“I want to get things done and have peace in the house!” This is my line every single day.
Being a mom is a full-time job and being productive is a Herculean task. As a mom, my days are packed with activities and so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and get frustrated, too.
I’m not yet perfect in my productivity routine, but I’m handling it better than I used to. Over time, I’ve discovered methods to make my life easier and I’d love to share them with you.
I’m sure most of the ones listed here aren’t new to you. But as a young (and stubborn) mom, I did not heed to all of these. I wanted to do things my style and so I learned things the hard way. Don’t be like me!
Make that Shift in Productivity
Here are 8 simple tips that I hope will resonate with you and will make a shift in your productivity and help you live in peace!
There are free resources waiting for you in some of the tips. Enjoy and get your downloads!
💖 Have a Morning Routine
Let’s admit it. As a mom, we find ourselves juggling things. We can avoid being in this situation by plotting a good start of the day. What I learned over the years is that it pays to follow a consistent morning routine. I get up a little earlier than my husband and son. I have a cup of coffee and I make a realistic to-do list for the day.
Knowing what to expect each morning somehow gives me the feeling of peace. I intend to start my morning in such a manner and I aim to stick to my routine.
What do you want to achieve with your mornings? More energy? A calmer state of mind? A head start on work?
Here are some typical morning routine elements you can incorporate based on your goals:
- Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate after sleep.
- Fuel your body with nutritious food to avoid an energy crash later.
- Even a short workout can boost energy levels and mood.
- Take some quiet time for reflection and mindfulness.
- Prioritize tasks and set goals for the day.
- Start your day with self-encouragement.
- Briefly go over your appointments and to-do list.
💖 Prioritize Your Tasks
Without a doubt, there’s always more to do than there are hours in the day. The worst feeling to have at the end of the day is this “mom guilt” that I wish I could have done more. What I found to be useful in addressing these concerns was to have a prioritization system that will work for me, my husband, and my son.
What I do now is I identify the most important tasks for the day and tackle them first. This helps me filter out the less essential tasks and allocate my energy to where it’s truly needed.
Here’s a breakdown on how to actually prioritize your tasks effectively:
Capture Everything
Start by getting everything out of your head. Write down every task, big or small, swirling around in your mind. Use a notebook, app, or whatever works for you.
Categorize and Clarify
Once everything is listed, group tasks by project or area of focus (work, personal errands, etc.). For each task, write a clear and concise description of what needs to be done. This clarity helps in proper evaluation.
Apply a Prioritization Framework
There are various prioritization frameworks to choose from. Here are two popular methods:
- Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks based on urgency (important vs. not important) and importance (urgent vs. not urgent). This helps prioritize tasks that are both important and urgent.
- ABC Method: Assign letters (A, B, C) based on importance (A – most important, C – least important). This helps prioritize high-value tasks.
Estimate Time and Effort
Be realistic about the time and effort each task will require. This helps in scheduling and avoiding overload.
Schedule and Block Time
Block dedicated time slots in your calendar for prioritized tasks. This creates a visual roadmap and prevents overbooking.
Review and Adapt
Regularly review your priorities and adjust as needed. Unexpected events or changes in importance might require tweaks.
💖 Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
I used to put off completing one task until the last minute when I get stressed out. I tell you, you don’t want to undergo this and rush all your work.
I recognized early on that figuring out where to start with a big task can be stressful. However, when I break it down, I can focus on one thing at a time and I’m able to reduce my mental burden.
When I see completion in these small steps, I feel victorious because I’m making headway and this gives me more motivation to carry on.
Here’s a guide on how to effectively break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps:
Understand the Big Picture
Start by clearly defining what the overall task is and what you want to achieve. This clarity helps you identify the necessary steps.
Break it Down by Stages
Think of the task as having different phases or stages. For example, writing a report might have research, outlining, writing, editing, and finalizing stages.
Chunk it Up
Within each stage, identify smaller, actionable steps. Break down the research stage of the report into finding sources, taking notes, and summarizing key points.
Use the “5W1H” Technique
For each sub-step, ask yourself the “5W1H” questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Answering these clarifies what needs to be done, by whom, and with what resources.
Consider Time Constraints
Allocate realistic time estimates for each sub-step. This helps with scheduling and identifying potential bottlenecks
💖 Use Technology to Your Advantage
I cannot stress this enough, moms. Technology is our friend! Let’s leverage apps like Google Calendar or Trello to manage our schedule and to-do lists. They can be a real lifesaver for busy moms like us.
I love using reminders and timers to free up my mental space. Calendar apps are heaven-sent to me for managing appointments, grocery lists, and to-dos. I keep my son entertained and learning with educational apps and games.
