7 Tips to Increase Your Productivity
Photo by Sora Shimazaki
When you care for kiddos your schedule will undoubtedly get unpredictable. Whether it’s in the workplace or just at-home tasks, it can feel like any opportunity to get things done gets derailed by unexpected mum life interruptions. So maybe it’s time to make a change in the way we approach productivity!
Here are 7 tips that I have found to be the most helpful when it comes to increasing productivity:
1. Create a Routine
Creating a routine is one of the most effective ways to increase productivity. Setting and sticking to a routine helps you prioritize your tasks and manage your time in a way that you can consistently count on. Start by making a to-do list and breaking down your day into specific time slots for each task. Does your baby always nap from 2-3? Great! Make this your time to knock out some emails or clean the kitchen. Eventually, these routines will become habits that make you naturally more productive every day.
2. Wake Up Early
By waking up before your children, you can have some quiet time to yourself to set the tone for your day! Use this time to exercise, plan your day, read, or get a head start on your work– whatever will make you feel productive and ready to tackle a busy day. Even if you’re not a morning person, force yourself to get up just 30 minutes earlier than normal and see if you can make it second nature after a while!
3. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology doesn’t have to be a distraction from our to-do lists if we use it right! There are many apps and tools that can help you increase your productivity. For instance, you can use a task management app like Trello or Asana to keep track of your to-do list. You can also use a timer app like Pomodor to help you stay focused and avoid distractions in small increments. Figuring out groceries and meals for the week can even be made easier with a meal-planning app like Mealime or AnyList.
4. Outsource Tasks
Something I will always preach is that you don't have to do everything yourself! Even as a mum, it’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or professional services. Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping to free up more time in your day. You can hire a regular cleaning service, use a grocery delivery app, or hire a babysitter from time to time when you just need a few hours to be productive.
5. Take Breaks
Believe it or not, taking breaks is actually important for productivity. It's important to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge– even with your little ones around. Take 30 minutes to put your kiddo in the stroller and go for a walk, read a book, watch a show, or whatever feels restful to you! This will help you feel refreshed and more productive when you return to your tasks.
6. Practice Self-Care
At WO-MUM, we believe self-care is essential to unlocking the best version of yourself. You can practice self-care by getting enough sleep, exercising (when you can), and eating healthy foods. For more about ways to take care of yourself, check out our self-care blogs.
7. Go with the Flow
A lot of the time mum life means that unexpected things come up, and you have to adjust your routine. Don't get discouraged if you can't accomplish everything on your to-do list. It’s better to be present with your family and friends in whatever the day brings than to be focused on all the things that haven’t happened yet. Give yourself permission to be flexible and you may end up feeling more accomplished in the long run!
Overall, increasing productivity as a mom can be challenging, but it's possible with the right strategies. Don’t overwhelm yourself by switching everything up all at once– maybe try to implement one or two of these practices at a time and see what works for your lifestyle. Remember to give yourself grace and enjoy the journey of motherhood!