Are you a mom who is stressed out and tired? Are you in desperate need of some easy and effective time management strategies for moms? Well, you’re not alone, and lucky for you, you’re in the right place!
Being a mom is a full-time job in and of itself. Add to that making time for your partner, managing the house, working, and finding time for yourself and it’s no wonder we’re exhausted. If you’re like most moms you probably feel like there are just not enough hours in the day.
We all know how the flawed saying goes, “We all have the same 24- hours in a day.” While I don’t 100% agree with this statement, I do believe we all have the opportunity to use our own time as wisely and effectively as possible.
With a little bit of organization and planning, you can find ways to get more out of each day. Check out these time management strategies for moms and see how you can start getting more done today!
Understand You Can’t Do It All
This might be the most important thing to remember about time management. Before you even attempt to tackle all the things you have on your plate you have to realize that no matter how amazing you are (and you are) YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL!
Trying to do everything – be a perfect wife, mother, employee, and homemaker – is simply impossible. It’s important to recognize your limitations and focus on what’s truly important to you. Otherwise, you’ll just end up feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.
With so many demands on your time, it can be tempting to try and do it all. However, as any experienced mother will tell you, that is simply not possible. There are only so many hours in the day, and at some point, you have to learn to let go.
So what’s the secret to time management for busy moms? The key is to prioritize your time and concentrate on the things that are most important to you. Let go of the things that aren’t as important, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Start with a Plan
With so many demands on our time, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why it’s important to have a plan. By taking a few minutes to sit down and think about what you need to do, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress in the long run.
By mapping out our day, week, month, and even year, you can get a better sense of how to use your time efficiently. You can also make sure that you don’t forget anything important.
I love my Erin Condren daily duo for keeping my life planned out and organized. I can track my yearly, monthly, and daily tasks all in one place so I always know how to prioritize my time.
Find a planner system that works for you (whether paper or digital) and start making a plan today.
Prioritize your Tasks
The key to prioritizing your time is to concentrate on the things that are most important to you. When you’re able to focus on the most important things, you can get more done in less time and even free up some time for yourself.
Make a list of everything you need to do in a day, and then rank them in order of importance. Start with the most critical tasks, and then work your way down the list.
I like to keep a “top 3” in my planner each day. These are the 3 things that have to get done no matter what. If I don’t make it to the other to-dos (because often I can’t do it all), they can be pushed to another day.
Don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself! Even if it’s just a few minutes, taking some time out for yourself can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Make Lists
I am the queen of lists. I don’t function well when I have a million things running through my mind. Getting everything out on paper is what works best for me.
Start here: Make several lists of the things you need to do each day, each week, each month, and even each year.
Yearly tasks might include things like changing the batteries on the smoke detector, renewing the inspection sticker on your car, paying annual bills, or buying birthday gifts for various people in your life.
Use the calendar in your planner or on your phone to set yearly recurring events (with reminders) so you don’t have to worry about forgetting these important things.
Monthly and weekly lists work the same way. Write down all those mundane tasks that you like to complete in order to keep your life running smoothly. This way you don’t have to waste brain space thinking about what needs to be done. It’s already there for you to complete and check off when the time comes.
Use Timers and Alarms
One of my favorite ways to motivate myself and make sure I get everything done is to use timers and alarms. By setting a timer for each task, busy moms can ensure they allocate the proper amount of time to each item on their list.
I set timers to remind myself when I have to leave to pick up the kids or make it to an appointment on time. I also sometimes set reminders a day or two in advance for big events or birthdays so I have time to purchase a gift.
Also, trying to beat the clock when completing a task is very motivating and keeps you moving. Set a timer for ten minutes and try to get the kitchen cleaned before it goes off. It makes you more focused and efficient and ensures you’ll stay on track and get everything done!
This simple hack can help moms save time and stay organized.
Set Realistic Goals
Set realistic goals. If you’re always setting unrealistic goals, you’re never going to feel like you’ve accomplished anything. So, take a step back and reassess what you can realistically achieve in a day, week, or month.
Take a step back and look at your own lifestyle. What works for you? What doesn’t? Once you have a better understanding of your own time and how you like to spend it, you can start setting goals that are realistic for YOU. Not some abstract idea of what a “realistic goal” should be.
There are a million resources about how to set realistic goals and achieve them as a busy mom. But the thing is, every mom is different. What works for one mom might not work for another. I personally love my Cultivate What Matters Goal Setting Planner. It truly has changed my life when it comes to achieving my goals.
Life is too short to waste time on things that don’t work for us. So set some goals, mama, and go out there and achieve them!
Clean As You Go
Another great time management strategy for moms is to clean as you go. If you are cooking dinner, wash the dishes as you cook. When you change your clothes, put the dirty ones directly into the laundry room. Pick up things as you take them out and teach your kids to do the same, especially with their toys and school supplies.
