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As moms, we’re always busy. It can be hard to keep on top of everything, whether it’s taking care of our families or ourselves. Here are 10 ways you can get more done in less time by making sure you’re spending your time wisely.
The most important thing about managing your time is that you need to manage it every day, not just one day a week when things start piling up.
These tips will help with productivity and getting things done as soon as they come up so they don’t pile up on you at all!
Table of Contents
Time Management Tip #1: Make A List & Check it Twice
This seems like such an obvious step, but you would be surprised how many people don’t do it. Sit down at the beginning of each day (or night) and make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished during that period – then stick to that list.
Get things done as they come up on your list, instead of getting distracted by something else or putting off work until later. You can even check things off as you go! Stay organized and focused with lists.
Time Management Tip #2 Make Your Bed in The Morning
When you make your bed in the morning, not only are you making your room look nice, you are making yourself more productive throughout your day.
Sure, small stuff like making your bed doesn’t take much time…but when you add it all up at the end of 7 days/week, 51 weeks/year for 10 years…that extra 5 minutes spent per week really adds up!
Time Management Tip #3: DVR and PVR (Personal Video Recorder)
Watching TV is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day at work. By setting up your DVR or PVR before you leave for work in the morning, you can set aside about 20-30 minutes every evening to watch some of your favorite shows guilt-free.
That gives you one less thing to worry about when you get home from work. It also frees up extra time in your evenings so you can spend more quality time with family and friends, or get ahead on projects around the house.
Time Management Tip #4: Use Me Minutes To Take Care Of Yourself
While trying to find ways to organize your life, you might find yourself adding errands around town to fit into your schedule instead of spending that time relaxing.
Instead of looking for new activities to fill up your time, invest some me minutes into taking care of yourself. Buy yourself flowers, get a manicure or pedicure—anything that makes you feel special!
Even if it takes just 15 minutes out of your afternoon here and there, those 15 me minutes will make a big difference over time.
Time Management Tip #5: Keep Things Neat At Work
Does everybody know where everything is? Is there plenty of storage space? Is everyone sharing computer files appropriately? If your answer to any of these questions is no, chances are good that you could improve upon your office organization skills.
Having a neat workspace leads to fewer distractions and helps keep everyone on task at work.
Time Management Tip #6: Batch Your Errands Together
It may seem silly at first glance, but batching your errands together can save a lot of gas money over time if you’re planning multiple trips around town anyway.
Do you need to drop your kids off at daycare, get groceries and pick up dinner at a restaurant? Try to make it a single trip. And don’t forget to ask your spouse, significant other or babysitter for help!
Time Management Tip #7: Avoid Clutter
Clutter can slow you down in ways that you might not expect. Remember that every time you look for something and can’t find it right away, it is taking away from your productivity.
Whether it’s booked on your desk or clothes in your closet, too much clutter can drive you crazy. Spend a little time every weekend doing some deep cleaning; you’ll thank yourself later.
Time Management Tip #8: Put Off Procrastination
Procrastination is never going to help you get things done faster. Just because something is easy or fun right now, doesn’t mean that it will be when you put it off for another day and have to turn around and do it again! To avoid procrastination, do these:
Focus on your most important tasks first
Make a list of your priorities and assign them importance, starting with number 1 being your most important and ending with whatever is least important.
Then, write down time blocks for when you will work on each task. That way, you can stay focused on what’s most important!
Prioritize what’s urgent & Quit multitasking
Trying to get more done and rushing through your work? Don’t be in such a hurry! Not only is multitasking a waste of time, but it can make you less efficient at each task.
Now, think about how you can apply each tip to your daily routine. For example, when you’re taking your dog for a walk, use that time to call back clients who were supposed to get back to you that day. Or, when you’re waiting in line at Starbucks, work on plans for an upcoming project.
The point is to figure out how and where you can better use your time based on what works best for you. You can adapt some of these tips to help with your entire household, not just for yourself.
One trick I’ve found helpful is setting an alarm on my phone for each kid for 30 minutes every hour. That way, I can get things done during times that aren’t currently distracting, but then if they want my attention (usually a bad idea when they want it) they only have a limited amount of time to be annoying.
