by Kara | Sep 21, 2020 | Organizational
Years ago, a friend of mine was trying to justify hiring a housecleaning service. Anna struggled because she thought she “should” do the work herself. After all, her home was small and many of her friends had no problem keeping their places in order. She broke down her salary into an hourly rate and found that it was indeed more cost-effective to outsource this – Anna earned more per hour than the cleaning service would charge her.
There’s nothing wrong with Anna’s approach – it makes perfect sense to be mindful of spending money. But I think it’s time we changed the conversation about outsourcing household management tasks. It’s not about justifying an expense, but rather making an investment in our families and our careers.
Investing in a resource that can take on tasks you don’t have time – or don’t want – to do means you free yourself up for what’s more valuable to you. And perhaps more important than the hours you get back in your day? The ability to concentrate more fully on your family, career, or whatever else you choose, without household chores chipping away that focus.
The difficulties of 2020 have clarified our priorities, and in many cases, driven us to focus on people and emotional health more than ever. Managers and executives are leading teams through challenging circumstances; in many cases, they’re trying to help employees personally cope with stress resulting from the pandemic. Working parents have an added layer of pressure as they manage remote learning for younger children; college-age kids may also be studying at home instead of on campus, making for a full house. All of us are trying to be resources to our colleagues, friends, and families to help them manage uncertainty. But time is not easy to come by, and there are truly not enough hours in the day to accomplish all we want and need to do.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in the U.S. spend more than 2 hours a day on household management activities, or more than 15 hours a week. This adds up to a staggering 780 hours a year. The latest figures available are from 2019; my guess is they’re even higher in 2020. We’re spending more time at home and may have more family members living under one roof, which means extra time spent preparing meals and cleaning up, grocery shopping, and laundry, among other activities.
While it’s not possible to outsource all of this activity, think about what might be possible if you delegated a few things. For instance, time spent doing laundry, folding, and putting away clothes could instead be spent helping your kids with schoolwork or going for a walk or bike ride together. Having an assistant take on grocery shopping and meal prep means the final hours of your workday can be focused on finishing a project or talking with colleagues without keeping one eye on the clock since dinner is already underway. Trimming down your list of home to-dos means less work, less time spent thinking about chores, and perhaps fewer disagreements at home about whose turn it is to make dinner or tidy up the living room.
One of my clients has her personal assistant come every Friday. The assistant grocery shops, does the laundry, puts fresh linens on all the beds, and prepares a slow cooker meal to be ready at dinner time. The family starts off the weekend by sitting down to eat together, followed by a movie. I can’t think of a better or more relaxing way to end the workweek and start the weekend.
As we approach the final months of the year, think about what your time is worth. How much value can you get back in your day by delegating what’s not important so you can focus your time on what is? Let us know in the comments.
by Kara | Sep 21, 2020 | Organizational, Outsourcing, Parenting
One of my newer clients, Leslie*, reached out to me after realizing she had problems getting things done at home. The biggest obstacle was not one single project, but rather the inability to make any headway on her to-do list.
Leslie had resigned from a demanding job and arranged to start at her new company in three months. Taking a break, she figured, would give her plenty of opportunities to tackle a long list of household projects, and spend quality time with her children. But after 10 weeks off, Leslie hadn’t made a dent in the list. Additionally, routine tasks like laundry, errands and meal prep were starting to pile up. She was frustrated she hadn’t accomplished more while she had time off to do so.
Many of us are familiar with the terms “decision paralysis” or “analysis paralysis” – being unable to make a choice between two or more options, sometimes leading one to choose an entirely different option, or do nothing at all. This problem is commonly discussed in business circles – overthinking and delays cost firms time and money – but it’s also relevant at home.
Leslie is by no means alone. I see this frequently in my business, Pepper’s Personal Assistants, and it’s become more common in recent months.
