From meal plans to mind-expanding book mashups, here’s how I’m using artificial intelligence to make my life easier—and a lot more fun.
Lately, I’ve been leaning on ChatGPT so much that it might qualify as a new close friend. It’s fast and clever and makes me feel like I have a personal chef, research assistant, and kitchen wizard all in one.
Here are four ways it’s been making my life ridiculously easier:
1. Weekly Menu, Plus Grocery-List Magic
Every week, I tell ChatGPT how many nights we’ll cook at home, the vibe I want (carb-light, protein-heavy, mix of fish and chicken), and my favorite cuisines. It serves up a menu, recipes, and a grocery list organized by aisle—budget-adjusted for my store if I ask. And when the week’s over, that half-bag of spinach, three lonely carrots, and a frozen chicken breast? ChatGPT turns out an always-yummy recipe for dinner.
2. Book Brain Combos
When I want to really understand a concept, I give ChatGPT three books or authors and ask for their core messages, how they align, and where they disagree. It’s like sitting in on a brilliant panel discussion without leaving my couch.
3. Travel Planning that Feels Like Having a Local Friend on Speed Dial
When I’m heading somewhere new, I tell ChatGPT my vibe—boutique hotels, hiking trails, neighborhoods with character, and a few can’t-miss restaurants or bookstores. It serves up a curated list of spots I’d actually want to visit (no tourist traps allowed), plus hidden gems that I’d never find on Google. I even had it research which layover in Germany—Frankfurt or Munich—is better and why. And it found hotels for me that are not only quiet (I’m a light sleeper) but also which hotel rooms promise the quietest stay!
4. Piano Practice, SuperchargedI studied piano for over ten years in grade school and high school, and recently started lessons again. Because improvisation has always intimidated me (I was strictly classically trained), I asked ChatGPT to give me a daily improvisation lesson and to quiz me on the circle of fifths so I could really learn it. Two weeks later, I was playing with more freedom, and my piano teacher and I both teared up at the end of a recent session when we sat together to improv. I wish I’d recorded it!
