You don’t need a complex organizer to do this. A simple calendar in the kitchen should be enough.

Use a color code on your calendar. Assigning one color per family member is an excellent way to visualize quickly who needs to do what during the month. Try to put yourself in other’s shoes. We all have stressful lives but having empathetic family members is such a plus! Your monthly plan should be accessible to the household. Don’t expect others to always remember your deadlines.

Is this task essential? Can I push it back to next month? Do I have enough time to fulfill this task? Do I require help to do this? If yes, have I already asked for assistance?

Read the local press. It’s an excellent source of information. Always check online for opening hours and train times. We all waste hours going to a closed shop or museum and we have all missed a train based on outdated information.

If you are in a relationship, think about your partner. Seeing each other regularly is important and healthy. If you want to be pragmatic, think that a break-up or a divorce might consume a lot of time and energy!

Start to fill the weekly schedule with your essential activities, such as work, appointments, emergencies, etc. , and work your way toward non-essential tasks and hobbies. Always aim for a good balance.

If there is a last-minute emergency that neither you or your partner can take care of, ask a friend. They probably won’t mind helping you and it will make your friendship deeper. Of course, they might also need you another time!

If you have room for storage, buy a lot at the same time. Having cans of tomatoes, tuna, beans, rice, pasta, etc. will allow you to cook a healthy meal if you didn’t have time to shop. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source

Be rational. If you come later from work, let your partner cook. You’ll put the children to bed. Think about preferences. Your partner doesn’t like cooking but you do? Your husband hates filling the dishwasher? Listen to them and try to accommodate everybody. If nobody likes a task, alternate each week.

It is also far more healthy to cook and freeze your own food rather than buying ready-meals.

If you have a smartphone, you can use the integrated organizer. It’s an easy way to remember your next task or enter a new one on the go. Alternatively, a to-do list is better to visualize what’s really important but it is less effective at managing your time.

Turn off your phone and avoid social media at work. These are the biggest distractions. Make it a habit of answering your personal emails and texts at determined times. You will become a better texter and a better worker.

Going to the toilets or having a cup of tea will already help considerably. If possible, go outside for a five minutes walk.