Fear about making the wrong decision often stands in our way. So can feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted. Covid-19 and other distressing events of 2020 have added multiple layers of stress and uncertainty to our lives. All of this impacts the brain, according to this recent CNN article, and causes it to slow decision making. Even the smartest and most accomplished minds are not immune: Dr. Sanjay Gupta noted that simple decisions, like choosing a tie or what to eat for lunch, were not so easy for him these days.
At Pepper’s, we have four tips that can help you deal with decision paralysis:
- Make a list – Try to keep one list using one tool. Some people keep everything on their phones. Others use a Trello board or paper notebook. And some write each task on a separate sticky note. Use whatever option is best for you.
- Set a timer – Keep tasks manageable by setting a timer. If you’ve got mountains of paperwork, for instance, devote 20 minutes every couple of days to sorting a pile and stop when the timer beeps. Seeing progress – even in small increments – can help keep you motivated. Schedule these small blocks on your calendar just like you would for a meeting.
- Talk it out – Saying things out loud – what’s overwhelming, what’s on your to-do list, and why you’re feeling buried – helps in a number of ways. Verbalizing these issues can help determine what’s most important and set priorities. You can also gain clarity on what can be delegated vs. what you should do yourself. Finally, talking about your projects can decrease your overall stress level about them, especially when you have the right sounding board. In eight years of business, we’ve counseled many people on the best ways to tackle what’s in front of them and how we can help. Our team often takes on the projects they dislike the most, which lifts a heavy burden from their minds.
- Change your scenery – If working in one area in your house becomes overwhelming, switch to another room for a while. Going outside (e.g., for a 10-minute walk or to pick up your favorite drink from a nearby coffee shop) can help shift your mindset.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fixing decision paralysis or eliminating it altogether. But the steps above can help you make some progress. Know that you’re not alone in facing this issue. Resources are available to help you prioritize, delegate, and conquer your to-do list.
*name has been changed
by Kara | Sep 21, 2020 | Organizational, Outsourcing, Parenting
The first day of school has come and gone, and it looks very different for students and parents. In the Seattle area, we have shifted to remote learning for the foreseeable future. Working parents are trying to tackle all of the “to-dos” and prepare for the changes ahead. I wouldn’t describe them as “being busy” with these tasks. Instead, they’re overwhelmed, stressed out, and uncertain how they’re going to accomplish it all – managing school at home, working full-time, and running a household.
As a working mom of two boys, the one piece of advice I have for working parents with children at home is this: Delegate what you can. There are many routine tasks that can be handled by someone else, and doing so will free up time for you to focus on what’s most important. Think about it: how much time would you get back in your day if someone else ran errands, did laundry, took the dog to the vet, and prepared meals? By delegating these tasks, you give yourself more quality time for your family and career.
I founded Pepper’s Personal Assistants to help busy families keep their households running smoothly. We provide each client with an assistant and work together to prioritize projects to complete based on the client’s individual needs. Our team follows strict protocols for health, safety, and cleanliness while working in each home.
Delegating tasks that you’ve always done may feel awkward at first. Some people feel that they “should” do certain chores or even are embarrassed to seek out help. I highly recommend that you put these feelings to one side. Parents are facing more demands on their time than ever before. Alleviating some of these pressures is essential to your well-being.
Here are a few ideas on what you can delegate, based on the trends we’re seeing with clients right now.
- Organizing workspaces – With parents and children at home during the day, we’re helping create comfortable workspaces for everyone in the home. Some clients were not able to find desks in the area, as many stores quickly ran out. Our assistants have been checking for inventory in person and online, placing orders, and assembling furniture. In some cases, they’ve gotten creative and put together makeshift desks using items already in the house.
- Buying school supplies – Although the list is shorter with remote schooling, teachers sometimes make last-minute requests for additional items. An assistant can do this errand or place an order for home delivery.
- Reorganizing and restocking pantries – As they restock the kitchen, assistants can also purchase items needed for flu season – like over-the-counter remedies, canned soups, crackers, and juices. This is an important task, as people won’t be able to make a grocery trip if they are sick or sharing a house with someone who is. In addition to stocking up on supplies, assistants can prepare meals for the family, saving time on shopping, cooking, and cleaning up.
