As a wife and mother, time seems to disappear faster than socks in a dryer. It’s not that we have less time in the day than other people, after all “You have the same 24 hours in the day as Beyonce.” It’s just how we spend those 24 hours that makes them seem to disappear at an alarming rate (and stand still at the same time, depending on the tantrum level of said children).
A recent study by Welch’s found that average working moms work 98+ hours a week between work and home duties. That really is two full-time jobs! So how can you make the most of your time and enjoy the few moments of fun you get to spend with those children you work so hard to provide for? Here are four tools to help make your day-to-day a little easier and save some time too.
Upgrade Your Tech
Stop wasting precious moments waiting for apps to load, messages to send and calls to connect. By using smartphones with the fastest mobile processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, you’ll not only witness jaw-dropping speed but also superior connectivity. This means spending less time waiting for apps and web pages to load and more time with your family — you’ll also get better use from the following tips and tools listed below.
Hold No More
Being put on hold can be annoying anyway you slice it, but being put on hold when you have children can almost guarantee a meltdown mid-conversation, and take even more moments away from your day and family. Instead, use Holdr for iPhone to take back those agonizing moments of ringback tones and “all agents are busy assisting other callers” recordings. Simply launch the app prior to your call and press *7 when the hold placement is initiated and hang up. Once the call is connected to a live agent, Holdr calls you back and connects you to the call. And an added perk? The app tracks how many minutes it saves you in its lifetime, so you know exactly how useful this free app is to you over time.
Digitize Your Groceries
Running low on milk? There’s an app for that! With OurGroceries for iPhone and Android, you can keep track of depleted groceries instantly and synchronize them across all the smartphones in the house. So no more scouring the pantry and fridge and asking everyone what you need before heading to the store — and inevitably forgetting something and having to go back mid week. It offers multiple shopping list options and quick add options for creating your favorite recipes too. Another perk? It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices so you can tell your favorite digital home assistant to add your item without even touching your smartphone.
Skip the Store
Ready to take back hours of your day? Forgo the store entirely! Many stores like Walmart, Kroger and H-E-B offer curbside grocery pickup. You order your groceries online and select a pickup time. The store attendant will shop the store for you, bag them and bring them to your car.
In the days of ever-evolving smartphones and electronic assistants, taking advantage of apps to simplify and automate processes can help busy moms cut minutes and even hours out of the day. To take advantage of the latest technology and conveniences, it is important to keep your software and apps up to speed and up to date. Regularly checking for updates and the latest versions will keep you in the know and on the go, freeing up time for family.
