These last two years have been busy ones for me – I’ve started a blog, a coaching business, and another new home based business. When I really stop to think about how much has changed in the last two years of my life, it kinda blows my mind, as none of that even existed before.
A little over two years ago, most of my time was spent keeping my head above water as a sometimes single parent and homeschooling. Today, I’m still homeschooling but beyond thankful to be back under the same roof daily with my sweet husband!
As busy as I felt before, I’ve learned a thing or two about multi-tasking in the last few years that allow me to strike a decent balance, (at least usually). Even with more on my plate than ever, I’ve realized there really are ways to get all most of my work done while still taking care of myself and my family. I may shower a little less often than I used to and not exercise nearly as often as I’d like, but I’m a work in progress … just like you! Truly, I’ve found that the more I’m forced to develop systems and routines to get more accomplished, the more I really do actually get more accomplished. Maybe you type A darlings who thrive on structure just yawned at that last sentence but this is huge for this utterly type B, hopelessly laid back girl!
Here are my favorite life hacks for busy Moms – whether you work inside the home or outside the home, hopefully you’ll find something here that will help you too! After all, if you’re a parent, one thing we know for sure is that you are busy with plenty to balance in life 😉
Here’s my #1 tip to increase productivity and decrease Mom guilt: I get my kids involved whenever I can! They actually love helping and being a part of things when they feel invested and are more interested because they are more informed. I do by far most of my work late at night or when I can get the kids busy with other things, but sometimes the kids like to help me take pictures for the blog, stage the “photo-shoots” for blog images, and just listen to what I’m up to and weigh in with their opinions. I find that helps them have more “buy in” when they understand what I’m doing and they can actually be quite supportive and even proud of what their Mom is working on 🙂 Then they’re alot less likely to derail my efforts, because they understand just enough to think it’s pretty cool!
More Time Management Tips for Multitasking Mavens
- Find time for fitness – My FitDesk has made all the difference!
- Use a timer
- Simplify your home
- Create a kids’ pantry
- Create a cleaning schedule
- Time saving laundry hacks
- Start a laundry schedule and routine
- Create a kids’ pantry
- Get organized when life gets hectic
- Prevent Monday morning madness
- Make freezer meals to cut down on cooking time
- 25 more awesome time saving life hacks
What would you add to this list of time management life hacks tips? Check out the book Time Management Mama: Making Use of the Margins to Pursue Your Passions for more! Be a dear and share these ideas with a friend who could use them too?
If you liked this post, check out Natural Beauty Alternatives for Busy Moms for more ideas to be kind to yourself and your body 🙂
Such great tips, Sybil!! I need to implement ALL of them! I may also have to treat myself to one of those fitdesks. I spend way too much time sitting to blog.
OH yes, I too spend way too much time sitting between blogging, homeschooling, and more! Fitness multi-tasking sure helps!
I usually do okay with time management, but NOT TODAY! 🙁 Great tips here! For me a huge time management tip is accountability. Have someone make sure you’ve done your job. If this isn’t possible… have your timer beep at you!
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Great idea, thanks Rachel!
Sybil, you’re a life saver! Your list of ideas is so spot-on, and I love your advice about getting the kids involved in the blog, or in whatever work I do from home. I’m trying to start implementing that!
Also, I just downloaded the book and can’t wait to dive in!
Thanks, girl.
xotawni
http://thelifeinbetween.space
Awesome – you can do it, Mama!
I love your advice to involve the kids more in whatever you are doing! This is something I can definitely improve upon. Maybe I should grab them now and have them help me peel potatoes for dinner!
Haha yes their input, help, and buy-in make all the difference! 🙂