Time-Saving Hack

As a busy woman, I understand that saving time is crucial to you.

Let’s face it, if you are over 40, you are officially considered a middle-aged woman, which means you start to cherish every moment and want to maximize your time in everything that you do.

Therefore, I am sharing a few time-saving hacks that have helped me tremendously over the years while working a full-time corporate job, taking care of my children, managing my household (because this usually falls on us), running my side hustle, all while trying to stay fit and healthy.

Wow…I’m exhausted thinking about these responsibilities.

While some may not be raising small children or working full-time, somehow, many of you are busier than ever with different activities.

It should be no surprise that my time-saving hack is related to your health and wellness.

Here are my Top 3 Healthy Hacks

1. Maximizing your movement (workout)

Finding the time to work out can be difficult for some. However, you still need to commit to incorporating consistent movement into your daily life and establish a routine that's conducive to your lifestyle.

These hacks will help to maximize your existing exercise routine, and if you don't have one, this is a great place to start.

Leg raises while brushing your teeth

Each time you are brushing your teeth, contract your abs and do 30 side leg raises on each leg. You can adjust the number of leg raises based on your comfort.

Benefits: Tighten your thighs, glutes, and abs.

Working your abs while sitting down

While sitting, contract your abs and hold for about 20-30 seconds then release. Repeat for three rounds. Try doing this several times throughout the day.

Benefits: Strengthens your core and lower back.

Working your abs while walking

Contract your abs and hold for 10 to 15 seconds then release. Repeat as many times as you can.

Benefits: Strengthens your core and your lower back.

2. Grocery Shopping in bulk

This was one of the biggest time savers for me. With a growing family, it seemed like I always needed something at the store. Therefore, I made several trips a week. My friends suggested that I order online and have my groceries delivered.

And, yes, that would have saved me a lot of time, but I’m the type of girl who has a bit of OCD when it comes to selecting my fruits and vegetables so I know that would not work for me.

Then, I discovered that shopping in bulk could save my weekly trips to five or more different stores.

Yes, you read correctly, I go to different stores because each has something else that I need. (e.g., Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Stop and Shop, Shop Rite, BJs/Costco, Farmers Market (in season), Fish Market).

Now, I am down to shopping every two or so weeks, getting only fresh produce weekly.

My hack, shop in bulk.

Benefits: Cost-effective and of course, saves time for you to do other things.

3. Cooking once eating three or more times

Home-cooked meals are standard in my household. While it can be time-consuming, the benefits far outweigh the cost for me.

Instead of cooking daily, make bigger portions and freeze them for a later date. For example, you can make a big pot of rice, quinoa, or other grains, which can be frozen and easily reheated (reheating on the stovetop will taste better than using the microwave). You can do the same for meats or beans.

When cooking once, you can have three or more meals, especially if you are busy on weekdays.

Benefits: You control the quality of the ingredients used to prepare your meals and it is more cost effective.

Let me know if you currently use any of these hacks or which you will try.

In Good Health,

Deon

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and a broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.