If you’re a working mom, chances are you feel like you never have enough time. Between work, taking care of the house, and taking care of the kids, it can be hard to find time for yourself. But it’s important to make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
Time Management Tips for Working Moms
Working mothers are some of the most organized and efficient people on the planet. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 13 time management tips that every working mom needs to know.
1. Wake up earlier
There are plenty of benefits to waking up earlier, especially for working moms. For one, it gives you some much-needed alone time before the rest of the family wakes up. You can use this time to get ready for the day ahead, enjoy a cup of coffee in peace, or just take a few minutes by yourself to gather your thoughts.
But beyond giving you a chance to start your day on a calmer note, waking up early can also help you be more productive throughout the day. If you have young children, getting up before them gives you a chance to get in some work before they wake up and start demanding your attention. And even if you don’t have kids at home, starting your day with a few hours of uninterrupted work can make a big difference in your productivity.
2. Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals is one of the most important aspects of time management. Trying to do too many things in a day will only leave you feeling frustrated and stressed out. Instead, you should focus on setting goals that you can realistically reach in the time you have.
Start by evaluating how much time you realistically have to devote to working on your goals. Then, break down your goal into smaller steps that you can complete within that time frame. Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew – it will only set you up for failure.
It’s also important to be flexible with your goals. If something comes up that takes precedence over your goal, be willing to adjust accordingly. Life happens, and there will always be unexpected curveballs thrown our way. The key is to not let them throw us off track completely.
3. Make a list
This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. You can use a physical list or an online tool like Google Keep or Trello.
Making a list can seem like a simple task, but it can make a big difference in your productivity. By taking the time to sit down and write out what needs to be done, you’ll be able to better focus on each task and get more done overall. Plus, having a written record of what needs to be done will help you avoid forgetting anything important.
If you’re not used to making lists, start with just a few items each day. As you get better at using this system, you can add more items.
4. Prioritize your tasks
Schedule time for each task on your list. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed. Prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. This will help you determine which tasks need to be done first and which can wait.
5. Take breaks when needed.
Make sure to schedule some time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes here and there. Take a break to read a book, take a walk, or just sit and relax. You deserve it!
Remember, taking breaks is essential for maintaining your sanity and keeping your family happy. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure to step away from work and take some time for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
5. Don’t procrastinate
It’s easy to procrastinate when you’re a working mom. There are always a million things to do and not enough time to do them. But if you want to be productive, you need to learn how to overcome your procrastination.
Procrastination will only make your to-do list longer and harder to manage. If you have a task that needs to be done, do it as soon as possible so it’s one less thing on your list. Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on one thing at a time and see it through before moving on to something else.
6. Delegate when possible
As a working mom, you have even less time to spare. One way to make the most of your time is to delegate when possible.
If you have young children at home, delegate childcare duties to your spouse or other family members whenever possible. If you can afford it, hire a babysitter or nanny to free up even more of your time. You can also look into childcare options near your workplace so you can drop off and pick up your children on your way to and from work.
Another way to delegate is by delegating tasks at work. If you have subordinates, give them tasks that they are responsible for completing. This will lighten your workload and allow you to focus on more important tasks.
7. Take breaks often
It’s important to take breaks often, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list. Step away from your desk for a few minutes each hour, and take some deep breaths to clear your head. Make use of your lunch break to freshen up.
8. Follow the healthy meal plan
As a working mom, it can be difficult to find the time to cook healthy meals for your family. Meal planning is a great way to make sure you are eating healthy and staying on track.
To make meal planning easier:
- Try to batch cook when you have the time. This means cooking a lot of one dish at once so that you have leftovers for the week. Planning ahead will help you save time and stress during the week.
- Make a grocery list and stick to it. This will help you avoid making multiple trips to the store throughout the week. If possible, try to do all your errands in one day so you can spend more time with your family or relax.
- Finally, don’t forget to schedule some “me” time into your week. Whether it’s getting a manicure or going for a run, taking some time for yourself will help you recharge and be a better mom. This can be an hour on the weekend or 30 minutes each night after work.
9. Establish a routine
It’s no secret that working mothers are some of the most organized, efficient people out there. But even the most together mom can feel like she’s constantly playing catch-up. If you’re looking to get a handle on your time, one of the best things you can do is establish a routine.
When you have a solid routine in place, you can better plan and manage your time. You’ll know when you need to start getting ready for work, when you can fit in a workout, and when you can spend some quality time with your family. Plus, routines help to reduce stress and make life feel a bit more manageable.
If you’re not sure where to start, sit down and map out your ideal week. Then, start implementing small changes until you find what works best for you and your family.
10. Take advantage of downtime
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but it often feels like some people have more time than others. If you’re struggling to find time for yourself, it might be because you’re not taking advantage of your downtime.
“Downtime” is any period of time when you’re not working or doing something productive. It can be 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or even a couple of hours. You might think that you don’t have any downtime, but if you take a closer look, you’ll probably find that you do.
Even if you have a few minutes of downtime, use it to do something that will help you relax and recharge. A study from the University of Leeds found that people with a high sense of purpose are more likely to enjoy their downtime than those who don t.
Being able to relax and recharge is an important part of having a high sense of purpose. So take a few minutes to do something that will help you feel relaxed and recharged. Making the most of your downtime is something you can do on your own, but it s even better when you share it with someone else.
11. Learn to say no
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and feel like we have to say yes to everything. But if we’re constantly putting others’ needs before our own, we’ll quickly become burned out and resentful. Learning to say no is a crucial part of self-care.
Here are a few tips for how to politely yet firmly turn down requests:
- Be direct and concise. There’s no need to make excuses or feel guilty about saying no. Simply state that you’re not available or not interested.
- Offer an alternative. If you can’t do something but know someone else who can offer to put them in touch with that person.
- Be assertive. Don’t let yourself be talked into something you don’t want to do.
12. Give yourself grace
It can seem like some people have more time than others. If you’re a working mom, you might feel like you don’t have enough time to get everything done. But it’s important to give yourself grace. You are doing the best you can with the time you have. Know that tomorrow is another chance to check those items off your list.
13. Reward yourself
When you finish a task, take a few minutes to enjoy an activity that you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a walk. Rewarding yourself will also help you stay focused. If you know that you will get to do something fun after you finish your work, you will be more likely to stay on task and not get distracted.
Conclusion
As a working mom, it’s important to manage your time wisely. By following these tips, you can make the most of each day and find some much-needed balance in your life!