Let’s face it, moms have a lot on their plates. We have to wash the dishes, make the appointments, run the errands, take the kids to soccer practice, and don’t even get me started on how much they eat! Not to mention, going to work 40+ hours a week for many moms out there. That’s why having great time management skills is crucial, and this article will help you do just that! Mastering these 4 strategies will help busy moms like you manage their time more effectively and enhance productivity.
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1. Create Systems
Creating systems can drastically improve time management by introducing structure, consistency, and efficiency into your daily routines and workflows. Here are 4 steps to creating repeatable systems in your own life:
Keep a master to-do list
A master-do list is basically a brain dump of everything you need to accomplish at some point. This will help make sure nothing falls through the cracks. You can keep your master to-do list in a notebook, the notes app on your phone, or a whiteboard on your refrigerator. Personally, I like the app: Todoist. It has a free and paid option, and it has been the thing that has worked best for me. It’s extremely user-friendly, can accommodate repeat tasks on your chosen cadence, and can be integrated with your Google Calendar. Plus, there’s just something about putting that little check mark next to a completed task that is so satisfying.
Make a plan
Whether you like to plan each day or your whole week, creating a plan will keep you organized and on task. Just make sure you are setting realistic goals for yourself. I recommend prioritizing your top 3 tasks from your master to-do list either by reviewing your list and choosing the most important or time-bound tasks or by simply working FIFO (first-in-first-out). This means choosing the ones that have been on the list the longest to avoid cherry-picking and decision-making.
Create a routine
Creating a routine is another way to take the guesswork out of what needs to be done and how often. This works great for any tasks done consistently, whether daily, weekly, monthly, etc. You can get mine for free below by signing up for our newsletter and edit it to fit your routine.
Dedicate time for each task
Dedicating time for each task will allow you to focus better and accomplish it more efficiently. One way to do this is by using a “block scheduling” method. When it is time for the next block, simply find a stopping point and move on. It can look a little something like this:
6:00 AM | Exercise and morning self-care routine |
8:00 AM | Breakfast with family |
9:00 AM | Daily cleaning block |
10:00 AM | Errands |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Daily tasks from master to-do list |
4:30 PM | Make dinner/ family time |
8:00 PM | Bedtime with kids and nightly closing routine |
2. Don’t try to “do it all”
As a mom, it’s tempting to feel like you have to juggle everything perfectly, but trying to do it all can lead to burnout and overwhelm. Prioritize what truly matters and let go of less critical tasks, giving yourself grace and space to breathe.
Delegate
Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to shoulder every responsibility alone—delegating tasks and asking for help can make a world of difference. Whether its enlisting your partner, involving your kids in age-appropriate chores, or seeking support from friends and family, sharing the load can reduce stress and free up valuable time for yourself. Remember, accepting help is a strength, not a weakness, and it ensures you can be the best version of yourself for your family.
Take advantage of technology
We live in an amazing time where we can automate, or at least semi-automate, so many things that take up space in our brains. Eliminate daily sweeping with a robot vacuum and have your morning coffee brewed and waiting for you by setting a timer on your coffee pot the night before. We can also use apps on our phones or smart home assistants to manage schedules, create reminders, and set timers.
Outsource
If your budget allows, consider outsourcing any tasks that cause you added stress or headaches. Anything from grocery shopping to laundry services to lawn care is just a Google search away. More and more people are starting small businesses to offer services like these and more!
Say No
Saying “no” can be hard. We often feel an obligation to say “yes” to taking care of everyone, attending every gathering, and accepting every meeting invite that comes our way. Politely declining these non-essential events and low-priority tasks can free up time in your day for what really moves the needle, and, likely, no one else will even notice the difference!
Remember to 80/20 Principle
The 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto principle, states that 80% of the results come from just 20% of the actions. Focus on what is truly going to move the needle and let the rest go. If you have the time, go ahead and knock out those smaller, more insignificant tasks, but during busy seasons of life just focus on the big rocks.
