It can be challenging to balance all the responsibilities effectively, but with the right time management tips for moms, you can prioritize your tasks and make the most of your time.
As a work-from-home mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage my time effectively. I’ve experienced everything from unexpected interruptions to difficulty focusing and prioritizing tasks. But over time, I’ve learned some effective time management strategies that have helped me to be more productive and achieve a better work-life balance.
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In this blog post, I want to share 25 of my top time management tips specifically for work-from-home moms.
Whether you’re struggling with distractions, feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, or simply looking for ways to be more efficient, these tips are designed to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.
When working from home, getting time management advice from experienced remote workers or seeking out online resources can be invaluable.
Here are the Best Time Management Tips for Moms Working From Home:
1. Create a Schedule and Stick To It
Creating a weekly schedule and sticking to it is essential for busy moms like us who have a million things going on. It’s easy to get sidetracked by household tasks or lose track of time when there’s no clear plan for the day.
When I first started working from home, I quickly learned the importance of having a daily routine and using my time wisely. It gave me structure and helped me stay on track with my work while also making quality time for my family and personal needs.
To create a schedule that works for you, think about your most productive times of day and time block your work hours around those key times.
How To Create Time Blocks:
Schedule dedicated work times
Assign specific tasks to each time block
Prioritize certain tasks within each block and eliminate any time wasters
Be sure to schedule breaks and time for other important household activities, like grocery shopping, paying bills, exercise, or family time.
2. Start Your Day Before Your Kids Wake Up
Waking up early before the kids wake up can be a game-changer!
It gives you a chance to have some quiet time to yourself and get a head start on the day.
I have to admit, I wasn’t always a morning person.
But when I started waking up just 30 minutes earlier than my kids, I noticed a huge difference in my productivity and mindset. I felt more in control of my day and less stressed by the demands of motherhood and work.
Of course, waking up early isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve had a long night with a crying baby or a restless toddler. But when I make it a priority to go to bed earlier and stick to a consistent wake-up time, I find that I have more energy and focus throughout the day.
Whether you’re a morning person or not, I encourage you to give waking up early a try. Even just a few extra minutes in the morning can make a big difference in how you approach your day as a work-from-home mom.
3. Have a Designated Workspace
It’s tough to balance work and home life when you’re in the same space all day. At first, I tried working from the kitchen table or the couch, but I quickly realized that I was easily distracted by household tasks and family members.
Setting up a workspace in a separate room made a huge difference for me. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a functional and comfortable space with a desk, chair, and supplies.
When I’m in my workspace, I can focus on work and put aside other distractions.
Even if you don’t have a spare room, finding a quiet corner of the house or setting up a temporary workspace can still help. The key is to create a space that works for you and minimizes distractions.
*Bonus: Tidy Your Workspace
Keep a clean and organized workspace
Create systems to keep your workspace tidy
Save time by working in an organized environment
4. Communicate Your Schedule to Your Family Members and Ask for Their Cooperation
When I first started working from home, I struggled with interruptions and finding time to focus on work. But by sitting down with my family and explaining my schedule and needs, we were able to find a balance that worked for everyone.
Now, my family knows when I’m working and respects my schedule. It’s important to remember that communication is a two-way street and to listen to your family’s needs as well.
If you’re a work-from-home mom struggling to manage your time, don’t hesitate to communicate your schedule and needs with your family. It may take some effort and patience, but it’s worth it to create a more supportive and productive home environment.
5. Use Time-Tracking Tools to Keep Track of How You Spend Your Time
Using time-tracking tools might sound a little intimidating, but it can be a helpful way for you to get a better understanding of how you’re spending your time and make improvements where needed.
There are a ton of different time-tracking tools out there, ranging from simple apps that track how long you spend on specific tasks to more advanced software that can analyze your productivity and give you suggestions on how to improve.
Using a time-tracking tool can help you:
Identify which tasks are taking up the most time and whether they’re worth the investment
Determine how much time you’re spending on work versus personal tasks and adjust your schedule accordingly
Set goals for how much time you want to spend on specific tasks and track your progress
Improve your time management skills by identifying areas where you can be more efficient
When choosing a time-tracking tool, consider factors like ease of use, and compatibility with your devices, and decide whether it offers the features you need. Some popular options include Toggl, RescueTime, and Harvest.
Remember, using a time-tracking tool isn’t about micromanaging your time or stressing yourself out about productivity. It’s about gaining insight into how you’re spending your time and making adjustments as needed to achieve your goals and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
6. Prioritize Your Tasks and Focus On The Most Important Ones First
As a busy mom, prioritizing your tasks is essential for you to make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed by your to-do lists.
