10 Super Effective Time Management Tips for Busy Moms
“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” —Milton Berle
First things first, let's talk about why time management for moms is so important. Life as a mom is wonderful, but let’s face it, the juggle and struggle are real. You may find yourself wondering, am I managing my time effectively? Don’t panic! Read on for tips on how to reduce stress, increase productivity, both at work and at home, and carve out some much-needed "me time” for self-care and relaxation.
And with every busy life comes a busy camera roll, filled with all of the moments you wouldn’t trade for the world. An easy way to hold onto and relive those sweet moments is by printing them in a photo book each month. Monthbooks are great for documenting your mom magic and if you have little ones, Monthly Minis have rounded corners and are perfect for flipping through at bedtime. Plus, turn your most recent vacation pics into a coffee table book like a Classic Photo Book to free up even more space on your phone.
What’s most important right now?
One of the most effective time management tips for moms is to prioritize your to-do list. As busy moms, we often have a laundry list of tasks and errands to tackle each day, but not all of them are equally important. Take a few minutes each morning to identify your top three priorities for the day. This will help you focus your energy on what's most important and avoid getting bogged down in smaller, less critical tasks.
The Eisenhower Method
The who method? Apparently, President Eisenhower was a man who knew how to prioritize his time and we’re stealing his tricks! Basically, divvy up your tasks into four categories:
- Urgent and important: This includes tasks that must be completed and can only be done by you. Think important project deadlines or work meetings.
- Urgent, not important: This includes tasks that need to get done but not necessarily by you. Think taking out the trash or finishing the laundry. Can you delegate this task to someone else, like your older kids or partner?
- Important, not urgent: This refers to tasks that are significant but do not have a tight deadline. Think scheduling your next doctor’s appointment or setting long-term goals for your family or personal life.
- Less important and not urgent: This includes tasks that can be removed or sent to the bottom of your to-do list. Thinkcleaning out your inbox or organizing your junk drawer.
A jingle for your jangle
Raised eyebrows? We can explain! This expert tip was shared by Melissa Joan Hart during her episode on The MomForce Podcast. Set different alarm tones for different reminders. For instance, she sets one tone for putting the kids on the bus and another for emptying the dishwasher. This will not only remind you of what you’re supposed to be doing but you won’t even have to look at your phone to know what the alarm is for and you won’t get sucked into mindlessly scrolling. Sounds like a win/win to us!
Stick to the 50/10 rule
Created by Lifecoach Lauren Zoeller, the 50/10 rule simply means 50 minutes of work and 10 minutes of free time. At work, it can be implemented as 50 minutes towards finishing a project and 10 mins of stretching and hitting the bathroom. Or, at home it could mean 50 minutes of cleaning your space and 10 minutes of relaxing and scrolling on your phone. Working moms time management just got a whole lot easier!
Routine, routine, routine
One of the easiest time management tricks for busy moms is to create and stick to a schedule. Set an alarm each morning a couple of hours before your day is set to begin and don’t hit snooze. This will allow you to walk the dog, make your breakfast, and enjoy some quality “me time”. A morning well spent sets the tone for your entire day.
It’s ok to say no
Don’t over-commit yourself! As busy moms, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all. But the truth is, there are only so many hours in the day. Practice setting boundaries and saying no to requests that don't align with your priorities or values. This will free up time and energy for the things that matter most.
It’s not asking for help, it’s delegating tasks
Another helpful time management tip for working moms is to delegate tasks when possible. Whether it's enlisting your partner to help with household chores or delegating work tasks to a colleague, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This will help you stay focused on your top priorities and reduce stress in the long run.
Technology is here to help!
In today's digital age, countless apps and tools are available to help with time management for women. From photo book apps like Chatbooks that help you get your photos off your camera roll and free up phone storage via Monthbooks, to scheduling apps and meal prep services, there's no shortage of options to choose from. Experiment with different apps and tools until you find what works best for you and your family.
Chill out
Finally, don't forget to build in some downtime for yourself each day. As busy moms, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but taking a few minutes to relax and recharge can actually increase productivity and reduce stress. Whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing yoga, find a self-care activity that works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
Life is busy, but don’t forget it’s beauty
Time management for moms is essential for reducing stress and increasing productivity, both at work and at home. Don’t forget to relish the magic that is motherhood and savor the everyday moments that come with it! Printing your phone photos is a great way to hold on to all of the everyday and milestone experiences that matter most, no matter how busy life gets. Print your best photos annually in a Yearbook or create a Classic Photo Book with pics from your most recent family outing. You can’t freeze time, but you can remember to stop and relive the laughter every once in a while. By prioritizing your to-do list, creating a schedule and sticking to it, learning to say no, delegating tasks, using technology to your advantage, and building in some downtime, you can master the art of managing your time like a pro.
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