3. Take care of yourself
If you’ve ever been on a plane, you have heard the phrase “Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others.” This applies to your everyday life, too! Taking time to fill your own cup will allow you to be the best version of yourself for everything and everyone else in your life.
Take Breaks
Taking a break when you start to feel drained is so important. You cannot perform your best when you are running on empty. Make sure to take breaks throughout your day and even throughout longer tasks. One popular method to do this is the Pomodoro technique, which is simply to work in 25 minute bursts with 5 minute breaks in between. Try setting a timer on your phone or using a Pomodoro timer app to remind yourself to take a break for a stretch and a sip of water or whatever you need in the moment.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve your mood, increase your energy and focus, and reduce your chances of getting sick, all of which will help you stay on task and make the most of your time.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is another way to improve your time management skills by enhancing your mood and energy levels so you can knock out everything on your to-do list.
Move you body
Exercise releases endorphins, which enhance your mood and motivation to get things done! It also increases creativity, memory, and problem-solving skills allowing you to make good decisions throughout your day. If you are struggling to fit movement into your already busy day, try popping in some headphones and taking a walk while you listen to a meeting or doing a wall sit or squats while brushing your teeth. Even just a quick stretch when you first wake up will help. These are my favorite YouTube channels to squeeze in a workout at home during my son’s naptime.
Clear your head
Clearing your head through meditation can greatly reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve focus and concentration so that you can manage your time more wisely, and the best part is that it can be done in as little as 5 minutes. I have been using the Balance app for guided meditations for months now and it has helped me develop skills to keep my mind clear and focused on the task at hand. You can get a free 1-year trial of Balance using my link here.
Self-care
Self-care can be all kinds of things. It can be an uninterrupted shower, waking up before everyone else to drink your coffee while it’s still hot, or dedicating time to your favorite hobby. It may sound counterproductive to dedicate time to not being productive, but it is just one more way to fill your own cup so that you can feel refreshed and ready to take on your day.
4. Avoid time wasters
No one wants to waste time. If you have ever gotten lost in a TikTok blackhole, you probably came out the other side feeling worse than you started. Avoid these common pitfalls to use your time to its fullest potential.
Procrastination
Procrastination via hitting the snooze button or endless scrolling on social media are great ways to waste precious time in your day. Instead, try to “eat the frog” or tackle the biggest things on your list right away so that you can scroll away once your list is all checked off.
Multi-tasking
Multi-tasking may seem like a way to be more efficient, but it can often be counterproductive. Constantly switching tasks in your brain can lead to exhaustion, overwhelm, or just not getting the task done well. When it comes to multi-tasking, try using pockets of time you would otherwise spend waiting or walking. For example, unload the dishwasher while your coffee brews, or take the trash out on your way to the car. These can make use of that downtime without too much extra cognitive load.
Decisions
Every day we make tiny decisions all day long without even realizing it, such as what to wear or what to eat for dinner. Eliminating decisions as much as possible will reduce the risk of experiencing decision fatigue, a major productivity killer. Examples include creating a written routine of cleaning tasks that should be done each day or minimizing your wardrobe to make picking an outfit easier.
Your inner critic
Ultimately, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. While it may seem like other moms on social media have it all together, remember that people often share only the highlights of their lives. They likely face similar struggles. Give yourself grace, and remember that spending time relaxing and with family is just as valuable.
Summary
In summary, balancing all the tasks that come with being a busy mom is no small feat, but with some effective time management strategies, it can be much more manageable. By creating organized systems, sharing responsibilities, and leveraging technology, you can streamline your daily routines and reduce stress. Don’t forget the importance of self-care—eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can make a big difference in how you feel and perform each day. And finally, steer clear of time wasters like procrastination and decision fatigue. With these tips, you can find more balance and enjoy a more fulfilling life with your family.
Jenni Horn says
Such useful and practical ideas. I need a better Lists app!