As we celebrate all amazing moms everywhere, this post is just in time for all of those wonderful ladies to allow themselves some relaxation and “me time” today and beyond. Moms are natural multitaskers with a laundry lists of to-do’s to complete on a daily basis. We’re glad to do it and are proud of our families and each role we play, however, quite frequently we get burnt out and forget to give ourselves a little self-care. Not to worry, journey with me below for tips to organize your day so that you are able to carve out some time to for you in your schedule on a daily basis.
What is the culprit of being burnt out and overwhelmed? Many times these feelings surface when we feel there is so much to be done and never enough time to fit it all in. Not far behind those feelings, are their cousins – exhaustion and frustration. Let’s avoid all of the above. Here are 5 tips to help you organize your day and to feel accomplished and fulfilled at the end of it.
TIP 1: Don’t Overcrowd Your Daily Schedule
It is easy to get in the habit of wanting to knock down as many tasks off your list as possible and to try to cram in as much as you can in the time you have available each day. Please, avoid this urge. You may accomplish many tasks but will exert all of your energy by the end of the day and won’t have much to give to you or your family, as a result. Create a routine schedule for yourself, with points to accomplish on a daily basis. Jot it down and post it in a place where you’ll view it daily. Allot time for each tasks, making sure to include time for yourself in that agenda. If you have to forgo some tasks to make sure you fit on your schedule, prioritize your tasks and push ones that aren’t most pressing to the next day. DO NOT forgo time for yourself to fit more tasks in.
TIP 2: Write a List of Fun/Relaxing Activities You’d Like to Do Yourself
While assigning time to each task you plan to complete each day, assign time for completing fun or relaxing things you would like to do. If you’d like to get a 20-minute workout in every morning, wake up 25 to 30 minutes ahead of your schedule to get that in. It’s great to work out in the mornings because it helps to jump start your day and boosts your energy.
Also, write a list of 50 things you would like to do and pull from that list daily. Feel free to repeat your favorites. If you are working from home or are commuting to your job each day, schedule time in for a quick breakfast and time for reflection and inspiration. If you don’t have much time to spare, prepare easy breakfast meals that you can grab and go on a regular basis and read audible books, teachings, music and more during your commute or time to get ready.
TIP 3: Set Bedtime and Nap Time (for Working From Home Moms) Daily
If you are working from home or are a stay-at-home mom, set a time in your schedule daily for your kids to take a nap. It is essential for children, especially toddlers, to have at least 10 hours of rest each day. Nap time is quality time for kids to recharge and will help them tackle more tasks successfully if they’re being home-schooled and are required to complete chores. Always allow time for organized play or outside activities so they enjoy each day and won’t get burnt out, as well. As an added bonus, you can enjoy this time to yourself and either use this time to complete a “me time” task on your list, get some rest, or tackle a project that requires your undivided attention.
Also, set a time every evening for the kids’ bedtime. Stick to this time every night. This is a beautiful family moment in your day where you, your spouse and your children can pray together and read one of your children’s favorite books. 
Once the kiddos are in bed, tackle more from your list of things you want to do. That list may include sharing a glass of wine and watching a movie with your spouse, painting your nails, reading a book, calling your bestie to catch up, and more.
TIP 4: Eat a Balanced Diet and Drink Plenty of Water
It is easy as a mom on-the-go to forget simple things like taking your vitamins, drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily, oh and definitively answering whether or not you had your fruit and veggies today. We make sure our children have had all that they need daily and then forget to do this for ourselves. As you’re reminding your children of these things go ahead and do the same for you at that moment, as well.
Tip 5: Create a Daily Lesson Plan to Follow for Homeschooling Kids
One of the most beneficial steps in learning a routine that worked for my son and I was creating a lesson plan from the very beginning. Having a plan in place gave my son structure and helped me to be mindful to cover subject matters that he needed to complete by the end of the school term. The routine also became one that my son would rely on and he would wake up asking me when we were going to get started on certain activities he loved! This is a huge win for a mom of a preschooler.
If your lessons are fun for your children they won’t put up a resistance, which makes teaching them a lot easier for you. If you are working during this time, as well, make sure these fun learning tasks are ones that your child can complete on their own. That way you can complete your work and just check in on them from time to time. Also, having a lesson plan helps you to stay on schedule, spending only a set amount of time on each tasks. With this in place you can carve out time for you and you will feel accomplished at the end of the day.
Tip 6: Create a Gratitude and Reflection Journal to Visit Daily
Writing is truly therapeutic and allows you to release your feelings and emotions. Whatever your mood is each day, make sure to jot it down. Each day should also include reflection on what you are grateful and thankful for. When you’re not feeling your best, you can look to your gratitude journal for inspiration and reflection.
Also, try on a repetitive basis to do something nice for someone else. It doesn’t matter how small or grand the task is. It is funny how amazing you feel when you have helped to put a smile on someone else’s face. While we’re spending more time at home these days, there’s more time to connect with our family and friends. Give a call, send a text, or message loved ones you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. Also, send a small flower or edible arrangement to a senior or essential worker you know. These small gestures will brighten others’ days and boost your mood, as well.
Have an awesome Mother’s Day moms and you truly rock!! Stay tuned for more content and please follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Joi Albright 