Making sure to tackle the most important tasks at the start of your day can help you achieve your goals and feel accomplished. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff and lose sight of the big picture. Instead, prioritize what’s most important and go from there.
It can be tempting to try to tackle everything at once, but I know that focusing on the most important tasks first will help you make progress toward your goals.
Of course, sometimes unexpected tasks or emergencies come up, and I have to adjust my priorities accordingly. But having a clear understanding of what needs to be done and what can wait helps me stay focused and productive throughout the day.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take breaks and recharge when I need to. Sometimes, stepping away from my work for a few minutes can actually help me be more productive in the long run.
7. Break Down Larger Tasks into Smaller, More Manageable Tasks.
It’s easy to feel like we don’t have enough time or resources to complete a big project or task.
That’s why breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones is a helpful strategy for any project or task. When I’m faced with a big project, I like to break it down into smaller pieces.
For example, when I planned my son’s birthday party, I focused on smaller tasks like choosing a theme, creating invitations, and planning the menu. This made the task feel less intimidating and helped me feel more in control.
The same approach can be applied to work tasks, such as writing a report or completing a project. By breaking it down into smaller tasks, like researching, drafting, editing, and finalizing, we can make progress toward our goal and feel accomplished along the way.
This strategy can be used in all areas of life. Whether we’re organizing and cleaning our home, planning a big event, or working on a hobby, breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help us maintain our motivation and focus.
8. Learn To Say NO To Tasks That Don’t Align With Your Priorities
I know how difficult it can be to balance work and family responsibilities. It seems like there’s always someone or something vying for our attention, and it can be tough to prioritize what’s really important.
That’s why learning to say no is such an important skill for work-from-home moms. It’s not about being selfish or refusing to help others, but rather about protecting our time and energy so we can focus on the things that matter most.
Personally, I’ve had to learn how to say no the hard way. I used to say yes to everything, thinking I could do it all. But I quickly realized that trying to do everything was unsustainable and left me feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Now, when a request or task comes my way, I take a moment to evaluate whether it aligns with my goals and priorities.
And if it doesn’t, then it becomes a hard no…
9. Take Advantage of Technology to Automate Repetitive Tasks
Doing the same tired thing over and over again can take a toll on our productivity and mental energy, leaving us with less time to focus on the important stuff.
There are so many little things that need to get done, and they can really add up throughout the day.
That’s why I love using technology to help automate some of these repetitive tasks online. It’s amazing how much time, money, and energy I can save by using tools like email filters, scheduling software, and bank automation.
For example, I use an email filter to sort and prioritize my inbox automatically. This way, I don’t waste time sifting through spam or unimportant emails, and I can focus on the emails that require my attention.
I’m also a fan of automating regular payments so that bills don’t slip through the cracks.
Of course, not every task can be automated, and it’s important to find the right balance between automation and personal attention.
But by taking advantage of technology to automate repetitive tasks, you can work more efficiently and spend more free time on the things you really enjoy.
10. Make Use of Productivity Apps
Being organized is crucial for work-from-home moms who want to be efficient and productive. I’m always searching for tools that can help me stay on track, which is why I love using various organization and productivity apps like Trello, Asana, ClickUp, and Todoist.
These apps are like personal assistants that help me keep track of all my tasks and projects. I can easily create to-do lists, set reminders, and track my progress, which helps me stay focused and productive.
Personally, I find Trello to be the most helpful app. Its visual layout allows me to create different boards for different projects or categories. For example, I have a board for work tasks, a board for personal tasks, and a board for household tasks. This way, everything is organized and easy to find.
Todoist is also great for simpler to-do lists. It’s great for setting reminders and due dates, and I can easily create recurring tasks for things that I need to do regularly.
11. Avoid Multitasking
We all know how challenging it can be to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
While multitasking might seem like the perfect solution, it can actually be counterproductive.
While it’s tempting to try to multi-task in order to get more done, studies have shown that focusing on one task at a time can actually lead to greater productivity and efficiency.
Focusing on one task at a time and giving it our full attention can help us be more efficient and effective.
When we try to do too many things at once, our attention becomes divided, and we end up doing everything less effectively.
We’re more likely to make mistakes, forget important details, and take longer to complete other tasks than if we focused on one thing at a time.
12. Take Breaks Throughout The Day
Taking breaks allows us to recharge our energy and focus, which helps us avoid burnout and stay motivated. It can also help us maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is essential for our overall well-being.
There are many ways to take breaks throughout the day, depending on what works best for you. Some ideas include taking a short walk, doing a quick workout, reading a book, or just sitting and relaxing for a few minutes.
