Everyone knows there is never enough time in the day. This goes double for working moms, who juggle both the constant demands of motherhood with the everyday requirements of a career. It’s no wonder so many working moms feel overwhelmed and unable to fully manage their precious time.
Image credit: franky242 | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
For moms who are always busy, in both the home and on the job, here are five tips to help fit everything into one day:
Prioritize
You know that you have to go to work each day. You may also have to stop at the dry cleaners, mail a letter, and put dinner on the table. These are your priorities, projects that can’t wait until tomorrow. A list of about six tasks is usually manageable for one day.
A short to-do list that actually gets accomplished is far easier to manage than a never-ending to-do list that never seems to get any smaller.
Wake up earlier
Though it may be hard to do for night owls, those who go to sleep and wake up earlier tend to be more productive during their waking hours than those who retire and rise later. Waking up early, especially before your children, will give you time to plan your day, stretch, read, write, or shower.
A few minutes for yourself each day will energize and refresh you, giving you time to think and reflect that you may not have otherwise.
Pencil it in
When you need to set aside time for yourself, your husband, or your children, be sure to write it down in a calendar or planner. Studies have shown that writing down goals and events holds the writer more accountable to them, so you are less likely to skip out on a date with your spouse or story time with your kids if you pencil it in.
Unplug
It’s incredible how much time is wasted in front of electronic devices. Checking emails can easily turn into hours of wasted Internet surfing. Late-night TV shows not only keep you from spending quality time with your family, they can make you groggy and grumpy the next morning.
Shutting down all computers, cell phones, and TVs after dinner can both free up some time and improve your relationships.
Outsource
If doing it all is simply not possible, or becomes detrimental to your health and happiness, don’t try to do it all. Consider hiring a nanny to assist with the kids and the chores, or perhaps a cleaning service to help get your house in order.
Realizing that sometimes you can’t do everything is the first step to successful time management. If you feel like you need a nanny service, consider starting out with an occasional or part-time nanny—every mother’s needs are different, so it’s important to find a nanny with a schedule that compliments your own.
As a working mom, you will always be juggling the demands of a career and a family, but there’s no need to sacrifice every minute of your day to achieve your goals. Try these simple strategies to help you get control of how you spend your hours so you can make the most of every minute.
About the Author:
Emma Sturgis is a writer currently residing in Boston. She often writes on family finance and education. When not writing, she enjoys baking and indoor rock climbing. Informational credit goes to Mothers Helper Nannies & Caregivers.
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