Time-saving life hacks for back to school time
According to a recent report, U.S. adults working an average of 47 hours per week struggle to establish a worklife balance. When kids head back to school, managing time can be especially challenging for busy parents. Small changes can make great time-savers. Morning hacks
Early risers tend to be more proactive and better planners, but anyone can make the most of the morning.
Stay Away from Screens: For some, checking social media first thing in the morning is routine. Ignoring these devices can save time and stress, as excessive technology use has been linked to fatigue and mental-health problems.
Plan Ahead: Each morning, prioritize tasks and determine what must be done. List-making helps you organize. Teaching kids how to get ready or making a chore board can allow family members to tackle their responsibilities efficiently.
Stop with the Snooze Button: Believe it or not, hitting the snooze button does more harm than good. Every time we hit reset, the sleep cycle starts again, leaving you feeling more tired than before. Afternoon hacks Whether at work or home, staying focused and energized throughout the day can sometimes be difficult. Unproductive afternoons often lead to late-night stress and restless sleeping patterns.
Curb the Caffeine: Coffee, energy drinks and pop provide short-term energy, followed by an afternoon crash. Alternatives like tea can provide energy without a mid-day crash.
Take Breaks: Chronic stress at work and home takes a toll on the mind and body. Taking breaks throughout the day to walk, meditate, go outside or eat a snack helps fuel the body and brain to get things done.
Get Moving: For some, fitting a workout into a busy day can seem impossible. Research shows that interval training and strength conditioning is more effective for weight loss in just 15-20 minutes.
Nighttime hacks Preparing for the day ahead is one of the most effective time savers.
Batch Cook: Save time, money and food waste by planning your meals for the week.
Prepare for Tomorrow: A rushed start to the day sets a mood of stress and impulsivity. To make morning routines run smoother, prepare a healthy breakfast, such as an easy egg recipe, overnight oats or smoothie, the night before.
Ditch the Devices: The blue light emitted from electronic devices activates neurons in the brain that cause a person to feel awake. Put away devices at least one hour before bed to wind down for proper rest.
Grace Derocha is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips, visit AHealthierMichigan.org.