Personally, I like to take a break every couple of hours to stretch and move my body. I find that this helps me stay focused and energized throughout the day.
13. Use A Timer To Stay On Track
There are so many distractions around us, from social media to household chores, that it’s easy to lose track of time and fall behind on tasks.
Setting a timer for a specific task can help you stay focused on that task without getting distracted by other things. It can also help you stay motivated and work more efficiently.
For example, you might set a timer for 30 minutes and focus solely on one task during that time. Once the timer goes off, take a short break before moving on to the next task.
Plus, it’s a great way to avoid getting bogged down in perfectionism or spending too much time on a single task.
14. Set Boundaries with Your Family And Friends
It’s tough being a work-from-home mom, right?
With family members around, it’s easy to get interrupted and lose focus. That’s why it’s crucial to set boundaries with your loved ones to avoid distractions during work hours.
Set specific work hours and let your family and friends know when you’re not available. This way, you can get your work done without constant interruptions.
Trust me, setting boundaries is the key to getting things done and keeping your sanity intact.
It’s also important to communicate the importance of these boundaries to your family and friends so that they understand the impact interruptions can have on your work and productivity.
15. Use A Headset Or Earplugs To Block Out Distractions
When you’re working from home, it can be difficult to block out distractions. One way to stay focused is to use noise-canceling headsets or even AirPods.
Personally, I’m a big fan of using headsets to block out background noise while I work from home. They help me stay laser-focused on my tasks when I’m starting to feel distracted.
Here is a time management tip that works for me…
What I like to do is create music playlists that are in time block form so I know when the playlist is over, I can move on to the next task. Sometimes I wear my AirPods, and sometimes I just have my music playlist playing in the background.
Either way, adding these simple tools and time hacks to your work-from-home arsenal can make a big difference in staying productive, having fun, and getting the job done.
16. Schedule Regular Exercise Breaks
Taking breaks for exercise is a game-changer for staying energized and focused throughout the day.
Not only does exercise boost my energy levels, but it also helps clear my mind and reduce stress. It’s a great way to improve my overall well-being and feel better both physically and mentally.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate exercise into your day, depending on your preferences and schedule. Personally, I like to take a walk outside or do a quick workout video. Even just stretching for a few minutes can help me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of my tasks.
17. Take Advantage Of Meal Planning And Prepping
It can be tough to find time to cook healthy meals every day. Sometimes it feels like the easiest option is just to grab something quick and unhealthy. But I’ve found that taking advantage of meal prepping and planning meals ahead of time has been a game-changer for my health and my schedule.
On the weekends, I’ll set aside some time to organize and prep ingredients for the week ahead.
It might be as simple as chopping up some veggies or cooking a big batch of chicken or meat to have on hand. Then during the week, I can quickly assemble healthy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Of course, there are times when something comes up, and that’s okay too. But by making it a habit to prep and plan whenever possible, you’re able to eat healthier and save time during busy weekdays especially when it comes time to cooking dinner which for me is the most challenging).
18. Limit Your Social Media And Email Usage During Work Hours
I know how easy it is to get distracted by social media and email during work hours. But I’ve found that setting boundaries around my usage of these platforms has been a big help in staying focused and productive.
One thing that’s worked well for me is turning off my phone notifications during work hours. It can be so tempting to check my phone every time I hear a buzz, but that just leads to distractions and decreased productivity. By turning off my notifications, I can stay focused on my work without the constant interruption of incoming messages.
I’ve also found it helpful to set specific times during the day to check my email and social media, such as during designated breaks. This helps me stay on track with my work and avoid getting sucked into the black hole of social media.
The key is to be mindful of how much time you’re spending on these tasks and avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated content.
19. Set Realistic Goals For Yourself And Celebrate Your Accomplishments
As a work-from-home mom, it’s easy to feel like you’re not making progress or getting anything done. This can lead to feelings of frustration and demotivation.
That’s why setting realistic goals and celebrating your accomplishments are so important!!
When you break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, it can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and give you a sense of progress as you complete each task. It’s also important to celebrate your accomplishments, whether it’s taking a break to do something you enjoy or simply acknowledging your progress.
20. Avoid Overcommitting Yourself
It’s easy to feel like we need to do everything ourselves. But the truth is, we can’t do it all! Learning to avoid overcommitting ourselves and delegating tasks when necessary is key to maintaining our productivity and well-being.
For me, it was hard to admit that I couldn’t do everything on my own. But once I started to prioritize my tasks and delegate the less important ones, I found that I had more time and energy to focus on all the things that really mattered.
