How to Save Time as a Working Mom
Being a working mom is demanding, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin. From meeting work deadlines to tending to childcare duties and ensuring the family runs efficiently, the demands may seem countless. But worry no more; here are a ton of practical, time-saving techniques that will help you regain control of your life, boost productivity, and establish a more feasible routine.
Set Priorities
Effective time management hinges on prioritizing your daily obligations based on their urgency and significance. Instead of cluttering your schedule with too many responsibilities, focus on what is essential and accurately allocate your time and effort for a more productive day.
Master the Art of Meal Planning and Batch Cooking
Say goodbye to the chaos of last-minute dinner rush by dedicating a specific weekend to meal planning. Sketch out your food for the imminent week, compile a grocery list aligned with your meal plan, and follow it religiously.
If you have time, prepare bulk meals and freeze individual portions for quick and easy dinners during the week.
You can also consider investing in kitchen appliances such as slow cookers, pressure cookers, and rice cookers to significantly reduce cooking time and still provide the family with healthy, tasty meals.
Harness “The Night Before” Magic
Get ready for the day the night before to make your mornings smoother and give yourself time. Plan out your morning tasks in advance to kick-start your day with ease. Keep all items needed in one place, such as cereal bowls, uniforms, outfits of the day, and backpacks. This setup makes it easier to grab what you need when you’re on the go.
Use a Timer
A timer could be your new best friend if you struggle with focusing on particular tasks. This strategy is beneficial for mindless tasks that stretch beyond their allotted time, like tidying up the house or running errands. Setting a timer injects a sense of urgency, keeps you on track, and maximizes your productivity.
Batch Similar Tasks
Optimize your performance by grouping similar tasks. For example, rather than sporadically checking emails throughout the day, allocate specific time to tackling them. This method minimizes mental switching costs and maximizes productivity.
Delegate Tasks and Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your partner, family, and friends for help. Discuss with them your workload, and delegate tasks that can be shared. For instance, your spouse can handle dinner prep a few nights a week, or your older child can help with yard work. Not only does this instill a feeling of responsibility, but also lightens your workload considerably.
Practice Time Blocking
Time blocking involves allocating particular periods in your routine for specific activities like working, running errands, and family time. By doing so, you could get time for family duties, prevent feeling overwhelmed, and ensure a balanced allocation of time for other aspects of life.
This structured method aids in coping with your day efficiently by dedicating uninterrupted time to every task, enhancing productivity, and decreasing pressure. It’s like creating a roadmap for your day, allowing you to navigate responsibilities clearly and purposefully.
Harness Technology
Leverage technological improvements to streamline your responsibilities. Look for to-do list apps that integrate with calendars, project management tools for work, and meal-planning apps to simplify grocery shopping. Even though these conveniences may come at a cost, the time saved is priceless.
Master the Art of Saying ‘No’
Learn to gracefully decline requests that would, without a doubt, overload your schedule, leading to burnout. Be honest with yourself about how much you can realistically handle. Consider your work schedule, family needs, and personal commitments. Even though saying no might feel uncomfortable at first, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Outsource
Outsourcing can be a powerful tool for working moms, allowing them to free up valuable time and energy to focus on what matters most. Identify time-consuming tasks that don’t require your specific skills, set a budget, identify a trusted provider, and communicate expectations. Trust your chosen provider, and don’t be afraid to make any changes if needed.
Practice Self-care
Make it a priority to assign regular breaks throughout the day to engage in activities that give you joy and relaxation. Whether it is reading a book, relaxing, or trying fun activities, find what works fine for you and add it to your daily routine.
Minimize Distractions
Identify distractions in your surroundings and take proactive steps to minimize them. Create a dedicated workspace and position it away from high-traffic areas of your home. Mute non-critical notifications in your gadgets and explain to your family that this is your “work zone” and interruptions should be minimized during work hours.
Set Achievable Goals
Establishing manageable targets is critical. Avoid being too ambitious, as this can lead to disappointment. As a mother, your plate is already full, and it’s essential to be practical about what you can accomplish in a day.
As you navigate the whirlwind of work and motherhood, it’s natural to feel like you’re chasing an unattainable ideal of perfection. Instead of aiming for perfection, embrace the unpredictability of it all, celebrate the small victories, and be gentle with yourself.
Being a working mom is challenging but also incredibly rewarding. By finding ways to save time and prioritize your well-being, you can tackle each day better and create a richer and more fulfilling life for you and your family.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
