Working from home could become gruesome and tasking if you do not know how to manage your time as a mom.
It is actually easier to work better and maintain productivity while working from an office rather than working from home. Although most people are excited about the idea of working from home without realizing that it’s actually more cumbersome and requires more self-discipline to achieve results.
As more and more companies embrace remote work policies, many moms are finding themselves in the position of working from home while also managing their households and caring for their children. This can be a challenging balancing act, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s possible to be productive and successful while still prioritizing your family.
15 Best Productivity Tips For Work-From-Home Moms
1. Create a smart routine
Establishing a routine is essential for anyone working from home, and it is particularly beneficial for parents with kids. A well-structured routine can help you achieve success in your work while also keeping your kids on track. You can develop a daily schedule that includes morning, after-school, and bedtime routines.
In the morning, it’s crucial to start your day off right. A light breakfast, getting dressed, and brushing your teeth and hair can help you feel refreshed and prepared for the day ahead. Encourage your kids to do the same. Whether you’re homeschooling or sending your kids to school, it’s important to establish a routine around getting ready in the morning.
After daycare or school, it’s time for a quick break and a snack. Once your kids have refueled, it’s time to focus on homework, dinner, and cleaning up. Make sure your kids are prepared for the next day by laying out their clothes and packing their backpacks. A consistent routine can help them stay organized and reduce morning stress.
Bedtime is the perfect time to wind down and prepare for the next day. Make sure your kids have time for a bath, brushing their hair and teeth, and picking out their clothes for the next day. While they’re getting ready for bed, you can prepare for the next day by packing lunches and laying out your own clothes. Establishing a routine around bedtime can help your kids sleep better and make mornings smoother.
Creating a routine is a must for anyone working from home with kids. By structuring your day around morning, after-school, and bedtime routines, you can improve productivity and reduce stress for both you and your children.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
When working from home, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace where you can focus on your tasks without distractions. Whether it’s a separate room or a corner of your living room, make sure your workspace is well-lit, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need to do your job.
This can include a comfortable chair, a desk, and any necessary technology such as a computer, printer, or scanner.
See 20 Ways to Organize Workspace to Improve Productivity.
3. Set Boundaries with Your Family
One of the biggest challenges of working from home as a mom is managing the needs of your family while also focusing on your job. To avoid interruptions and distractions, it’s important to set clear boundaries with your family.
Let them know when you’ll be working, and ask them to respect your work hours. You might also consider using a visual cue, such as a closed door or a “do not disturb” sign, to signal when you’re not available.
4. Plan Your Day in Advance
When you’re juggling work and family responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scattered. To stay on track and make the most of your time, plan your day in advance.
Start by creating a to-do list for the day, and prioritize your tasks based on their importance and deadline. You might also consider using a planner or scheduling tool to help you manage your time.
5. Take Regular Breaks
It’s easy to get so caught up in your work that you forget to take breaks, but this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity over time. To stay fresh and energized, make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day.
This can include short breaks to stretch or take a walk, as well as longer breaks for lunch or a workout.
6. Minimize Distractions During Work
When you’re working from home, there are countless distractions that can pull you away from your work. To minimize distractions, try to eliminate or reduce sources of noise and interruptions.
This might include turning off your phone or social media notifications, closing your office door, or using noise-canceling headphones.
7. Use Time-Saving Tools and Apps
There are many Productivity Software For Small Businesses to Save Time & Resources available that can help you save time and be more productive while working from home. For example, you might use a project management tool to stay on top of deadlines and assignments, or a time-tracking app to help you manage your time more efficiently.
You might also use a meal delivery service or grocery delivery app to save time on meal planning and grocery shopping.
8. Get Well Organized
A cluttered workspace or disorganized schedule can make it difficult to focus and be productive. To stay organized, take the time to declutter your workspace and create systems for managing your tasks and projects.
This might include using a filing system to organize paperwork, setting up a task list in a project management tool, or creating a schedule for household chores and errands.
9. Prioritize Self-Care
When you’re balancing work and family responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect your own needs and well-being. However, taking care of yourself is crucial for staying productive and avoiding burnout.
Make sure to prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for exercise and relaxation.
10. Outsource When Possible
As a work-from-home mom, it can be challenging to manage everything on your own. When possible, consider outsourcing tasks such as cleaning, laundry, or meal preparation to free up more time and energy for work and family responsibilities.
This might mean hiring a cleaning service, using a meal delivery service, or enlisting the help of a babysitter or nanny.
11. Communicate with Your Employer
It’s important to communicate with your employer about your needs and challenges as a work-from-home mom. Make sure they understand your schedule and availability and work with them to create a flexible and supportive work arrangement.
This might include adjusting your work hours, taking breaks to care for your children, or working from a different location if necessary.
12. Use Time Blocking
Time blocking is a time management technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time for specific tasks. By scheduling your work and household responsibilities in advance, you can ensure that you have enough time to accomplish everything on your to-do list.
Use a planner or scheduling tool to block out time for work, household chores, and family time, and make sure to stick to your schedule as closely as possible.
13. Stay Connected with Colleagues
When working from home, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected from your colleagues. To avoid this, make an effort to stay connected through regular check-ins, video calls, and instant messaging.
This will not only help you feel more engaged with your work but also provide opportunities for collaboration and support.
14. Stay Active During the Day
Sitting at a desk for hours on end can be detrimental to your health and productivity. To stay active and energized, make sure to take breaks throughout the day for light exercise or stretching.
You might also consider using a standing desk or taking a walk outside during your lunch break.
15. Set Realistic Expectations
As a work-from-home mom, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your workload. Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically accomplish in a given day, and don’t be afraid to say no to additional responsibilities if you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