Not only will this help to keep your home clean, but it will also free up time in your schedule for other activities.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology can be a great time management tool for busy moms. From online grocery shopping and banking to tracking and paying bills, there are many ways that technology can help you stay on top of your busy schedule.
You can use apps to track your baby’s feeding and sleep schedule or find new recipes to make for dinner. There are apps to help you organize pictures and print photo books. When it comes time to entertain the kids, there are plenty of educational games and activities available online as well.
So go ahead and embrace technology – your time-saving secret weapon!
Delegate Delegate Delegate
One of the best ways to make sure that you’re using your time wisely is to delegate. Delegating doesn’t mean that you’re giving up control or passing the buck. It simply means that you’re assigning tasks to others so that you can focus on what’s most important.
This can be as simple as having your partner or kids pitch in to help with tasks around the house or as complex as hiring a professional cleaning service to come a few times a month.
Of course, sometimes delegating can be difficult, especially if you’re used to doing everything yourself. But trust me, it’s worth it. By delegating, you’ll free up time for yourself, and you’ll also teach others how to pitch in and help out.
So go ahead and delegate today – your family will thank you for it!
Create a Block Schedule
One way to make the most of your time is to create a block schedule. This means setting aside specific blocks of time for each task on your to-do list.
For example, you might spend the first hour of the day checking email and responding to urgent messages. Then, you could set aside time for laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning the house. Finally, you could block out time for your kids and family.
You can also create block schedules for your week. For instance, I know Friday is my meal planning and grocery day. Wednesday is usually the day I run errands and Sunday is the day we fold and put all the laundry away. I don’t have to think about these tasks at any other time during the week except on their assigned days.
By creating a schedule, you can ensure that you have time for everything that’s important to you. And who knows, you might even find that you have some free time left over at the end of the day!
Get Organized
When it comes to time management for moms, having a simplified and well-organized home is so important!
If your home is cluttered and disorganized, it can be tough to find things when you need them. This can lead to frustration and wasted time.
On the other hand, a well-organized home can save you time and help you stay on track. It’s easier to find things when they’re in their proper place, and you’re less likely to misplace items if your home is tidy. Plus, a neat and orderly home can give you a sense of calm and peace.
Minimize Multi-Tasking
I used to be the self-proclaimed queen of multitasking. I would try to juggle several things at once thinking I was being super productive and saving time. However, recent research has shown that multi-tasking is actually less effective for time management than focusing on one thing at a time.
While there is a time and place for light multi-tasking (listening to a podcast while cleaning the house or making phone calls while running errands) it’s usually best to focus on one task at a time. When we try to do too many things at once, our brain becomes overwhelmed and we end up making more mistakes.
So next time you’re feeling like you need to multi-task, take a step back and focus on one thing at a time. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you’ll be.
Just Say No
Just say no. Seriously, it’s the best time management advice for moms. You have to be able to weed out the things that just aren’t worth your time.
Sure, that new Pinterest project looks fun, but is it really worth hours of your time? Probably not.
Maybe you feel obligated to join that committee, attend that social event or take on that extra work project. But is it really the best use of your time? I doubt it.
Sometimes you may feel the need to say yes when you are put on the spot. Try this: “Let me check my calendar and I’ll get back to you.”
Learning to just say no can help you focus on the things that are truly important, and it can free up time for you to enjoy your hobbies and spend time with your family.
Just remember, when it comes to time management for moms, just say no.
Implement Helpful Systems and Routines
One of the best ways to cope with the challenges of motherhood is to implement helpful systems and routines. By taking advantage of time-saving tips and tricks, you can free up more time for yourself and your family.
Routines can help you to stay organized and on top of everything that needs to be done. In our house, we have morning and evening routines. Everyone knows exactly what needs to be done so there is no scrambling around, wasting time, or forgetting to do things.
I also have implemented lots of new home management systems this year- drop stations for school gear and shoes, a family command center, and a bill-paying system to name a few.
It might seem silly at first, but taking the time to implement good systems and routines can truly be a lifesaver for busy moms and end up saving you lots of valuable time in the long run.
Do As Much as you Can In Advance
One of the best time management strategies for moms is to do as much in advance as possible.
Some of the obvious things like meal planning, grocery shopping, and laundry can all be done ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling to do them at the last minute.
You can also do bigger tasks in advance. For instance, we all know Christmas comes every December. Start prepping for the holidays early so you aren’t stuck scrambling in the weeks before. If you know your child has a school project due, help them complete it ahead of time. Look at your calendar to see when you will need babysitters and schedule them early.
Taking a little time upfront to plan and prepare in advance will save you time and energy (and stress) in the long run. You’ll be able to free up more time to spend with your family and friends – and that’s always worth it.
Follow the Two-Minute Rule
This is one of my favorite time-saving tricks. The two-minute rule is exactly what it sounds like. If you see something that needs to be done and it will take less than two minutes, do it!