Because of these apps and tools, I’m able to focus on what matters most – quality time with my family and myself.
There are countless apps and devices available. Research and experiment to find the ones that best suit your needs and lifestyle. By leveraging technology effectively, we can streamline tasks, stay organized, and create precious pockets of time for ourselves and our families.
💖 Use Your Commute Wisely
Commuting usually eats into my workday or personal time so I decided to reclaim those lost hours and get more done overall. If I have a commute, I make the most of it by listening to audiobooks or podcasts that interest me.
I also use my commute for relaxation through meditation, calming music, or simply enjoying the scenery. It really helps me to recharge mentally and emotionally.
Here are some ways to actually use your commute time wisely, depending on your commute style (driving vs. public transport) and goals:
For Drivers
- Focus on Audio-Based Activities:
- Listen to Podcasts or Audiobooks: Learn something new, stay up-to-date on current events, or delve into a captivating story.
- Catch Up on Phone Calls: Make calls you’ve been meaning to return, schedule appointments, or simply connect with loved ones (be mindful of traffic safety).
- Use Dictation Tools:
- Dictate Notes or Emails: Capture thoughts or to-do lists for later by using voice dictation features on your phone or car.
- Plan Your Day or Week:
- Mentally strategize: Use your commute to mentally plan your upcoming day, prioritize tasks, or brainstorm solutions for ongoing projects.
For Public Transportation Riders
- Reading and Learning:
- Catch Up on Books or E-books: Dive into a captivating novel, a professional development book, or learn a new language through reading materials.
- Focused Work (if possible):
- Respond to Emails or Messages: Catch up on work communication if you have a reliable internet connection and it’s safe to do so on public transport.
- Review Documents or Presentations: Prepare for upcoming meetings or presentations by reviewing documents on your commute.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation:
- Practice Meditation Techniques: Focus on your breath, clear your mind, and reduce stress through meditation apps or guided exercises.
- Listen to Calming Music: Soothe your mind and unwind with calming music or nature sounds.
💖 Limit Screen Time
Let’s admit it. Constant screen time can be draining. Busy moms like us need a mental break and limiting screen time allows for some peace and quiet to recharge. This can help us feel more present and focused when engaging with our families.
Limiting screen time can improve focus and concentration, allowing us to be more productive when tackling tasks.
It’s not about complete elimination. It’s about finding a balance that allows us to leverage technology when needed, while increasing our efficiency, prioritizing our well-being, and fostering strong connections with their families.
💖 Have a Weekly Review
Honestly, a week can be a whirlwind for me! I find it useful now to take a stock of the week. It allows me to have realistic goals for the upcoming week. I get to reflect on what went well and what didn’t work out. A weekly review helps me to acknowledge my accomplishments, big and small. I’m kinder to myself because of this.
Life with a family is rarely predictable and having a weekly review somehow gives me a sense of control and direction. I prioritize tasks, schedule them, and make adjustments on what’s truly important.
💖 Declutter Regularly
I can attest to the reality that living in a cluttered space can feel chaotic and overwhelming. It increases my stress levels. I don’t like constantly searching for misplaced items.
I found decluttering to be helpful in my productivity as a young busy mom. It creates a calmer environment and I’m able to free up my precious time for other activities.
Here are some strategies:
- Take everything out of the chosen area and sort items into categories like “keep,” “discard,” “donate,” and “relocate” (items that belong elsewhere).
- For sentimental items, ask yourself if the joy they bring outweighs the space they occupy. Consider taking photos or keeping digital mementos to free up physical space.
- When handling an item, make a decision (keep, discard, etc.) on the spot. Don’t put things down to decide later, as that creates a decision pile.
- Once you’ve discarded or relocated items, wipe down the cleared space to create a fresh and clean feel.
- Fold clothes neatly, arrange items strategically, and use containers or drawer dividers to maintain organization.
- Labeling helps you and others easily identify where things belong, promoting a clutter-free space in the long run.
With these 8 helpful strategies into your daily routine, I’m confident that you’ll be taking a significant step toward becoming a more effective and successful mom while still keeping your own happiness and health in check.
Productivity isn’t merely about completing more tasks but rather about accomplishing what truly matters in the most efficient way possible.
I can’t stress enough the importance of streamlining your days and making room for the things that truly bring you joy and fulfilment. With a little practice and persistence, you’ll find yourself navigating motherhood with greater ease and satisfaction.
Don’t forget to reward yourself for achieving your goals. Treat yourself to something nice or take some time off to relax and unwind.
What other tips do you have that can help fellow moms boost their productivity? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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