Self-Care Made Easy: Why Automating Mundane Tasks is Key to Reducing Stress

I don't know about you but coming home from work and seeing all things that need to get done around the house stresses me out. The everyday chores of cleaning, taking care of the pets, and making dinner can feel taunting at times when all I want to do is sit down and chill for a bit. That's why as stresses grow we should all start to implement the wonders of technology into our daily lives. Now don't get me wrong, you don't need technology to do everything for you but having a helping hand when you need one can be extremely helpful. 

Automation makes it so you don't have to think about the task since the computer does it for you. This reduces your mental load and lets you complete more important responsibilities. Plus, if this mundane task is one that you don't like doing, having it automated will make it so you don't have to force yourself to get it done. Which in my opinion is a form of self care. Not only is automation great for your health, but there are so many automation services to choose from so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle the best. In this blog post, we'll explore different automation tasks as well as the benefits of using automation. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any known or unknown diseases. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns. For more information, click here for my full blog disclaimer.

The automated tasks listed below may require an ongoing  financial commitment like paying for a service or an upfront investment from purchasing an app or helpful item. 

• Bill Automation
• • Just about every bill can be automated now a days and let me tell you...not having to worry about being on time for a bill is life changing. All you have to do is go to each bills website, plug in your payment information, and watch your stress disappear. 

• Home Automation
• • There are several different items that can help you with automating your home from cleaning services to automatic vacuum cleaners. It all depends on what you want to not have to worry about and how much you are willing to spend.
  • When it comes to cleaning your home you can hire a cleaning service for a deep clean or invest in an automatic vacuum cleaner or floor mop. 
  • You can even automate when lights turn on, how high your thermostat goes up or down, and so much more by obtaining products that turn your home into a smart home.
  • If you don't want to go all that on a smart home system, you can also invest in products that only automate one thing like a coffee maker or an automatic cat litter box cleaner. 

• Financial Automation
• • Keep forgetting to invest in your future? No worries, there are several apps and services that will automate this task for you. 

• Subscription Management 
• • Everything can be turned into a subscription now a days but there are some advantages to having subscriptions. One of them being you are able to obtain products or services on a regular schedule so you'll never have to worry about running out. 
  • Some subscriptions you can try out include: meal services, pet supply services, grocery services, and entertainment (like Hulu or Netflix).  

The automated tasks listed below do NOT require an ongoing  financial commitment, making this option great for anyone on a budget.

• Digital Calendar Reminders
• • If you're someone like myself, then you know that having automated calendar reminders is a must to staying on top of everything going on in your life. Calendar reminders don't need to be just for work, I use them for doctor appointments, birthdays, parties, and so much more. If you need a reminder about it, then this is for you.
  • My go to digital calendar is Google Calendar. This calendar is linked to my phone and computer so no matter what I'm using, I'll get my notification on time. Believe me, it has saved me from forgetting the important stuff so I highly recommend it. To top it off, it's also FREE!

• Email Filters & Labels 
• • If you hate getting 1,001 unnecessary emails, like I do, you can also use Unroll.me to manage your email inbox. The best part is it's totally FREE! Unroll.me works by consolidating your bulk emails, making it easier to navigate, and if needed unsubscribe from unnecessary emails. This in turn will clean up your inbox and make it easier to find the emails that matter most to you. It's compatible with several emailing services like Microsoft, Yahoo, Outlook, and more.  

• Task Management Tools
• • Need to organize your business or life a little better? Then you should start using the task management apps Todoist and Trello. Each have a free version so you can try it out and see if it's the right fit for you. They are both great for organizing your personal projects or for a team if you run a small business. Use either to create daily to do lists, prioritize responsibilities, remembering important appointments, and streamline planning. 

• Workflow Automation Apps
• • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more apart of our daily lives and as it's being integrated into our society there are a TON of helpful apps and websites that can help you make the most of your time. 
  • One of those websites in IFTTT (also known as If This Then That). IFTTT lets you create personalized "applets" or tasks that you want to be automated. This can be anything from posting to your socials to turning the lights on when you get home. It all comes down to your imagination and what you want to happen automatically.
  • Another website/app is called Zapier. Just like IFTTT, you are able to automate tasks for home or business but Zapier is best for individuals who want more complex app integrations. Both have a basic free plan. 

Automating mundane tasks has several benefits, and if used appropriately can be a great way to reduce stress. When routine tasks are automated, you no longer have to worry about payment due dates, household chores, and other responsibilities. making automation a great tool for stress management. This will in turn, reduce mental load and decision fatigue especially for individuals who have a lot of obligations, like parents, or someone who has a stressful or demanding job. 

Another great benefit of automation is it's time saving abilities. When mundane tasks are automated you no longer have to take time out of your day to complete them. this makes it easier for you to focus on the things that matter most like enjoying your family, travelling or hanging out with friends. Most automation task do require some upfront effort but after that, it's smooth sailing. 

In addition, automation is extremely efficient and consistent. Unlike people who can forget, a machine will not. An automation service will show up on time, every time, saving you time, money, and frustration. Life can and will get busy but that doesn't mean tasks need to fall through the cracks. All you have to do is find the best automation service that works for you. Then, sit back, and relax and watch as everything is taken care of without you lifting a finger.

There you have it! A great start to reducing your stress by automating those pesky tasks you hate doing. Do yourself a favor and include one of the above automation tasks into your self care routine, your body, mind and soul will thank you. If you currently use any of the suggestions above or something that isn't on the list, comment down below! I would love to hear from you!