1. Divide housework into daily, weekly, monthly tasks. For example, you can wash clothes twice a week, make masalas weekly, buy groceries every fortnight, do bank-work monthly.
2. Make lists for activities and stick to them. Add on, but do not delete.
3. Learn to say 'no' to avoidable socializing.
4. Ask for help and use it when reqd. Mothers, neighbours, can be of great help when you are expecting a gas-cylinder delivery or need a baby-sitter. Return the favour when possible.
5. Don't attempt to do all the work yourself. Keep a part time maid, dhobi, cook even if it pinches a little.
6. Keep track of in-between moments: you can load the washing machine whilst the milk is on the boil; take out the clothes to wear whilst the geyser is heating the water; do those stretching exercises whilst on the phone.
7. Use commuting time (if you use a public transport or get driven) to shell peas or say your prayers.
8. Divide jobs between family members: one can do the daily buying of milk/newspapers (if you don't have home delivery); another can do the dusting; someone can take the children's homework. Don't try to be superwoman.
9. Use technology to your benefit, don't be a slave to it. Get Voice Mail; keep the cellphone off when you need rest; get the best mixers/washing-machines/fridges to make life simple.
10. Buy less things. The less things you have to manage, the simpler life becomes. Less clothes, less mess in the cupboard; less curios, tidier shelves, see?