Whatever it is, remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
Personally, I’ve found that making a to-do list and prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency helps me avoid taking on too much. It’s also helped me identify tasks that I can delegate to others, freeing up time for more important tasks.
By avoiding overcommitment and learning to delegate tasks, we can maintain a healthy balance and achieve our goals as work-from-home moms without burning out.
21. Create A To-Do List At The End Of Each Day To Prepare For The Next Day
Taking a few minutes at the end of the day to write down everything I need to accomplish the next day helps me feel more organized and in control. I prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency and try to be realistic about what I can accomplish in a day.
Unexpected tasks can pop up anytime when you’re working from home, and it can be challenging to keep track of everything. That’s why I always make a to-do list to help me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Not only does having a to-do list help me stay organized, but there’s also something incredibly satisfying and motivating about crossing off tasks once I’ve completed them. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and helps me see all the progress I’ve made throughout the day.
So if you’re struggling to keep track of your tasks and responsibilities, try creating a to-do list at the end of each day.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, just a simple list of everything you need to do can make a big difference in your productivity and overall well-being. So grab a pen and paper, and start jotting down those tasks!
22. Take Advantage Of Your Peak Productivity Hours
One of the best ways to maximize your productivity as a work-from-home mom is to identify your peak productivity hours and plan your most important tasks accordingly.
For me…I’m a morning person, so I tackle my biggest tasks during that time.
But, if you’re more of a night owl, you might prefer to work on your most important tasks later in the day.
It’s about finding what works for you and your natural energy levels. By working in sync with your body’s rhythms, you can get more done quickly and with less stress.
Of course, life is unpredictable, and there will be times when you have to work outside of your peak productivity hours. But, by prioritizing your most important tasks during your peak productivity hours, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and accomplish more.
It might take some experimentation, but once you find what works best for you, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve.
23. Use The Pomodoro Technique to Increase Focus And Productivity
If you struggle with focus and productivity, the Pomodoro technique might be just what you need. This time-management method involves breaking your work into focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a short break, and then repeating the process.
Here’s how it works: Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a specific task with intense focus during that time. When the timer goes off, take a short break of 5-10 minutes to recharge your batteries. Then, start the process again, with another 25-minute work interval.
You can use free online tools like this timer from Pomofocus to get started.
Not only does the Pomodoro technique help you maintain focus during work intervals, but it also provides built-in breaks to prevent burnout and increase productivity.
It’s a simple yet effective way to stay on track with your work and can be used for tasks of any size or complexity. So give it a try and see how it works for you!
24. Avoid Procrastination
I know how easy it is to get distracted and procrastinate. One of the best ways to avoid procrastination is to set yourself up for success. That means creating a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions, like TV or social media.
It’s also important to set realistic goals and prioritize your tasks to get everything done. Start with the most important ones and work your way down the list. And, if you find yourself getting sidetracked, take a short break to reset your focus.
Another tip is to hold yourself accountable by setting deadlines and tracking your progress. You could use a planner or task management app to help you stay on track.
And finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done! Whether it’s taking a walk outside or indulging in a sweet treat, treating yourself can be a great motivator to keep you going kind of like having a little time management game with yourself. (and always being the winner, of course😉)
25. Take Care Of Yourself By Getting Enough Sleep, Eating Healthy, And Managing Stress Levels
It can be easy to get caught up in work and forget to take care of ourselves, but it’s crucial to prioritize our mental health and wellness so that we can perform our best.
One key way to take care of ourselves is by getting enough restful sleep each night. I know it can be tempting to stay up late to finish work, but trust me, a good night’s sleep can work wonders for your productivity.
Another way to prioritize our health is by fueling our bodies with nutritious foods. I know it can be tempting to snack on junk food when you’re busy, but try to make healthy choices instead. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will give you the energy you need to tackle the day.
And let’s not forget about stress management! It’s no secret that working from home can be stressful, but there are plenty of ways to cope.
Personally, I love taking breaks to do some yoga or guided meditation but find what works for you when you start feeling stressed.
Final Thoughts
Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not making progress toward your goals. But with the right mindset and time management strategies, you can stop wasting time, take control of your day, and achieve your goals.
That’s why it’s essential to create a schedule, prioritize your tasks, and take breaks to recharge. This will help you reduce stress and increase productivity, allowing you to balance work and family life more effectively.
Don’t forget to prioritize a few hours for self-care, because a happy mom is a successful mom! Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and managing stress levels. By making self-care a priority, you can improve your productivity and overall well-being.
So, start implementing these time management tips today and watch how much more productive and fulfilled you can be as a work-from-home mom! Remember, you can achieve great things, and you’ve got this!