- Completing school paperwork – Schools and teachers often have multiple forms to fill out for each student. Let an assistant organize and pre-fill these for you, so you can just sign and submit.
- Helping to source other “helpers” – Our assistants help find nannies, tutors, babysitters, and others. They post ads, sort resumes, and conduct first interviews, passing along the best candidates to clients.
- Preparing for the time when kids return to campus – Although we don’t know when students will be allowed to return, some parents are being proactive. Our assistants are purchasing school clothes, shoes, and backpacks, as well as scheduling routine physicals and vaccinations on their clients’ behalf.
I hope these ideas are helpful as you continue planning for the school year. One additional way to stay organized is by using a Trello board. We have developed a Trello board and an online tutorial to help you and your kids stay organized this year. Many of our clients find this a valuable resource for keeping track of each child’s school work and assignments, with an easy color-coded display on one page.
It’s never too late to find a resource and move some household work off your plate. In doing so, you’ll be able to focus more time and energy on what’s most important in the weeks ahead.
by Kara | May 26, 2020 | Organizational
Since the outbreak of coronavirus, many states are being encouraged to shelter in place and practice social distancing. Events such as prom, graduation and Senior trips are being cancelled to keep everyone safe — but this doesn’t mean we have to forgo celebrating. If you live with a grad who has had to give up the long-revered tradition of walking on stage and receiving their diploma, you can still find many ways to show your appreciation and pride while staying home.
Have a DIY Graduation Photoshoot
You might miss taking candids of your grad as they walk the stage, but why not take this opportunity to set up some special graduation photos around your home or yard?
Have your grad deck themselves out in their cap and gown, add some props for personalization (new college pennon, sports equipment, or even your family dog!), and snap some photos next to your beautiful garden or the wall of childhood photos in your home. Send these photos out to be printed and framed, and give to friends and family to commemorate this accomplishment.
Plan a Virtual Celebration
Invite your friends and family to celebrate with you and your grad over video chat! Although seeing everyone in person would be preferable, we’re fortunate enough to have the technology to see and talk with people from all corners of the world during this time. Some of the most popular virtual communication apps are Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger Rooms, and Google Hangouts. Ask everyone to come with their favorite stories or memories of your grad growing up, and prepare for the tears with some Kleenex!
[Related: Tips to Get Organized This Spring]
Create a Photo Slideshow or Video Tribute
The years of hard work haven’t gone unnoticed — and neither have the awkward haircuts, cute faces, and questionable outfits! Collect photos or videos of your grad from early childhood to now, and ask friends and family to contribute as well. Put together a slideshow of them growing up with easy-to-use apps such as Google Photos, PicPlayPost, VivaVideo, and iMovie. A slideshow would be great to share during a virtual celebration as well!
Decorate Your Home and Yard
Show off your grad by decorating your home and yard for the neighbors to see! Commission personalized banners or signs to place in your yard, decorate your front door with future college banners, balloon arches, and blown up photos of your grad, and fill the house with streamers. Making their environment look exciting and different (even if it’s a bit over the top) will show them that it isn’t just another normal day staying home — it’s their graduation!
Organize a Social Distancing Graduation Parade
One fun way to celebrate your grad is to organize a social distancing drive-by parade. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to drive by your house at a certain time while you and your grad hang out or barbecue in the front yard. They can slow down, honk their horns, blast some music, and partake in a “parade” to celebrate your grad’s big day from a safe distance.
Support Local Businesses
During this time, a lot of smaller, local businesses are really struggling to stay afloat. Why not support some of these businesses that could contribute to your at-home celebration? Hotcakes is currently offering pickup and delivery of their delicious cakes and cookies, and Trophy Cupcakes is selling DIY cupcake kits.
As far as flowers and plants go, Stadium Flowers offers a wide variety of graduation bouquets and leis, the Seattle Flower Lady has same-day delivery, and Capitol Hill’s The Plant Shop has pickup and delivery options for their indoor plants and cacti (with 20% off online orders!).
