One Small Hack That Gave Me My Time Back

I’ve always been fascinated by productivity—how we can design our lives to support not just productivity, but presence. As a single parent with a full schedule and a wildly energetic 4-year-old, I’m constantly reevaluating how I spend my time and energy.

Last year, I retook my 20 Hour Work week course. (Confused read: 20 Hour Work Week Course)

In a moment of radical honesty, I took a hard look at my daily, weekly, monthly rhythm. Between meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning, I was losing nearly 15 hours a week—and most of it felt more draining than nourishing. I realized that feeding myself and my child had become a logistical burden, not a mindful ritual. That realization was my cue: something had to change.

The Bold (and Surprisingly Simple) Shift

In May 2024, I made a decision that I can now say was genuinely life-changing: I hired a part-time cook to come every Monday for just three hours.

Here’s what she does during that window:

• Preps lunches for the entire workweek

• Cooks dinners from Monday to Thursday

• Prepares freezable meals for the weekend

  
  

The cost? $150 per week.The return? At least $100 saved on groceries and takeout, thanks to smarter shopping and zero food waste.

But the real return is less tangible—and more powerful.

Reclaiming Time, Energy, and Joy

By offloading this one area of life, I gained back roughly 15 hours per week. That’s time I now spend in ways that matter: focused work, quality time with my child, mindful rest, and yes—on the rare occasion I do cook, it actually feels joyful again. It’s no longer a daily obligation, but an intentional act.

Every meal we eat is organic, healthy, and delicious—better than anything I could whip up, even with the help of a recipe and a good playlist. The emotional ROI? Off the charts.

And 14 months in, I’m still amazed at how this one system tweak created a ripple effect in every corner of my life.

A Note on Privilege and Perspective

It’s important to acknowledge that being able to consider cooking a hassle is a privilege in itself. Many families face food insecurity, and I don’t take this ease for granted. That’s why I donate regularly to organizations like Save the Children International and No Kid Hungry, to help support those who don’t have access to basic nourishment.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re a working parent—or simply a human being tired of decision fatigue and dishes—consider this your invitation, check out the 20-Hour Work Week Course. (use Blog to get $10 off).

What might change in your life if you outsourced just one part of your weekly energy drain?

Sometimes the most mindful choice is the one that gives us our energy back—not so we can do more, but so we can be more.

More present.

More grounded.

More alive.