10 Tips to Help You Save Time, Organize Your Life and Feel Better

Women play many roles, often juggling a number of responsibilities at once. We have gathered some of our favorite tips that help us survive the demands of playing these roles, without the frazzle that often comes with being pulled in so many different directions. We would love it if you would add to this list. If you have great advice for saving time, organizing your life and staying in control, please drop us a line on our Facebook page!

1. Prepare a master checklist of items you need to pack for travel. Enter the list on your computer, and simply check it when you get ready for a trip.
2. To save time at the supermarket and avoid running from aisle to aisle, prepare your grocery list by categories (dairy, breads and baked goods, meats, canned foods, frozen foods, paper products, fresh produce, breakfast foods, cleaning supplies and miscellaneous).
3. Keep gift wrapping supplies (gift bags, gift wrap, ribbons, gift tags and enclosures, scissors and tape) organized in an area so they are easily accessible and near a flat surface for quick and easy wrapping.
4. Carry a dryer sheet in your purse for those times when static cling can create an embarrassing situation. Simply rub the sheet over the trouble spot for an instant fix.
5. Build your wardrobe around one basic color such as black, brown or navy. Have at least half of your slacks, skirts and dresses in this basic color, which can then be mixed and matched with other pieces (jackets, sweaters, blouses, scarves and jewelry) to add a variety of colors, patterns and textures. This will let you create multiple looks quickly and easily.
6. Take the time to clean every day as you go about your routine activities. For example, after brushing your teeth, wipe down the sink and faucet; after getting your mail, go ahead and recycle the circulars, catalogs and junk mail; after you finish your coffee or breakfast, wipe the counter and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher. In these little moments, you can keep life simple and avoid long-term clutter that bogs you down.
7. Make a copy of all your credit cards (both front and back), and store them safely at home (preferably in a locked safe or box). If your purse is stolen, you will easily know what is missing and who to contact to report the loss of the credit cards.
8. Put your cell phone, camera, video recorder, computer and iPad away, and enjoy the moment!  These real moments will be much more vivid and meaningful than those viewed through a screen, and they will create memories that last a lifetime.
9. Taking care of you first is not selfish; it is necessary, in order to satisfy your responsibilities and obligations in life. You must be healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally – to really be there for the people who depend on you.
10. Indulge yourself with a little dark chocolate every day! Dark chocolate is good for you, so enjoy that moment of guilt-free blissful pleasure.

What do you do to keep life from skidding out of control? Let us know!