That pair of shoes lying on the floor? Those three dirty dishes in the sink? That field trip form that needs to be signed? All of these things can be done quickly, so take a minute or two to do them.
This will prevent simple tasks from building up and becoming a bigger burden than they need to be, which will save you time in the long run.
Remember ALL Time is Valuable
Busy moms know that time is valuable, but we sometimes forget that ALL of our time is valuable. What do I mean by this? Think about how often you have five minutes before you need to head out the door to pick up the kids. Or when you have a few minutes in the car waiting for the groceries to be brought out.
Do you use this time efficiently?
Chances are the answer is no. You scroll your phone, you sit down and relax or you waste time doing something that really isn’t important.
If you start using these small chunks of time to do things that matter, you will realize just how much more efficient you can be. Think of all the things that would only take a few minutes to do. Pay a bill, start a load of laundry, clean out your purse, or sit or read a chapter in that book you’ve been dying to finish.
Make the most of ALL of your time and use it wisely.
Automate What you Can
There’s no time like the present to start automating your life. If you’re a busy mom, time management is essential. You can’t do everything yourself, and you shouldn’t try. Automating certain tasks can free up your time so you can focus on what’s important. Here are some things you can automate:
- Set up a weekly or monthly cleaning schedule. There are plenty of online cleaning services that will come to your house and take care of the cleaning for you.
- Order groceries online and have them delivered to your door. This way, you don’t have to waste time driving to the store and standing in line.
- Set up certain items to be auto-delivered like diapers and wipes, cleaning supplies, or dog food.
- Have your bills automatically paid through your bank’s online bill pay service. This way, you’ll never have to worry about being late on a payment.
Automating what you can will help you to focus on what’s important and make the most of your time.
Limit Distractions
We all know time is precious which is why it’s important to limit distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. With kids running around, the TV blaring, and the dog barking, it can be tough to stay focused. But if you want to get things done, you need to find a way to tune out the noise and focus on your task at hand.
To start with turn off the TV, put away your phone, and close the door to the outside world. Once you’re focused, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. If you have young kids utilize nap time and if your kids are older institute an hour or two of quiet time where you can get some uninterrupted time too.
If you need a little more help staying on track, there are plenty of time management apps for moms out there that can give you a boost. So get organized, get focused, and get things done!
Team Up with a Neighbor or Friend
Sometimes teaming up with a neighbor or friend can be such a lifesaver when it comes to time management issues.
Take turns watching each other’s kids so that each mom has a few hours of child-free time each week. Trade off driving duties so that carpooling becomes a breeze. You can even share certain household chores like grocery shopping or preparing meals.
Having someone to help you with the kids, the housework or even just running errands can free up some much-needed time. And if you return the favor when they need it, everyone benefits. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that two heads are better than one.
Be Flexible
When it comes to time management as a mom, no matter how much you have planned and prepared you must learn how to be flexible.
Life is unpredictable and things will inevitably come up that disrupt our plans. If we’re too rigid in our time management, we’ll just end up feeling stressed and resentful. Instead, we need to learn to roll with the punches and go with the flow.
If something comes up at work, see if you can work from home. When the kids are sick, take a sick day. If you’re just feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes (or hours) for yourself.
Being flexible doesn’t mean being perfect; it just means being able to roll with the punches and adjust our plans as needed. It also will help you to reduce stress and enjoy your life a little bit more!
Take Care of Yourself
As a mom, it often feels like everything we do is for someone else, but it’s important to remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make time for exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk around the block. Eat healthy foods and get enough sleep and exercise. And take a break from time to time to relax and recharge.
It may seem like there’s never enough time in the day and taking time for yourself is an impossible task, but it’s essential for both your physical and mental health. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to better take care of those who depend on you.
So next time you find yourself with a few spare minutes, don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself. You deserve it!
Focus on Progress over Perfection
There will never be enough time in the day to get everything done, and often it feels like we’re running just to keep up. That’s why it’s so important to focus on progress, not perfection.
Perfection is an unattainable goal, and chasing it will only leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. Instead, focus on making small steps forward.
Don’t beat yourself up if the house isn’t perfect or you didn’t get everything on your to-do list done. Just focus on what you were able to accomplish and give yourself a pat on the back. Sometimes, just getting through the day is an accomplishment in itself!
So cut yourself some slack and remember that progress is more important than perfection. Every little bit counts, and over time those small steps will add up to big progress.
So don’t strive for perfection – aim for progress, and give yourself the grace to enjoy the journey.
Next time you are feeling stressed about all you have to do take a deep breath and practice some of these time management tips for moms.
This post was all about time management for moms.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing!
YMusicApp says
I absolutely Loved this post! As a busy mom, finding time management strategies that actually work is essential. The tips on prioritizing tasks and the Pomodoro technique were particularly helpful. Can’t wait to implement these in my daily routine! Thank you for sharing!