Time management – how do you befriend this monster called time?

Time is as much a friend as a foe to us working women. We all would all be happy if we had a magic wand that we just waved and got all our jobs done on time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that might help you weave some magic and manage your time better.

• 1. Travel is where many women lose a lot of time, especially in a place like Mumbai. Always choose the fastest mode of transport and stick to it, for instance local trains in Mumbai work best but in a place like Bengaluru you must have your own transport.

• 2. Make a weekly agenda in which weekends are reserved for family and friends. If your family is ready to get involved in domestic tasks like cleaning, doing the laundry and cooking or paying the bills, that will be a great way for you to bond and will also save you time.

• 3. Being organised is always the key for greater efficiency. Whether it is your home or office, cleanliness and order of things will always help you think better and clearly.


• 4. Cooking is another activity that needs some planning. We all stock vegetables and groceries regularly. But wouldn't it be better if we also made a definite menu for the week. This would also include some quick fix recipes and the ingredients required, if any surprise visitors show up.


• 5. For those with small kids to look after with no family members for help, I strongly recommend full use of a day care centre for your child. Initially you feel that it's too much money and a bit of hesitation, but I can tell you from experience that it is worth it. At least it is better than being let down by your maid who doesn't show up without prior notice.


• 6. With regard to children, never forget to check their Tiffin boxes and dairies. Also, if you can keep in touch with any of the stay at home mothers or neighbours, you can remain abreast with what is happening in school and get a first hand report of many things that a class teacher or your child will not tell you.


• 7. Make full use of online bill payment facilities, which saves you a huge chunk of time.


• 8. Pay and tip your domestic help generously but always remain alert. Make it a habit to check your entire house/ kitchen/fridge and pay attention to small details about your home at least once a week. I know you are tired and want to rest, but you need to know if something is missing or out of place while you are away.

• 9. Keeping in touch with friends and family is equally important. Use holidays and weekends for this. But be sure not to neglect your own family. If you are meeting up for a meal, suggest a pot-luck, so that you don't have to spend all the time in the kitchen.

• 10. As a working woman always remember to focus more on quality than quantity. This applies for the money you spend on hiring domestic help, buying products that save your time and energy and the time you spend with your family.

Always remember to set some time aside for yourself, because you are the nucleus of your family.