To help you decorate, the Red Balloon Company, Champion Party Supply, and McNamara Signs have you covered with balloons, signs, banners, and more for curbside pickup and delivery.
Make Future Plans
During this unsure time, there’s one thing we can count on: This won’t last forever. Start brainstorming ideas with your grad about what their ideal non-social-distancing graduation party would look like. Then once this pandemic passes, you can plan for a larger celebration with less restrictions.
Feeling overwhelmed? Along with household management, Pepper’s Personal Assistants helps its clients with party planning by grocery shopping, setting up decorations, and tidying around the house in preparation for guests. Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today to find out more about how we can help!
by Kara | Dec 6, 2019 | Organizational
If you’ve ever sat down to complete a task while at the same time dealing with the stress of planning out several other things, you’ve experienced the invisible, seemingly endless work called “mental load.” Mental load is the sum of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities you have to keep in mind to keep your career, family, and household running smoothly.
For example, a mother may be at work, organizing her daily office duties, while at the same time making lists in her head of what she needs to tackle when she gets home. What food is already in the kitchen and what does she need to grab from the grocery store to make dinner? What time should she leave in order to beat traffic, and should she text her partner to pick up their kids from school, or will they even know the school pick-up routine? Speaking of school, winter vacation starts soon, meaning a whole new routine will need to go into effect — and at the same time, holiday decorating and shopping still needs to get done.
All of this thinking, pre-planning, and mental organizing that occurs before any task is actually tackled, is considered a mother’s mental load. This type of emotional labor essentially doubles the actual work that needs to be done, increasing stress levels significantly and even causing resentment in partnerships and marriage. Although a lot of us have the idea we can handle it all, since the responsibility to do so has been ours for so long, it can actually be beneficial to reach out for help.
Where Did the Term “Mental Load” Come From?
The term mental load was recently popularized in a comic by cartoonist Emma Clit titled “You Should Have Asked.” The cartoon describes the day of a woman, a working mother, trying to juggle everything from work duties to her home life, while at the same time stressing out over future tasks and not being satisfied with the balance between what she does and what her partner does.
Does Mental Load Affect Women More Than Men?
Statistically, women are the ones managing the household(even as they become more prevalent in the workforce), this invisible work often falls on mothers. Picking up the kids from daily activities, preparing meals, doing the laundry, making sure they’re dressed, helping with homework, and all the paperwork that comes with school — these are all tasks that increase the mental load on mothers.
According to a parenting study commissioned by Bright Horizons in 2017, women are three times as likely to be the runner of their children’s schedules, and two times as likely to be the sole individual responsible for making sure all family chores and routines are handled.
Why Am I Taking on Mental Load?
You may feel like taking on more than your fair share of mental load comes naturally to you. As women, we have been socialized to feel a sense of duty and expectation in fulfilling the role as caregiver, nurturer, and homemaker. Keeping things running smoothly and making others happy can give you a nice feeling, but too much work can be detrimental to your mental health and cause resentment toward other members of your household who may not be helping out as much as you need.
What Can I Do to Minimize My Mental Load?
Dividing up or equalizing your mental load is unfortunately not easy, since once you make a job of asking for help and having to brief someone on what that entails, it runs the risk of becoming another task on that invisible to-do list. However, reaching out and ensuring your partnership or marriage takes on more of an equal balance can be advantageous to not only your own mental health, but the health and happiness of your household as well.
Another option is hiring a personal assistant. Take a moment to write down all of the planning, scheduling, and organizing that goes into your daily life, and consider hiring a personal assistant to take care of things such as grocery shopping, housecleaning, running errands, and making appointments. A personal assistant can help lighten your mental load and make the day run smoother by taking care of recurring tasks that otherwise clutter your mind.
