Making Time For You as a Busy, Working Mom

LIFE

Aug 23

Making time for yourself as a busy mom when kids go back to school is crucial for maintaining your well-being and overall productivity. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time effectively:

Prioritize and Plan:

Start by identifying your top priorities. Understand what tasks are essential both at work and for your family. Create a daily or weekly schedule that outlines when you'll be focused on work, family, and personal time.

Set Boundaries:

Communicate your work hours clearly to your colleagues and supervisors. Let them know when you're available and when you need to focus on your family or personal time. This can help prevent work from encroaching on your personal time.

Use a Calendar or Planner:

Use a digital calendar or a physical planner to schedule your tasks, appointments, and activities. Include everything from work meetings and deadlines to school events and family activities. This will help you visualize your commitments and allocate time for yourself.

Wake Up Early or Go to Bed Late:

If possible, consider waking up earlier in the morning or staying up a bit later at night to carve out some dedicated personal time. Use this time for activities that energize you and bring you joy, such as exercise, reading, or hobbies.

Delegate and Outsource:

Delegate tasks at work that can be handled by others and consider outsourcing tasks at home, such as house cleaning or grocery shopping, to free up some time for yourself.

Batching Tasks:

Group similar tasks together and tackle them in batches. For instance, dedicate a specific time to reply to emails, make phone calls, or run errands. This can help you manage your time more efficiently.

Say No:

While it's important to be helpful, don't overcommit yourself. Learn to say no to additional tasks or responsibilities that can overwhelm you and take away from your personal time.

Use Technology Wisely:

Utilize technology to streamline your tasks. Use productivity apps, task management tools, and online calendars to keep everything organized and accessible.

Create Buffer Time:

Schedule buffer periods between meetings or tasks to allow yourself some breathing room. This can help you avoid feeling rushed and stressed.

Multi-Task Mindfully:

While multitasking can be helpful at times, it's important to do it mindfully. Combine activities when it makes sense, such as listening to audiobooks or podcasts during your commute or exercising while catching up on work calls.

Set Realistic Expectations:

Understand that you can't do it all perfectly. Be kind to yourself and set realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in a day. Avoid perfectionism, which can drain your energy.

Weekly Reflection and Adjustment:

At the end of each week, reflect on how well you managed your time and made space for yourself. Adjust your schedule for the upcoming week based on what worked and what didn't.

I chat more on this topic in my latest podcast:

In this episode, we chat we chat through the theme of ‘back to school’ and the importance of setting a healthy balance in life.

Because nothing will help you propel your children forward in life more than being an example of what it looks like to love yourself, value your time, and surrounding yourself with healthy relationships.