Selfish Time Tips

Come up with a list of everything that needs to be done around the house. It might take 15 minutes that you don't think you have to spare, but it will earn you lots more me-time in the long run.

We live in an age of labour-saving devices and time-saving ideas, so take advantage! Stick three main courses in the oven on a Sunday and spread them over the first part of the week - dinner in 10. Put the clothes in to wash before you go to sleep and pop them in the drier before you leave for work in the morning.

You are not the Christmas Fairy or the Easter Bunny so don't overwhelm yourself during holidays or family celebrations. Buy gifts throughout the year - you'll spend a lot less money and save so much time.

Set up a reward system - and include yourself! This could be as simple as a gold star chart pinned to the wall. Give prizes to the member of the family who does the most to help around the house. This could be anything from their favourite meal to a family outing.

Kids love a challenge, so why not make it work to your advantage and challenge them to some housework? It's amazing how exciting they find sock pairing when you turn it into a competition. If only we could all find it that enjoyable!