We’re often told the one thing you can't buy is time. But is that really true?
The truth is you can buy time. By outsourcing tasks and using time-saving tools, we create space in our lives to focus on what truly matters. This is especially true as parents, neurodivergent individuals or small business owners juggling multiple roles.
Time-Saving Tools That Make Life Easier
Gousto boxes are a great for example. It may be cheaper to shop for the same ingredients at a supermarket. But for many of us food shopping isn’t just about the cost. Its about managing the mental load.
When we order a box, picking meals takes 5–15 minutes, and it’s delivered right to the door.
Compare that to:
Planning family meals (a monumental task especially if you’re neurodivergent).
Checking cupboards (cue the shudders).
Writing a shopping list you’ll forget or ignore.
Driving to the supermarket, navigating shelves, and the inefficiency of filling, emptying, and refilling the trolley.
Unpacking it all at home.
For many neurodivergent people, this isn’t just tiring it’s overwhelming.
Outsourcing Tasks Isn’t Lazy -It’s Practical
We buy time in other ways too:
After-school clubs: These give parents uninterrupted work time while ensuring the kids are cared for and we balance the guilt a little.
A car: Essential for juggling tight schedules.
Dishwashers and washing machines: just absolutely life-changing. I mean who doesn't live “cupboards that clean things.”
A cleaner: A monthly or bi-monthly reset reduces my stress and frees up weekends for family time.
For neurodivergent people, these aren’t luxuries they’re tools for helping manage energy and preventing burnout.
Why Outsourcing is a Game-Changer
Outsourcing tasks isn’t about laziness. it’s about managing capacity in a way that works for you. Businesses invest in time-saving tools like accounting software, and no one questions it. At home, we should adopt the same mindset.
When repetitive tasks feel disproportionately exhausting, automating or outsourcing them creates mental space for what truly matters.
How Do You “Buy Time”?
Do you use time-saving tools or outsource tasks to make life easier? Share your tips I’d love to hear how others are managing the mental load.
#Neurodiversity #BuyTime #ParentingHacks #TimeManagement #ADHD #MentalLoad #ProductivityTips #EnergyManagement
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