Always Busy

How often do you hear yourself apologizing for being too busy? Or have so many things on your plate that you never find time for you? Or feel exhausted, defeated and not showing up as the kind of mom, partner or friend that you want to be because you just don’t have the energy? If only a Time Machine could actually create more time!

As a mom, finding enough time in the day to do the things you want to do on top of the things you believe you should do can feel like an impossible feat. For one, Mom guilt is real, and doing something for yourself instead of something for your kid can feel awful, in the moment. But remember, that how you show up to your relationships impacts the quality of the connection, so time for you is critical! I’ve struggled through this and have compiled a few of my best tips for creating more time in your day and making the most of every minute.

The most valuable resource

As a Mom, you know that Time is your most valuable resource. Keep reading for ways to create more time and reclaim more of it while feeling good about how you’re showing up.

Wake up earlier

While it may be tempting to hit the snooze button and enjoy a few extra minutes of sleep, waking up earlier can actually give you more time in your day. Whether you use that time to exercise, meditate, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in peace, waking up just 30 minutes earlier, and before everyone else, can make a big difference and create more time in your day.

Plan and prioritize

Without a plan, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the day. Take some time to map out your day and prioritize your tasks. I start this the night before by looking at what I need to accomplish and slotting those items into the calendar first and then adding the discretionary tasks around those. And I don’t consider self-care discretionary. For me, morning intention setting, working out and outdoor time are critical to allowing me to focus and feel my best so those are on my “need to” list.

Delegate and outsource

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Consider delegating tasks to your partner, kids, or even outsourcing to a professional. Whether it’s hiring a housekeeper, a babysitter, or a virtual assistant, finding ways to offload some of your responsibilities can free up more time in your day.

Say no

It’s okay to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. While it can be difficult to turn down invitations or requests, saying no can help you create more time for the things that matter most.

Fueling Yourself

How you fuel your body makes a huge difference in how your brain works, how much energy you have and your mood. And it can fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle as your micronutrient levels change, and then there’s the impact of menopause. This can make more of an impact on the quality of your available time than you probably realize. Pay attention to what you’re eating and how you feel, as you are likely impacting your own hormonal health with what you are allowing into your body.

Limit distractions

Whether it’s social media, email, or text messages, distractions can eat up a lot of your time. Try setting limits on how much time you spend on these activities and consider using tools like apps or browser extensions to block certain sites during specific times of the day. I use the Focus feature (iPhone/Android) on my phone to keep the unnecessary notifications at bay until I decide I want to look at them.

Take breaks

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and feel that you need to push through, but taking breaks is essential for your mental and physical health. Whether it’s a quick walk outside or a few minutes of deep breathing, taking a break can help you recharge and refocus.

Time is Life

Creating more time in your day isn’t easy, but it is possible. If you don’t Life will pass you by and you’ll have to live with that regret. By prioritizing your tasks, delegating and outsourcing when possible, limiting distractions, and taking breaks, you can create more time, make the most of every minute and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life.

If you want help with this, my upcoming webinar focused on Taking Back Control of your Time, Energy & Emotions could help. Sign-up to be notified when registration is open. You also start by taking my free quiz to find out which emotion you lead with.