Effective time management tips for busy moms
What is time management : the ability to use one's time effectively or productively, especially at work: "time management is the key to efficient working"
Create a plan for a year of work, going into detail on the months, weeks, and days. Learn how to identify realistic objectives for your business and set yourself up for achieving them.
No previous knowledge is needed, just patience and motivation to create new work and life habits. As for materials, you will need paper for notetaking, markers, cardboard, Post-it notes, a pen, and a computer.
Set attainable daily goals.
A to-do list is useless if it’s too ambitious. What’s the point of writing down unachievable tasks? We’re not superheroes and shouldn’t try to be. Make your daily goals realistic enough to complete. Remember, you can always do more if you have the time.
Don’t even try to multitask.
People perform better when they give focused attention to the task at hand. When you’re at work, stop worrying about dinner; when you’re helping your son with algebra, don’t also be texting your husband a grocery list.
Spend enough time sleeping.
If you do nothing else, prioritize your sleep needs so you can thrive. You’ll drag all day and ultimately waste time if you’re under-rested. Schedule sleep like any other activity and go to bed at bedtime so you can function the next day. (And enforce your kids’ bedtimes too. It’s good for them and for you.)
Embrace the power of “No.”
it is a skill that frees up time you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Further, watching you enforce limits teaches your kids the value of setting boundaries.
Let go of perfection.
It doesn’t exist, therefore you can’t achieve it. Instead of obsessively cleaning an already clean-enough house, or toiling toward intangible ideals (like being the “perfect” mom or having the “perfect” figure), find a more practical use for your time.
stop away from the internet.
Surfing the web is a huge time waster for parents and children. An innocent little break can turn into hours of wasted time you can’t get back. Establish limits on how much screen time you and your kids get, and then unplug once you’ve reached that limit.
Have some fun along the way.
Stressed-out people aren’t all that productive. You need relaxation to avoid burnout at home and at work. Make time for vacations, long weekends, and family fun to keep you grounded and joyful.
Get present so you can be productive.
Mindfulness allows you to tune into the task at hand. Practices like yoga or meditation can help you focus, and focus drives productivity. Embrace the method that speaks to you, and tune back in when you catch yourself drifting.
Stop owning other people’s stuff.
How often do you hear yourself saying, “Never mind, I’ll do it myself”? Probably more than you’d like. We all tend to take on more than our share of responsibility and it’s a real time waster. The solution? Let others manage their responsibilities themselves. This includes your children, spouse and colleagues.
