Tips for being a productive mom

We're staying on the productivity train for this one! How often do you complain about your to-do list or lack of alone time as a mom/wife/employee/friend/daughter? But then when you have alone time you end up mindlessly scrolling on your phone...

The title says mom because since becoming a Mom I've been feeling like always having to be "on". And a lot of you mom-planner-babes have been reaching out and talking about the goal-setting series here on my blog. That made me think and see that a mom is never off-duty, you're always juggling stuff like the kids, household chores, family time, social expectations, work-related. We have a lot going on, but all the tips in this article can definitely be used if you're not a mom too.

It is difficult to spend time at home during this pandemic time when our daily lives may not be our old normal. We're forced to stay at home and work from home but that can be an opportunity to heal, read more, shop online, learn new things, and do sports at home. Instead of mindlessly scrolling Instagram or Facebook or TikTok, let's work on our productivity and well being! Before we dive in, I also want to say (as I did many times in the goal-setting series): Give yourself grace! It's okay to have off-days and to not feel your best and to no do everything on your major to-do list. Take care of yourself too!

Productivity

Tip 1. Reduce (phone)distraction

What is distracting you? Social media, for example, is very distracting. Separate yourself from your social media so that you can focus on the things that really matter. Put your phone away while you're doing work and decide on a set time every night to put it away so you're not mindlessly scrolling on it. Maybe even try 1 or 2 phone free days or nights when you're ready.

Tip 2. Make a list

At night before you go to bed or in the morning as you wake up, make a list of things you have to do. Keep this list with you wherever you go. If you're a planner babe like me, make a section in your on the go planner!

Tip 3. Identify your most important tasks

As a mom, we always feel like we have to do it all. But we don't or we can't. And that's okay, we're just human and we're trying our best. Identify the 3 most important things on your to-do list, create a schedule for yourself and make sure you complete everything you have planned.

Tip 4. Do quick tasks first

Even if you do not have enough energy to do a big job, you can still make time to do a small task. Check off items on your to-do list that can be done quickly, such as clear out a drawer, send an e-mail, do a quick sweep of your living room. Small things add up and make you feel super productive to get that vibe going.

Tip 5. Declutter a room/cabinet or closet

When you're ready and feel super productive let's start with decluttering. This always gets me going and makes me feel very accomplished. Too much clutter in the house is too much clutter in your mind. So get rid of stuff. Start with a desk, a closet, a cabinet or if you're up for it, tackle that room that's been bugging you.

Extra tip: have a bag or box ready for donations, relocate (things that belong in another room in your house) and one for garbage. Also, try to make sure you can drop off all the things in the garbage box that same day. Drive by the places in your community where you can get rid of all those things, like recycle points and such.

Tip 6. Shop online

Since this whole pandemic hit I've been stepping up my online shopping game. All my groceries get ordered online, I do try to shop locally & online for things like gifts and clothes and such. Shopping online vs. shopping in-store, it's a time saver and reduces a lot of stress.

Try new things
Tip 7. Cook something new

Try a new snack to go with a family movie, try a new dinner recipe. Subscribe to a meal box, like Hello Fresh or whatever it is you can get locally.

Tip 8. Craft!

As a true crafter, I love getting craft with my kid. It can be something simple like drawing or painting but you can do more complicated things too. Pinterest is full of great crafty ideas for families and kids.

Tip 9. Learn something new

One of the most productive tasks these days is learning on the Internet. You can watch YouTube tutorials or learn facts and skills through TED conversations on any topic you'd like. You can also try apps/sites like DuoLingo to learn a new language, so much fun!

Tip 10. Make/send cards

Mail out written and/or homemade cards and letters to family and friends to brighten up their time at home. Receiving mail is a quick way to make someone's day.

Selfcare
Tip 11. Read a book

Take advantage of this period at home to read a good book. Block out time in your planner just for you, create some quiet time and enjoy a good book of your liking.

Tip 12. A nice-looking manicure

Our hands do hard work, pamper yourself and give yourself a gorgeous manicure or book a mani/pedi at your favourite salon. Pamper yourself!

Tip 13. Take daily walks

Daily walks are a great way to get your exercise in, but also a great source for some much needed Vitamine D, to clear your mind, enjoy nature and alone time or do a family walk together. Get out and get moving!

Tip 14. Start a garden

Start planning your home garden. Research which plants grow in your area, find the perfect spot in your yard and prepare it. You can do a lot of prep-work if shops in your region are still closed/you're still in lockdown where you live.

Reduce stress

If your worries are more emotional and they cause you lots of stress or anxiety, then take five minutes to practice brief meditation.

Tip 15. Journal

Try practising gratitude each morning to focus on the positive aspects

Tip 16. Yoga

This activity calms your mind, reduces stress, and distracts your mind. THE best way in helping you get more done.

Tip 17. Meditation

Meditate for at least ten to fifteen minutes to start your day. This technique can permit you to take stock of yourself and calm your body, mind, and soul. You can also do bedtime meditation, a couple of minutes before you go to bed to help ease your mind and have a good nights rest.

I hope you can find some useful tips out of these 17 tips. Remember to take care of your beautiful self and give yourself some grace! So important!

Talk soon! x

Photocredits: Shutterstock