Delegate these digital tasks to Alexa.

Alexa can do much more than just provide the weather forecast or remind you to take an umbrella if it's going to rain. Here are several ways it can help you have a more organized and less stressful life.

1. Create shopping lists
   If you’ve run out of milk at breakfast, just ask Alexa to add it to your shopping list. This can become a family task, encouraging everyone at home to let Alexa know when they finish a product. When you’re ready to go to the supermarket, you can ask her to read the list of items you’ve accumulated throughout the week.

2. Entertainment for your dog
   If you need to leave your pet alone and don’t want them to feel anxious, say, “Alexa, play relaxing music for dogs in the kitchen.” Alexa has playlists specifically for this purpose. If your dog prefers something more upbeat, you can say, “Alexa, open Puppy Jams” and customize the music according to your pet's mood. Additionally, if your dog ingests something inappropriate, you can ask, “Alexa, open MyPetDoc. Are grapes bad for dogs?” Remember that while Alexa is helpful, it does not replace a visit to the veterinarian.

3. Manage cooking timers
   When you’re cooking, it’s easy to lose track of time. Ask Alexa to set an 8-minute timer for the pasta and another for 4 minutes for the garlic bread, ensuring everything is cooked perfectly. You can also ask her about the calories in a glass of Chianti while you cook.

4. Call everyone to dinner
   Avoid having to shout throughout the house asking everyone to come to dinner. Just say, “Alexa, make an announcement – it’s dinner time!” This will sound all the Alexa devices in your home with a dinner bell and your voice letting everyone know it’s time to eat.

5. Activate your Roomba
   Alexa is compatible with several models of robot vacuums, allowing you to start and stop cleaning with voice commands. Setting it up is as easy as accessing the Alexa app and searching for your vacuum to link it.

6. Order household supplies
   If you’re running low on batteries or cleaners, but Alexa is nearby, just tell her to send more. She will remember the brand and type you purchased previously, making it easy for you.

7. Create a chore chart
   You can create a weekly chore list for members of your household, assigning specific tasks to each person. Once someone completes their task, they can let Alexa know. She will keep track of progress, so if you ask for the “chore score,” you’ll see who has completed the most chores, turning the task into a competitive activity that can motivate everyone to collaborate more.