You're probably one of the many moms out there who might be
thinking that working from home is the best way to balance parenting and career
responsibilities. After all, it seems like the perfect solution – you can look
after your children, take care of your house, and earn an income all at the
same time.
While it's true that there are many benefits to working from
home, in reality, it's not always a walk in the park, especially for working
moms. Household chores, along with job target deadlines and deliverables, can
be overwhelming. And staying focused with babies throwing tantrums or kids
running around can be challenging.
But don't despair! There are ways to make working from home
beneficial for you. Here are seven time-saving tips to help you manage your
time to get things done.
7 Time-Saving Tips for Moms
1. Plan your day the night before.
One of the best ways to save time is to plan your day the
night before. This way, you can hit the ground running in the morning and not
waste time figuring out what you need to do. Sit down and make a to-do list for
both work and home. And prioritize tasks with deadlines or are significant to
avoid getting side-tracked by less important tasks.
If you can, try to assign specific times for each task on
your list. For example, if you know you need to spend two hours working on a
project, schedule it from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Or, if you are doing the laundry for an hour, you can set
it from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Unexpected events will inevitably occur from time to time.
But having a general idea of what you need to do each day will save you
valuable time and help you to stay organized.
2. Wake up earlier to get a head start on the day.
This one is definitely easier said than done, but if you can manage to wake up at least 30 minutes before your kids, it will make a world of difference. Use this time to do some quick household tasks, such as making breakfast. Or, get ahead on your work by checking your email.
If you have trouble waking up early, try setting your alarm
for a few minutes earlier each day until you reach your goal. Also, make sure
to go to bed at a reasonable time so that you're well-rested.
3. Have a specific work area in your home.
When working from home, it's crucial to have a designated
work area where you can focus on your work. It can be a spare bedroom or even
just a small desk in your bedroom. The key is to make sure that this space is
separate from the rest of your home so that you can mentally transition into
work mode when you're there.
Also, make sure your workspace is organized and conducive to
productivity. This means having everything you need within reach to save time
from searching for things when needed and away from distractions such as TV or
kids' play area.
4. Delegate tasks to your partner or older children whenever possible.
Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you have
to do everything yourself. If you have a partner, see if they can take on some
household chores like washing dishes or mopping floors. Likewise, you can
assign your older children to clean their rooms or fold clean clothes.
Delegating tasks will lighten your load and give you more
time to focus on work or spend with your younger children. Plus, it's an
excellent way to teach kids responsibility and help them develop some essential
life skills.
5. Prepare a meal plan for the week on Sundays.
One of the biggest time-wasters for working moms is trying
to figure out what to make for meals every day. Therefore, you should set aside
time on Sunday for meal planning and preparation to save time and reduce stress
throughout the week.
Chop vegetables, cook proteins, and make sauces or marinades
in advance so that all you have to do is assemble everything when it's time to
eat. Make sure your Meal Plans in Dubai has a few quick and easy recipes you can rely on during busy days.
Further, planning your meals will help you avoid last-minute
trips to the grocery store or fast food drive-thrus. Therefore, saving you time
during the week and helping you and your family eat healthier meals.
6. Use technology to your advantage.
There are a ton of great apps and online tools that can help
you save time when you're working from home. For instance, plenty of to-do list
apps can help you keep track of your tasks and deadlines, and other online
tools allow you to collaborate with team members or clients without meeting
them in person.
Additionally, there are grocery delivery services that can
bring your groceries right to your door. Or great time-saving tools like a
robotic vacuum cleaner that can keep your floors clean while you’re busy with
work or taking care of your kids.
7. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge.
Working straight through the day can be tempting, especially
if you're trying to get ahead or meet a deadline. But working non-stop will
only make you feel more tired and less productive in the long run. Hence, you
need to take a few minutes to yourself every couple of hours to recharge.
Go for a walk, nap, or just step away from your workstation
to clear your head. If you have young kids at home, use this time to bond with
them. This will help you come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever's
next on your list.
Final Tip
Working from home can be tough. That’s why it's essential to
set boundaries with your family. Explain to your kids that you cannot be
interrupted when working. But let them know they can come to you when they need
you the most.
If your goal is to achieve a balance that works for you and
your family, you should manage your time wisely and make working from home work
for you. Undoubtedly, it can be your way to have the best of both worlds – a
successful career and happy family life.
