7 Time-Savers to Help You Reclaim Your Day

Streamline Your Social Life

The Solution: "Instead of giving an old friend you no longer have much in common with the heave-ho, piggyback appointments to control the amount of time you spend with her," says Geduldig. Suggest meeting for lunch, but schedule a hair appointment right afterward, so you don't get trapped for hours. Or multitask: Catch up over manicures or at the gym.

The Solution: Avoid all the back-and-forth by taking turns playing cruise director. Clearly state up front any day or time that won't work for you, then step back and let everyone else iron out the details. "Explain that you just want to spend time with them, so you'll gladly go wherever they've decided," Stack says. "If you don't like their choice, you get to pick next time."

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, October 2006.