I get quite a few DMs asking how I “do it all.” The truth is, I don’t. But as a full-time working mother of four, I’ve picked up a few life hacks that make my life a little easier.

1. I always set the breakfast table the night before. It’s important to me to start the day well and make sure my children head out into the world with full stomachs. Setting the table the night before saves me time in the morning and means I can sit down and enjoy a quiet moment instead of rushing around.

1. I always set the breakfast table the night before

It’s important to me to start the day well and make sure my children head out into the world with full stomachs. Setting the table the night before saves me time in the morning and means I can sit down and enjoy a quiet moment instead of rushing around.

2. Every Sunday, I plan the week ahead

I plan both what we’re going to eat and everything that’s happening during the week. It makes me feel like I own the week, rather than the week owning me.

3. I make shopping lists and stick to them

I do the grocery shopping every Monday and Friday, so I don’t need to go to the store more often than that. It saves me so much time.

4. I only work out for 20-30 minutes

This saves me a lot of time, and exercise feels less overwhelming because I know the session will be short. On busy days, I work out at home. When I have more time, I go to the gym - but never for more than 30 minutes.

5. Mondays are always meeting-free

I do the grocery shopping and then spend the rest of the day on admin. This means everything gets answered, ordered and entered into my systems.

6. I don’t watch TV on weekdays

I find that it frees up so much time. Once we’ve had dinner and I’ve helped my youngest with homework, I can work or read a book while he spends time with friends or plays video games. TV is for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

7. The same rule applies to alcohol

I never drink alcohol on weekdays, which means I wake up feeling fresh every day.

8. I stay connected with my friends over the phone

I don’t have much time to meet up with my girlfriends, but we call each other several times a week. This keeps us up to date with each other’s lives and means I don’t feel lonely, even when life is filled with work and children.

9. I put my phone away when the children come home from school

I keep it away until around 7:30 p.m., when they’re busy with other things. This means I don’t feel much mom guilt because I know I’m fully present with them. Between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., I work for a little while so that my inbox is empty before the next day

10. I switch off my phone at 9 p.m. every evening

I take a bath and talk with my children for a while before we all go to bed. It’s good for my mind and mental well-being, and it helps me avoid feeling constantly connected to everything happening out there.

10 Things That Make My Life Easier

Workout and Wellness