Managing time seems to be one of the biggest concerns for mothers these days. Whether they’re employed or a stay-at-home mom, most find it strenuous and nerve wrecking to get all their daily activities done on time.

If you wish for a little peace of mind or a free space in your schedule to enjoy time with your loved ones or yourself, looking for ways to optimize your time can help massively.

8 Actions to Help Manage Time as a Busy Mum

It’s hard to avoid chaos altogether, however, with the help of the following time management hacks, you can bring some order to your daily routine and remove the unnecessary stress out of life.

1. Be Organized and Use a Planner

Make a to-do list or maintain a planner. Initially this may seem like extra work, however, once you make it a habit, you’ll find yourself accomplishing more in a shorter time span.

Maintaining a planner prevents stress induced by common pressure traps that majority of the busy moms face on a daily basis, from forgetting appointments to remembering school homework or project due dates. It also helps to mark activities or event dates on a calendar. Follow a disciplined strategy and go through each day’s plans the night before, this way you’ll be mentally prepared prior to carrying out the tasks for the next day.

2. Prioritize and Assess Your Time

Execute your tasks starting from what’s most important or urgent to what can wait. Experts suggest that it’s more convenient if you divide your to-do list into three categories: things that require immediate attention, then the ones that can be taken care of anytime during the week and lastly, the things you can put off for a while or are long term, on-going tasks.

While carrying out a specific activity, be vigilant on how much time you spend and avoid taking more time than what it is actually required. Stay focused on one task so you can finish it earlier and move on to your next mission.

3. Take Shortcuts

Majority of moms spend time on activities that can be easily avoided by taking shortcuts. For example, you can buy pre-cut vegetables or canned items to reduce the time you spend prepping or cooking. Cook once a day and prepare batches for both lunch and dinner. You can also prepare items like sandwiches or wraps that can be refrigerated for you to have for the next day.

The trick to manage time here is that if there is any easier or a shorter route to get things done, make sure to opt for it. It could be for anything, from getting the household chores done to even getting to the office and back home on time.

4. Multitask When Possible

Multitasking is effective only when you pair mindless tasks with the ones that require focus and attention. For example, you can complete one physical task like cleaning the kitchen while you orally quiz your children for their school test. You can also throw in a load of laundry in the washing machine and prepare lunch or dinner while you wait.

There are more than enough ways to get twice as much done in a day, however, if you feel your tasks are left incomplete or are sloppy, then avoid multitasking and focus on getting one thing done at a time. This is a better time saver strategy than re-doing what you had already attempted to do.

5. Consolidate and Put Everything Back In Its Place

A significant amount of time is wasted on looking for lost items. Make sure everyone, including you, puts away items exactly where they belong after being used.

It will also be more convenient to keep things in an organized fashion. For example, items of the same ‘category’, like your children’s swimwear or all the sports uniforms should be kept in one drawer.

6. Delegate

Relinquishing control is hard. As a mother who knows her way around the house, you will always feel that you can do it better than anyone else can. However, it’s quite impossible for one person to accomplish everything in one day.

Divide the daily chores into simple tasks that the children can carry out easily. Ask for help from your spouse and allow them to take care of tasks that do not specifically require your attention. You’ll get more bonding time with your family as a bonus when carrying out daily duties together.

7. Use The Internet to Your Advantage

The best way to save time is by using the internet to get some of the tasks done. Paying bills and carrying out several other banking functions can be easily done online without having to leave your home.

Online shopping is a blessing for busy moms, you can search and compare items from a wide range of products and have it delivered to your doorstep. No amount of time is wasted on standing in line, or on travelling from store to store in search of what you require.

8. Keep Motherhood and Work Responsibilities Separated

Try to leave your motherhood responsibilities at home when you head out for work, and vice versa for when you return back home.

However, if your occupation requires you to take work home, for example, if you’re a teacher and you have to check homework assignments or grade papers, make sure to do them after the kids have gone to bed. Furthermore, always try to have a fixed time to end your day and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You cannot successfully manage time if you are physically and mentally drained.

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