Busy moms TIME MANAGEMENT techniques: A full Guide for balancing motherhood and self care

How to organize my time and stay productive? An everyday thought and everyday question for all busy moms from different backgrounds and ages. Busy moms life is a never ending to do lists, house chores, needs, and demands. With the lack of time management for busy moms, we jeopardize mental health, self care and we risk burning out easily.

Being a mom is a full-time job, and sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to juggle all the tasks, chores, and personal aspirations. With all the talked about time management techniques and methods, we stand skeptical thinking these are not practical. Some other times we feel we are under the pressure to stick to a schedule that is too good to be true.

As busy moms, we often think that time management methods are mainly created for office jobs or people with top positions in managerial corporations. Well, If you think about it, then-YOU as a mother-you are the CEO of your  house, the top financial officer for your budget, the head mistress for your children daily learning and activities, and sometimes you are top chef…etc. etc. The list and roles you play go on.

         

Why busy moms time management techniques?

The importance of time management techniques for busy moms and discovering the right technique for you will be a game changer. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective BUSY MOMS time management techniques that will help you reclaim control of your schedule, create balance, and pursue your passions while nurturing your little one/s. Drawing inspiration from successful and inspiring individuals, including celebrities, we’ll uncover their strategies for optimizing time and offer practical tips that you can implement in your daily life.

As a full-time mother or a busy parent, my to-do list seems never-ending, leaving me feeling drained and on the brink of burnout. However, let me emphasize that our greatest asset -as mothers-is our ability to multitask. Yet, that can put us under lots of pressure of doing a lot in so little time frames; risking the importance of being present in the moment. But we up being trapped inside our non-ending to do lists. We Lose focus, we lose things including our patience, we miss out on momentary milestones of our kids and we probably miss out on our own growth. We Probably snap on our kids because they are unable to comprehend what we are going through. The pressure is unbearable, and sometimes we need to scream. And the guilt eat us alive because we should not, but we could not help it. 

I KNOW!!!!!!! I have been there.

It was a vicious cycle for me and I felt I’m going mad. I was fighting myself by pushing myself to do more on different fronts. I fell in the comparison trap and i hated myself for, I lost my confidence and that led to more burnout, more frustration, more resentment, and I was on the verge of a break down.

I did some research and tried couple of techniques and discovered few things that might help you as well as they did for me.

Time management techniques I use as a busy mom

By implementing effective time management techniques, we can organize our time, make room for self-care, and stay ahead of the game. While we keep our cool and stay focused.

Time management steps for busy moms to balance motherhood and self care

• Prioritize and Delegate:

One of the first steps to efficient time management is setting priorities. Assess your tasks and identify the most important ones. Focus on what truly matters and delegate or eliminate tasks that can be handled by others or aren’t essential. you can use the Eisenhour matrix for this one and apply as you go. this method is good for super organized, analytical thinkers.

Celebrities like Beyoncé, known for her hectic schedule, emphasize the importance of delegation. Just as she has a team to help her manage her career, consider enlisting the support of family members, friends, or hiring help to assist with chores or childcare responsibilities. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and share the load.

• Establish a Routine:

Creating a routine provides structure and predictability, making it easier to manage your time effectively. Develop a schedule that includes designated time for household chores, personal pursuits, and quality bonding with your little one.

Take inspiration from successful entrepreneurs like Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, who emphasizes the power of routine in her daily life. Establishing set times for specific activities helps streamline your day and ensures you allocate time for everything that matters to you.

 

• Embrace the Power of Technology:

In today’s digital age, technology can be a valuable ally in managing your time effectively. Utilize productivity apps, calendars, and task management tools to organize your schedule, set reminders, and streamline your day-to-day activities.

Entrepreneur and TV personality, Martha Stewart, is known for her organizational skills. She leverages technology to maintain her busy schedule and stay on top of her numerous projects. Explore apps like Trello, To doist, Notion, or Google Calendar to find the tools that suit your needs and help you stay organized.

• Practice Mindful Time Management:

Mindfulness is key to achieving balance and maintaining a sense of well-being amidst the demands of motherhood and personal pursuits. Take moments throughout the day to center yourself, practice deep breathing, and be present in the tasks you’re engaged in. This allows you to make the most of each moment and cultivate a sense of calm.

Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul and advocate for mindfulness, incorporates meditation and mindful practices into her daily routine. By taking time to center yourself, you can approach each task with intention and clarity, enhancing your overall efficiency and satisfaction.

