A to Z Blogging...F is for...

...Fifty-Five things that take Only Five Minutes
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, "Nebraska Family Times"

 Your toddlers are totally engrossed in the last few minutes of their favorite TV show. Or you're waiting for your kids to find their library books and backpacks so you can take them to school. Or your husband is finishing a phone call before you leave for an evening out. Or you're all ready to go but your walking partner isn't due for a few minutes.


Rather than check Facebook or wander around aimlessly thinking "I should be doing something", put that time to use! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just five minutes. (Disclaimer: None of the photographs are from my home...but they inspire me and I hope they inspire you too!)

In your bedroom:

1. Organize one dresser drawer.
2. Straighten your shoes.
3. Sort the stuff on your bedside table.
4. Give your husband a long hug and big kiss.

In the kitchen:

1. Clear out the dishwasher.
2. Discard the oldest, most unidentifiable, and/or scariest leftovers from the refrigerator. 
3. Go through the cupboards and make your grocery list.

   

   From Google Images...although I've had all
   of these things in my refrigerator...

4. Start your meal plan for next week. 
5. Straighten one cupboard or drawer.
6. If you're waiting while cooking, brown an extra pound of hamburger, or chop an extra onion to prepare for a meal later in the week.

In the bathroom:

1. Fold a load of towels.
2. Toss your old toothbrushes and get out new ones.
3. Clean off the counter.
4. Clean the mirror. 
5. Chock your supply of toilet paper, soap and other "bathroom" items and add them to your list if necessary.

In the car:

1. Sort through the glove compartment. 

   

   From Google Images...not my
   glove compartment!

2. Close your eyes and daydream.
3. Read a magazine article.
4. File your fingernails.
5. Do an isometric exercise, like tensing and relaxing your abs or biceps. 
6. Pick up all the sippy cups, tissues, animal crackers, water bottles, and scraps of paper in the back seat.

While you're talking on the phone:

1. Set the table. 
2. Sort laundry.
3. Lotion your legs.
4. Iron.
5. Sit with your feet up. 

   

   Google Images...but I wish my cupboards
   looked like this!
   

Before bed:

1. Get out the clothes you'll wear tomorrow. 
2. Put dishes in the dishwasher.
3. Wipe down the counters and cupboard doors.
4. Get the first load of clothes ready to wash.
5. Talk, really talk, to your husband.
6. Read a short devotion or a chapter of Proverbs.

In the living room:

1. Straighten the DVDs. 
2. Turn over and fluff the couch cushions.

   

   From Google Images

3. Water the plants.
4. Pick up everything off the floor so it's easier to vacuum.
5. Play a game of Chinese Checkers. 

At your desk:

1. Write a thank-you card or encouraging note, or get a birthday card ready to send. 
2. Look at your birthday and anniversary list for the next few months and check your supply of cards. 
3. Jot down ideas for your next project. 
4. Check your supply of stamps, paper clips, pens, envelopes, etc. 

Throughout the house (or a few rooms):

1. Empty all the wastebaskets.
2. Pick up all the stray coats, shoes, socks, etc. 

   

   From Google Images...this inspires me!

3. Collect all of the glasses, soda cans and dishes.
4. Spray air freshener in every room. Have a tickle fight!
5. Call a friend to say "I am thinking of and praying for you!"

For your health:

1. Jump rope. 
2. Learn to take your pulse.
3. Walk around the block, or up and down the steps in your home. 
4. Stretch.
5. Eat a piece of fruit.

With the kids:

1. Ask them about their day.
2. Say a prayer together.
3. Play tag.
4. Hug! 

What is your favorite thing to do in just five minutes?

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at 

Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, 

“Words Matter.”