The Art of Multitasking

These days multitasking isn’t as simple as a way to kill two birds with one stone…it’s a necessity! I, myself, am a full-time working mother and wife. In order for me to have time for anything else in my life (e.g. friends, exercise…uh, sleep), multitasking is an artform I work on perfecting everyday. Usually my methods are “invented” in the moment and then I note to implement in the future. I especially love methods of getting something accomplished while working in some exercise, since that it my biggest plythe – working out.

Here are a couple of strategies that I have developed for myself that I want to share.

1. Doing toe raises while waiting on line at the store

2. Study cards taped to the dashboard of my card to study at red lights

3. Squats while brushing your teeth

Please feel free to share your favorite multitask strategy. Here are a couple examples from our Facebook page…

Lori Franchini Olson My best tips I can offer are for kitchen. And they work….I am alone with two boys. 1. I clean up as I go through the recipe. I wash bowls, spoons, utensils on the spot. When I transfer from pot to pan, etc. everything gets washed. By the time the meal is served I have no cleanup. 2. When I’m baking for the holidays and there are a few recipes, I will mix all the dry ingredients and put them aside in a ziplock ahead of time. When I am ready to bake I just add wet ingredients. I saves time and mess. 3. I prepare dinner the night before. The kids go to bed, and dinner is made. I never make dinner when I get home. Life saver.

Karen A Posner Yep I do all u mentioned & also while dinner is cooking I pay bills online , or start the laundry . I also, try ( emphasis on try ) to stay as organized as possible & TRY to keep a calendar of TO DO’s for the day planned ahead as well as meals for the week planned ahead . I also , TRY to do as many errands that are located in the same location at one time to avoid having to go back & forth wasting valuable time . But key is to get others to pitch in … Delegate what you can when you can : ) xo!

Jacque Shepard Souza Painting, watching tv planks during commercials

Nichole Scarano Cadavero Make use of the timer on your washing machine if it has one. I set it for 7 hours in the morning, so when I get home, all I have to do is throw it into the dryer then fold. I also set clothes out the night before. Saves time in the morning.

Andrea Smith Piazza Use the timer on the dishwasher every night, so we always have clean dishes (and bottles!) in the AM. I also have put my make up on in my son’s room while he’s playing on the floor waiting for him to “do his business”, so I know exactly when he’s done to change him and get him out the door with his Daddy. I make my calls to companies (pse&g or comcast for example) while driving … those long holds are the worst, but while you’re driving, it’s not so bad since it’s something you have to do anyway … I’m sure I can think of more!

Andrea Smith Piazza Ooooh! I used to read lg print books at the gym (when I went a million years ago!) there was never a wait at the library for them bc no one thought about them! Good one.

Hayden DeCillis Mommy and baby yoga/Pilates

Nathalia Bagattini Haha those are good ones, I always make the bed while brushing my teeth and clean the shower while in it. Lol and I’m not even a mother yet, but a full-time working wife and spend 3 hours in commute every day, which is almost a part-time job. I also cook some extra diner to save for my lunch the next day and freeze up some smoothies to just grab and go the next morning. If I can think of more tips I’ll let you know xxoo

Robyn Mastrobuoni Lunges while vacuuming.

Jill Garaffa The crock pot is the best invention ever for easy dinners. If you don’t already have one, get one. I make so many dishes in it! And you cant beat the flavor since the meals are simmering all day long. Yum!

Jill Garaffa Also (“OT Energy Conservation Tip”) plan your harder things when you have the most natural energy & focus. You will naturally move faster & be more efficient. Plan your mindless stuff when you’re not as energized. Also: delegate (and pay others to do stuff) when you can. And remember to take “mental/spiritual/emotional health breaks”. Its critical to reenergize your own batteries!! Its easy to get drained mentally & It will then drain your body.