork
Remember, you're a team. Support each other in managing time effectively.
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