5 ways to get organized and feel more in control of your time as a busy mom
I truly enjoy working with all our clients, the one population that really touches me is busy moms. Why? Because I was there. I work with moms all the time who share the same stressors; they’re doing a constant juggling act, trying to always keep all the balls up in the air. Whether it’s the ‘simple’ task of folding a load of clothes, keeping your eye on the clock for the next carpool, playing referee to fighting kids, or a camp counselor trying to keep the kids busy, I see you. I hear you. I was there.
Add health issues to that, like with my firstborn, who has severe food allergies and had anaphylaxis twice by the time he was three years old, you get, in addition to the above, a very anxious and overwhelmed mom. Now, the whole food situation takes on a new life of its own.
When my two boys were very young, Baby Mozart, Barney, and Bob the Builder were my besties. I mastered the art of emptying my dishwasher, making dinner, and sometimes even having an adult conversation during this 20-30 clip of time.
Now an empty-nester, I’ve exchanged my busy mom hat for a businesswoman hat, and one of the best parts of my role as a professional organizer is getting to help fellow busy moms gain a better sense of control and calm in their lives. Here are some ways to help you feel a bit more in control (of course with an organizing twist!)
1. Plan your meals
Plan your meals - as challenging as it is, plan your meals each week by first deciding what you will serve and then making a grocery list with the necessary items. Everyone is tired and cranky by dinner, the easier you can make this part of the day, everyone will benefit.
2. Routines!
Kids want and love this (even though they may not know that) and will make your home run like a well-oiled machine. Use a planner, a whiteboard, your phone – just get in the habit of sticking to the routine you’ve created.
3. To-Do lists? Go easy on yourself.
One of the things I say most to my clients is ‘start small.’ Start with the most important item or one that has a close deadline first. Really prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait. I recommend a spiral-type notebook using one page per day. What doesn’t get done or can be carried over to the next is noted accordingly.
4. Make time for yourself and leave mom guilt at the door!
When all our energy is allocated to taking care of everyone else, it makes sense that we often have little left to take care of our own needs. When we do find the time, it often comes with feelings of guilt or anxiety. In truth, it’s just as important to prioritize time for ourselves as it is to make time for your family. Whether that means having lunch with a friend, taking a workout class, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee with no interruptions, making time for yourself helps to feel more fulfilled and reenergized for your duties as a mom.
5. Learn to ask for and to accept help.
So many of us moms get caught in a cycle of feeling like it’s up to us to get the job done and then feeling overwhelmed and sometimes even resentful as a result; whether it be because we don’t like asking for help, we don’t trust the job to get done to our standards unless we do it ourselves, or it’s just what we’re used to. Remember the saying: it takes a village! So, don’t be afraid to call on your community when you need an extra hand.
Implementing these five things will help you feel more in control of your time as a busy mom. Take it from one busy mom to another! Feeling unsure where to start? I’m passionate about helping moms like you and me gain more control and get organized. Call me today at 201 214 0652 for a free consultation to get started on the right track.