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today to find someone who can help balance your mental load and free up some space for self-care and relaxation.
by Kara | Nov 26, 2019 | Organizational
The holidays are right around the corner, and the pressure that comes with them can be enough for anyone to want to lock the doors and shutter the blinds until the new year. A recent survey by Healthline shows that 65% of Generation X and 61% of millennials feel some sort of increase in stress around the holidays.
Don’t panic — the holidays should be something you enjoy! Give yourself enough time and follow some of these tips and you’ll be able to relax with your family and friends in no time.
Brainstorm
Grab a notebook and start jotting down all of your thoughts and expectations for the next month. Write down every event you anticipate attending or hosting, the important traditions you’d like to uphold, potential travel plans, what foods you’d like to make, and what gifts you’d like to give.
Once you have everything written down, take a moment and then revisit your pages with a more critical eye. Consider what is essential to your idea of the holiday season, how much time you have available, daily commitments, and the fact that you also need to sleep. See what you can comfortably cut down on, and then start scheduling out the rest. Some people swear by using a separate holiday-only planner, or using a special font or color on your online calendar. Once you can see everything you want to do planned out in front of you, handling everything becomes much easier.
To-Do List
After eliminating unnecessary or unrealistic events, tasks, and travel plans during your brainstorming session, creating a to-do list is your next step. You may opt to make a few different to-do lists, one for events, one for shopping and gifts, and a miscellaneous catch-all. What’s coming first? What do you need extra time to do? Hiring a personal assistant to take care of your to-do list can take a lot off of your plate and be extremely helpful during the holiday season.
[Related: How Stress Affects Your Health]
Shopping
Your to-do list will make shopping for groceries, decorations, supplies, and gifts a much more organized experience. think about purchasing the majority of the things you need online to avoid the chaos of holiday crowds and impossible parking situations. If you choose to go the online shopping route, double-check the estimated arrival date so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
If you have the option to get things gift-wrapped for you, consider taking advantage of it to save you time and stress. Not a big online shopper, and want to avoid the crowds and put your money where your mouth is? Support local, small businesses for unique gifts and ethical spending. Complete your holiday shopping as soon as possible to beat the crowds and prevent last-minute stress. Or better yet, with the help of a personal assistant, they can check everything off your shopping list for you.
Clean & Decorate
Revisit your brainstorming work, holiday calendar, and to-do lists and highlight everything that mentions cleaning and decorating. If you’re able to, reserve a weekend or a few weekday afternoons to tackle the house. A 2011 study conducted by Princeton University concluded that a cluttered environment can make it more difficult to focus on a specific task. When your environment is cleaner, organizing your thoughts becomes easier and you’ll feel more relaxed.
Make space for new things and designate where presents, decorations, and areas for entertaining will be. Don’t forget to empty out your refrigerator to make room for all of the delicious foods that will inevitably come with holiday gatherings.
Consider making your bedroom a calm, holiday-free sanctuary. Keep it gift and prep-free if doing so makes you feel calmer. You’re going to want a place to relax and have a clear mind during the festivities.
Prepping Meals
When it comes to cooking, if you can make anything ahead of time and freeze it properly, never feel bad about doing so. Look up and gather all of your recipes for the next few weeks and try to minimize the amount of trips you take to the grocery store. You can even opt to have your groceries delivered to your door through apps such as Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and other store-specific programs. You could also hire a personal assistant to take care of your holiday grocery list and meal prep to save you even more time.
Self-Care
Make self-care and personal time a priority during these hectic days. Don’t overbook yourself, keep some evenings or mornings free, and try to eat healthy, hydrate, and take time to just breathe. Always remember — it’s okay to ask for help.
Enjoy Friends and Family
Through all of the chaos, gift-wrapping, cleaning, and traveling, don’t forget that the holidays are about spending quality time with friends and family, and being thankful for the love and support that surrounds you.
Pepper’s Personal Assistants is ready to help you tackle the holidays, whether it be by assisting with household management, planning trips, running errands, or getting your house ready for guests. Contact us today for a consultation!
[Related: Why a Personal Assistant Will Save Your Sanity This Holiday Season]
