Let’s face it, our plates are full. With our works schedules, children’s activities, and a plethora of other duties we assign ourselves it is no wonder that we always feel exhausted and burnt out. Some of us feel that there is no end to this vicious cycle, but what if there’s a life that is equally effective and even more fulfilling? Here are some great ways to simplify your life and make more time for what matters.

1. Making meals easier will save you tons of time. Plan to prepare batches of casseroles or soups ahead of time and freeze them in serving portions. A huge time saver is to use paper plates to minimize cleanup. This leaves you with more time with the family or to work on a project you’re anxious to finish. 
2. With the exception of groceries, try and eliminate casual shopping trips. Not only will you save some money (which in itself simplifies your life) but it also keeps us from roaming the aisles a little longer than expected. Sometimes online shopping can help remove the impulse to take home yet another decorative pillow or makeup item that you are convinced you can’t live without. When online, only add absolute necessities to your basket and then click purchase and you’re done! 
3. Schedule a monthly spa service. I believe it is imperative to schedule “me” time. If you don’t, I can promise you that no one else is going to do it for you. Months can go by without even realizing that you haven’t even taken a shower longer than 5 minutes (thanks to those kiddos) let alone actually had some quality reflection time. A monthly membership to a spa makes this easy by significantly discounting your service and pushing you to take that hour out of your month to press the “reset” button and just relax. Trust me when I say that your family will thank you. I mean, technically it’s a selfless act (wink wink).

Ultimately, the goal is to free up as much of your time to focus on long-term goals and quality time with the ones you love. So slow-down and adopt some simple life changes that will make a huge difference.