• Optimize Your “Me” Time:

As a mom, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and make time for your own passions and interests. Carving out dedicated “me” time not only rejuvenates you but also enables you to be more present and engaged with your little one.

Consider the example of successful actress and mother, Angelina Jolie. Despite her demanding career and philanthropic endeavors, Jolie prioritizes self-care as a means to maintain balance. She engages in activities like painting, reading, and practicing yoga to recharge her energy and nurture her passions. Find activities that bring you joy and make them a regular part of your routine.

• Embrace the Power of Saying “No”:

It’s important to recognize your limitations and not overcommit yourself. Learn to say “no” to tasks or obligations that don’t align with your priorities or add unnecessary stress to your life. Setting boundaries allows you to protect your time and focus on what truly matters to you as a woman, mother, and a wife.

Successful businesswoman and mother, Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, advocates for the power of saying “no” to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By being selective with her commitments, she ensures that her time is allocated wisely, enabling her to excel both personally and professionally. Emulate this mindset and prioritize your well-being and the well-being of your family.

• Combine Tasks and Find Efficiency:

Look for opportunities to multitask and combine activities whenever possible. For example, you can listen to educational podcasts or audiobooks while doing household chores or exercising. Finding these pockets of time allows you to make the most of each moment and accomplish more in less time. You can also turn the boring house chores into some active meditation “me time” or even a low impact workout.

Inspiring entrepreneur and mom, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, shares how she maximizes her time by combining activities. She often takes conference calls while driving or exercises during business meetings. By finding efficiency in her schedule, she achieves a harmonious balance between work and personal life.

• Involve Your Little One:

Including your child in your daily activities can create bonding moments and help you accomplish tasks simultaneously. For instance, engage them in simple chores, such as sorting laundry or setting the table. This not only teaches them responsibility but also allows you to spend quality time together.

Jessica Alba, a successful actress and entrepreneur, involves her children in various activities, including her business ventures. By integrating her family into her work, she combines her passions and creates meaningful connections. Look for ways to involve your little one in age-appropriate tasks and make everyday activities enjoyable for both of you.

• Practice Self-Reflection and Adaptation:

Remember that time management techniques are not one-size-fits-all. Each person’s circumstances and priorities are unique, so it’s important to regularly assess your strategies and make adjustments accordingly. Engage in self-reflection, evaluate what’s working and what needs improvement, and adapt your approach as needed.

Successful author and mother, J.K. Rowling, emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and adaptation. She acknowledges that life’s circumstances change, and priorities shift accordingly. By continuously reassessing and adjusting, you can find a time management strategy that suits your evolving needs and supports your personal and maternal fulfillment.

Mastering time management as a busy mom 

Mastering time management as a mom is an ongoing journey that requires intention, flexibility, and self-compassion. By adopting strategies from successful individuals, both celebrities and inspiring people, you can find a balance between your responsibilities, chores, quality time with your baby, and pursuing your passions. Prioritize, establish routines, embrace technology, practice mindfulness, optimize “me” time, and involve your little one in your daily activities. Remember, you are capable of achieving personal fulfillment while nurturing your child. Embrace these techniques, adapt them to your circumstances, and unlock the secrets to balancing motherhood and personal satisfaction.

Conquering the To-Do Lists: By implementing these time management techniques, you can conquer your long to-do lists and feel more focused on each task at hand. Time blocking ensures that your day is structured, enabling you to be present in the moment without feeling overwhelmed. The Pomodoro Technique keeps you productive while preventing burnout. And outsourcing help allows you to prioritize self-care and personal growth.

My Personal Journey: A busy mom and a content creator

I, Emy, have faced the challenges of time management head-on. Initially, I struggled to find a balance between my responsibilities and my passion for YouTube and blogging. But with the implementation of time blocking and the Pomodoro Technique, along with the help of a nanny for my baby, I’ve been able to conquer my to-do lists, pursue my dreams, and still find time for self-care. It hasn’t been easy, and mom guilt still creeps in, but prioritizing my mental health has allowed me to be a happier and more present mother.

As mothers, it’s crucial to remember that self-care should be our number one priority. By implementing time management techniques like time blocking, the Pomodoro Technique, and outsourcing help, we can conquer overwhelming schedules and make time for ourselves. Remember, you deserve to thrive, both as a mother and as an individual. So, let’s organize our time, conquer our to-do lists, and find the perfect balance between nurturing our families and nurturing ourselves.

Tell me in the comments if you tried any of the above time management techniques or do you have few tips and tricks you can share with us to get the most out of our time.