Getting everything done each day can be tough. Being a mom is a full-time job by itself, and when you add marriage, work, friendships, and extended family into the mix, it can be overwhelming. It often feels like everything needs your attention all at once. But remember, there’s just one of you! So, how can you manage it all without burning out completely?
I’ve found some organization and motherhood tips that have helped me make better use of my time. Hopefully, they’ll help you find more time and improve your productivity, too. Here are five habits that can help you get more done each day while leaving time for family, hobbies, and that ever-elusive self-care.
First on the list is creating a morning routine. To set the tone for a productive day, you need to take control of your mornings. If your day starts in chaos without a plan, it’ll be hard to manage everything efficiently. Take some time to decide what you want your morning to look like, so it helps set a productive pace for the day.
There are many resources out there about morning routines, but the best one is the one you’ll stick to. Mornings can be unpredictable, especially for moms, so keep your routine simple and flexible.
Consider these key elements when planning your morning routine:
– Being the first one up gives you a quiet moment to focus and gather your thoughts. Use this time for a bit of self-care, helping you to be a better mom throughout the day.
– Your morning routine should be about looking after your health and personal needs. This might include activities like drinking lemon water, praying or meditating, journaling, doing a facial, showering, or even taking a walk or doing yoga.
– Finally, spend a few moments planning your day. This could include organizing meals, appointments, work tasks, or even fun activities like berry picking or a visit to the Farmer’s Market. Review your planner to ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Another helpful tip is using a block schedule. It organizes your tasks into time blocks, helping you avoid interruptions and making sure you address all areas of your life every week. This means you’re not neglecting tasks like laundry or exercise.
Once you’ve got your schedule down, it’s time to organize your home too. Creating systems for home management removes the guesswork and helps you focus on priorities. Develop a checklist for all household tasks, whether it’s cleaning, laundry, meal planning, or taking downtime.
You can do this the traditional way with a binder or use eco-friendly apps like Evernote and Notion on your phone. Start by drafting a rough outline of daily tasks and add weekly or monthly chores as needed.
If you’re looking for more guidance, there’s a book called A Mother’s Rule of Life that might help you develop a system. I’ve also shared my own checklist on a blog post, including daily outlines, chores, routines, meal plans, and more.
Another secret to saving time is meal planning. I’ve noticed I save around 3.5 hours per week just by planning meals. It also means you can save around $45 on groceries each week. I use a tool called Real Plans, which simplifies grocery shopping and meal prep, which you can do on your computer or via their app.
Real Plans is user-friendly and lets you customize your meal plans, making it possible to finish planning in about 5 minutes a week. It creates meal plans automatically, which you can modify to fit your needs, and you can use it for batch cooking to get ahead.
Lastly, learn to delegate. Many moms feel they must do everything for their family, which can burn anyone out. Instead, involve your family and empower them to take on some responsibilities. Delegating helps save time and prepares your kids for adulthood, teaching them responsibility.
Here’s how you can empower your kids:
– Assign age-appropriate chores
– Encourage them to help with meal prep
– Involve them in planning weekend activities
These strategies not only improve parenting but also help free up time for you. Instead of trying to change everything all at once, focus on one area at a time. Remember, it’s not all on your shoulders—it’s a team effort involving the whole family!
What are your best tips for getting more done without burning out? Feel free to share!
