STEP 1 Learn to say No 学会拒绝

Let’s face it: We all have friends we’ve outgrown and favors we do for lack of backbone. Learn when to put your needs before others.

STEP 2 Make appointments with yourself 和自己预约

When you’re planning your week or month, block chunks of free time for yourself, then honor them as you would a business meeting or a date with a loved one.

STEP 3 Get organized 变得有条理

Get yourself organized both at home (clean your closets, take care of mail as it comes) and at work (clean off your desk, create a filing system) so you don’t waste time looking for things.

Studies show we wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time, so getting rid of the excess will make selecting an outfit much faster.

STEP 4 Start delegating 开始将事情委派给他人

See what tasks you can slough off on others – junior employees at work, your spouse, kids if you have them. If you can afford a housekeeper a few times a month, do it.

STEP 5 Buy in bulk 大量购买

Cut down on trips to the store by buying as much as you can in bulk. Invest in a second fridge or a stand-alone freezer if you have the room.

When you do shop, go at off-peak times, like the early morning, after the lunch hour rush, and shortly before the store closes, and group your errands by location.

STEP 6 Cut down on computer use 少用电脑

Checking your email compulsively and surfing the web can eat up enormous amounts of time. Check your work email at a few set times during the day, and leave your home computer off except when you have a specific task to accomplish.

STEP 7 Streamline errands 简化事宜

Put an end to writing and mailing checks by paying all your bills online. If your health plan allows it, get your prescriptions by mail.

STEP 8 Relax 放松

Relax and put your feet up – you’ve earned it!

American men do 2.7 hours of home-related work per day, versus 4.5 hours for women.